The Intentional IEP Podcast

E62. When Behavior Goals Should Replace Academic Ones

When academic goals are in place but a student still can’t access instruction, it may be behavior—not academics—that needs to be addressed first. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how to recognize when behavior is the real barrier to learning, when it’s appropriate to shift IEP priorities, and how to use data to guide those decisions. In this episode, Stephanie discusses: * The difference between academic and behavior goals in an IEP * Signs behavior is preventing access to instruction * How to use data to support a temporary shift in goal focus If this episode helped you rethink how you approach goal writing, be sure to share it with your team or another educator who might need the same perspective. For more support with writing effective, intentional IEPs, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/] For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E61. Come Prepared: What General Education Teachers Need to Bring to an IEP Meeting

In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie is talking about what general education teachers should bring to every IEP meeting. While special education teachers often lead the meeting, general education teachers play a critical role in making informed decisions. The key is coming prepared with data, not just observations. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why general education teachers should bring data on IEP goals, accommodations, and classroom performance. * How simple data collection leads to stronger recommendations and better team decisions. * Easy ways to track student progress without creating extra work. Whether you're a general education teacher preparing for your next meeting or a special education teacher supporting your team, this episode will help you make IEP meetings more productive and student-focused. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/] For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E60. Standards-Aligned IEP Goals (Without Doing It Wrong)

Writing standards-aligned IEP goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told to align goals to grade-level standards without being shown what that actually looks like in practice. In this episode, we're breaking down a simple framework for aligning IEP goals to state standards while keeping them individualized and appropriate for each student's needs. Stephanie covers: • Why standards-aligned does not mean copying and pasting a state standard into an IEP goal • How to use baseline data, grade-level standards, and skill gaps to identify the next appropriate step for a student • How prerequisite skills can help you create meaningful goals that move students toward grade-level expectations If you've ever wondered how to balance standards, data, and individual student needs, this episode will help you write goals that are aligned, purposeful, and focused on real progress. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/] For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E59. From Panic to Prepared: Your Step-by-Step System for Getting Ready for an IEP Meeting

Do you ever look at your calendar and realize an IEP meeting is coming up much faster than expected? In this episode, we're breaking down a step-by-step system for preparing for IEP meetings without the last-minute stress and scrambling. From scheduling the meeting and gathering team input to writing present levels, developing goals, and preparing families, you'll learn how to create a process that keeps you organized and confident every step of the way. If you're tired of feeling rushed before every IEP meeting, this episode will help you create a system that saves time, reduces stress, and leads to better outcomes for students. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/] For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]

E58. Stop the Chaos: Systems for Communicating with Multiple Paraprofessionals

In this episode, Stephanie is talking about simple systems that help special education teachers communicate more effectively with paraprofessionals, reduce confusion, and create stronger team collaboration throughout the school day. She shares: • Why communication systems matter more than constant conversations • Ways to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independence • Strategies for building a culture of open communication and feedback Whether you're working with one para or managing a larger team, these practical strategies can help improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and create a more organized classroom environment. Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/ [https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/] For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/] https://www.theintentionaliep.com/ [https://www.theintentionaliep.com/] https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep] https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep [https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep]