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!

Back to School Countdown: #SpedChatBTS

Thank you to the fabulous Ashley Sanchez for organizing our very first #SpedChatSaturday blogger link-up!  Our topic is BTS, so I hope you read, join in, and share with our little community of educators!

Oh my, lots of serious work to do in the next month!  Thankfully, we don't start back until late August!  Please share any ideas you have on #5- welcome kids for aides!  Any must-haves?  Check out some of my behavior plans in my TPT store.  Also, I made SMART Goals in Google Slides for my middle schoolers.

These are ideas I've "borrowed" from Pinterest!  Click on the image to check out other ideas in my "Classroom Organization" Pinterest page.! :) I'm in love with black and brights... Anyone have an opinion on whether or not the brights are too stimulating for kiddos who struggle with attention?

These wishes are for students, teachers, myself, my family.... all of the above! A major goal of mine is to be a role model in jumpstarting these characteristics for those around me. More co-teaching and collab, less lonely lesson planning! Here's a lesson plan template for differentiation based on assessment for co-teaching lesson planning. 

I can busy myself for DAYS during planning time.... rearranging desk, checking email, getting coffee, chatting, and the list goes on. This year it is my MISSION to use that time to save my sanity on nights and weekends. :)  Does anyone have any tips for accomplishing this?? I made progress monitoring organizational docs ahead of time this year, major time-saver!

Often times, people (myself included) just need that little boost, those few words of encouragement to have a positive outlook, try something new, or have the courage to stand up for what they believe in.  It is my promise to my students, colleagues, friends, family, and myself to encourage and support at all times. :)

Thanks for visiting the #SpedTribe link-up! I look forward to hearing your comments and advice. :)

Head on back to the Link-Up to check out more great ideas!