In this episode of the Empowered to Advocate podcast, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the essential green flags to look for in a well-written Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
They emphasize the importance of student-centered language, effective goal setting, and the inclusion of both student and parent voices. The conversation also covers the need for a balanced approach to addressing various skill areas and the significance of progress monitoring in ensuring that goals are met.
This episode serves as a guide for parents navigating the complexities of IEPs, providing them with actionable insights to advocate for their children effectively.
Takeaways
- Student-centered language is crucial in IEPs.
- Goals should be specific, achievable, and trackable.
- Clear connections between needs, goals, and services are essential.
- All skill areas impacted by a disability should be addressed.
- Parent and student voices must be included in the IEP.
- Progress monitoring plans are necessary for tracking success.
- The new IEP template emphasizes child-centered focus.
- Goals should not be copied and pasted from previous years.
- IEPs should balance academic and social-emotional skills.
- Parents should come prepared with concerns for IEP meetings.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to IEP Green Flags
02:19 Student-Centered Language in IEPs
03:09 Setting Specific and Measurable Goals
05:24 Connecting Needs, Goals, and Services
06:13 Balancing Academic and Social-Emotional Skills
07:06 Inclusion of Student and Parent Voices
08:32 Progress Monitoring Plans
09:36 Conclusion and Future Topics
Next Steps!
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