Lois Brady’s Post

Discover the six crucial steps in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process! This article provides essential insights to empower students with disabilities in K-12 learning institutions. 📚✨ https://hubs.ly/Q02Wk3ss0 #IEPProcess #SpecialEducation #StudentEmpowerment

📚 Understanding Substantive Compliance Under IDEA 📚 In the realm of special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) distinguishes between two types of compliance: substantive and procedural. Initially, it was challenging for courts to differentiate between the two and determine what constituted a violation. However, since the 2017 Supreme Court case Endrew F. and the 2004 amendments to IDEA, it’s clear that substantive compliance is paramount. The Supreme Court in Endrew F. stated that an Individualized Education Program (IEP) must be "reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child's circumstances." This means that an IEP must be of high quality, clearly demonstrate progress, and confer meaningful benefits to the student. At Let's Go Learn, we've designed assessments, instruction, and reporting tools to support the creation of effective IEPs. Our approach includes: ◾Narrative Plans: Featuring baselines and data from our diagnostic testing. ◾Annual Goals & Short-term Objectives: With baselines linked to Personalized Learning Assessment Systems (PLAS). ◾Progress Monitoring: Ensuring reliable and valid tracking of every goal and objective, aligned with the Endrew F. requirements. With the current teacher shortage and burnout crisis, it's crucial to streamline and simplify the process for educators. Let’s Go Learn is dedicated to making this process easier and more effective. 🔗 Learn more about how we can support your IEP creation and compliance:https://bit.ly/4bOgJy6 #SpecialEducation #IDEA #EndrewF #IEP #SubstantiveCompliance #LetsGoLearn #EducationSupport #TeacherSupport #ProgressMonitoring

Understanding the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is crucial if your child has an IEP. LRE is about providing your child with special education in the most inclusive setting possible, allowing them to learn and interact alongside peers without disabilities. Research shows this inclusive approach benefits both children with and without disabilities, enhancing academic skills, social interaction, and empathy. When figuring out your child’s LRE, start with the general classroom and consider what accommodations, modifications, or support services might help them succeed there. Placement should always focus on maximizing opportunities in the regular classroom before moving to a more restrictive setting. 📌 Ready to learn more about how LRE can support your child’s success? Visit our website or reach out for guidance on creating the best educational plan for your child. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dvuXBYp #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducationSupport #IEPTips #AdvocateForKids #BallouEducation

Big changes happen when students with disabilities reach the Age of Majority! 🎉 In most states, this happens at 18, but some states set it at 19 or 21. At this age, decision-making rights transfer from parents to students—covering key areas like IEP participation, evaluations, and even accepting a diploma to end transition services. Preparing students early is critical! Start by teaching decision-making, introducing the IEP process, and role-playing meetings. 📖 Learn more about how to support students as they take the lead in their education by reading my NESCA blog: https://buff.ly/3ZK5ZNp #AgeOfMajority #TransitionPlanning #SpecialEducation #PostSecondaryTransition #IEP #SupportedDecisionMaking #ParentingTeens #TransitionServices

IEP Meeting Checklist for Parents Dear Parents, As you prepare for your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, we want to ensure you feel confident and organized. Here’s a helpful checklist to guide you through the process: 1. Review Your Child’s Current IEP:   - Familiarize yourself with the goals, accommodations, and services currently in place. 2. Gather Documentation:   - Bring recent evaluations, report cards, progress reports, and any independent assessments. 3. List Your Concerns and Goals:   - Note any questions, concerns, or areas where you feel your child needs additional support. 4. Know Your Child’s Rights:   - Understand the legal rights and protections your child has under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 5. Collaborate with Teachers:   - Speak with your child’s teachers to get their insights and suggestions. 6. Request a Draft IEP:   - Ask for a draft IEP before the meeting to review and prepare your feedback. 7. Bring a Support Person:   - Consider inviting a friend, family member, or advocate for additional support during the meeting. 8. Prepare Questions:   - Write down any questions you have about the proposed goals, services, or placement options. 9. Document the Meeting:   - Take notes during the meeting or request a written summary. 10. Stay Positive and Focused:   - Approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset, focusing on your child’s strengths and needs. We hope this checklist helps you feel more prepared and empowered during the IEP meeting. Your involvement is crucial to developing an effective plan for your child's success. Best regards, THE SPED GURU (Shannon Colclough) #IEPHELP #IEPS #IEP #iepchecklist #specialeducationteacher #specialeducation #specialeducationdocuments #ecservies #ecdirector #specialneedparents #specialneedsmom #specialneedsmama #specialneedsdad #childrenwithdisabilities #disability #ifspmeeting #earlychildhood #earlyintervention #socialworker #schoolcounselor #counselor #MTSS #504PLAN #504 #intellectualdisabilitiy #specialneedsfamily

