Demystify the IEP

IEP "At-a-Glance" Google Doc

Together We Are Better!  I'm excited to share with you a great tool for merging the invisible gap between special education lingo and other areas of our kiddos' education.

"IEP" can be a mysterious term for any teacher.  In order to "demystify" a student's IEP (Individualized Education Program), teachers need/want the facts and details that will help them teach the student, meet their unique needs, and provide the most appropriate learning environment.  While all information in the IEP is confidential, it is important to bring teachers into the circle of trust for helping out kids.  Oh yeah, and it is required by law. :)

And so I bring you the Google Doc version of an IEP "At-a-Glance".  This doc is basically a snapshot of the most vital information to a student's ability to learn.  I tested this tool last year by sharing each student's IEP "At-a-Glance" with their classroom teacher, administrators, specials teachers, and all aides the student is in contact with throughout the day. I followed up with the sharing of this information with a face-to-face conversation with each of them sharing a couple of specific details that I wanted to ensure they read.  For this year, I shared the docs with the upcoming classroom teachers back in June, and I will meet with everyone face-to-face to answer questions and plan the environment.  Sending it ahead of time gave teachers time to think and plan over the summer. The first weeks of school are crazy-busy as it is, I like to think I'm giving them a gift of time by sending it in June. 

For example, with the P.E. teacher I shared information regarding a students' need for extra clarification on directions in a sequence.  The teacher was grateful I shared and was able to accommodate for the student's disability in order for him to participate in P.E. with his peers.  This is what I call teamwork!

By sharing a Google Doc, teachers can access the information at any point in the year and I can make changes based on reviews or IEP meetings.  As simple as it seems, teachers want and need to know what the students need. As special educators, we must give them this information in an efficient manner.  We must also discuss things with them face-to-face, Google Docs do not replace good ol' conversation. :)

How can you use the Google Doc IEP "At-a-Glance" to increase communication and help provide for your students the best education possible?  Please share other ideas for us #SpEducators!

If you're linking up, thank you for joining our #SpedChatSaturday Link-Up Hosted by Kelly from A View Into My Classroom!  Visit her blog to check out other ways to communicate!