Understanding the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is crucial if your child has an IEP. LRE is about providing your child with special education in the most inclusive setting possible, allowing them to learn and interact alongside peers without disabilities. Research shows this inclusive approach benefits both children with and without disabilities, enhancing academic skills, social interaction, and empathy. When figuring out your child’s LRE, start with the general classroom and consider what accommodations, modifications, or support services might help them succeed there. Placement should always focus on maximizing opportunities in the regular classroom before moving to a more restrictive setting. 📌 Ready to learn more about how LRE can support your child’s success? Visit our website or reach out for guidance on creating the best educational plan for your child. 👉 https://lnkd.in/d4yhcPM #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducationSupport #IEPTips #AdvocateForKids #BallouEducation

The New IEP focuses on integrating students with disabilities into general education settings - it's about creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Is your district ready for the New IEP? Reach out to our team for a free demo of our IEP training program. #enhancededucation #education #educationexperts #iep #scts #ieptraining #educators #professionaldevelopment #classroombenefits #teachers #schooldistricts #independenteducationplan #trainingcourse #disabledstudent #empowerment #strategiccalibrationtrainingsystems

Writing effective, individualized IEPs is essential to supporting the success of students with disabilities. Educators can ensure that each IEP is a tailored roadmap to help students achieve their full potential by focusing on measurable goals, appropriate accommodations, and ongoing collaboration. Check out my newest blog post https://lnkd.in/g9wSubh5

What happens when students with disabilities reach the Age of Majority? For most students receiving special education services, turning 18 brings significant changes. (I say “most” because a few states set the legal age of adulthood at 19 or 21.) At this age—known as the Age of Majority—legal rights and educational decision-making responsibilities transfer from parents to the student. This includes critical decisions like consenting to evaluations, participating in IEP meetings, and even accepting a diploma to end eligibility for services. There’s a lot we can do as educators and parents to help students prepare for these changes: • Build decision-making skills early. • Teach the IEP process in middle school or earlier. • Encourage students to observe and join IEP meetings. • Let students invite trusted supporters to meetings. • Role-play IEP meetings to boost confidence. • Discuss the Transfer of Rights early. • Talk about how students want to make decisions (alone, shared, or delegated). • Help students build relationships with school staff. • Stay involved in IEPs after 18 but let the student lead. 📖 Learn more about building decision-making skills, navigating the Transfer of Rights process, and supporting students as they take charge of their educational journey in my latest blog: https://buff.ly/3ZK5ZNp #AgeOfMajority #TransitionPlanning #SpecialEducation #PostSecondaryTransition #IEP #SupportedDecisionMaking #TransitionAssessment #TransitionServices #Adulting #Parenting

Exciting Changes in Massachusetts IEPs are Here! Transition planning is crucial for students with disabilities, and the new Massachusetts IEP is making it more accessible and student-centered than ever before! The new IEP format is a giant leap toward making transition planning not just a requirement, but a meaningful and effective process. Curious about the specifics? Dive deeper into how these changes impact students and families in our latest blog, “Guide to Transition Planning and the New Massachusetts IEP,” by NESCA’s Director of Transition Services Kelley Challen, Ed.M., CAS. #SpecialEducation #TransitionPlanning #MAIEP #StudentEmpowerment #DisabilityAwareness