As a special education teacher, it seems that this topic comes up a lot. Inquiring minds want to know…when deciding what’s best for your child, which plan do you go with? Does it matter whether your child has an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan? And what do those words really even mean? […]
IEP
Planning for the Future: Special Needs Students' Transition Plan
All students, whether in elementary or high school, should have a discussion with their parents or guardians about what they want to do after completing high school. Students with disabilities are no different. Except their discussion is required by The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and mandates the inclusion of special education teachers, general […]
5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Exceptional Children’s Week
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] It’s that time of year again. All across our nation, including the great state of Georgia, teachers, students and parents alike will be celebrating Exceptional Children’s Week March 6-10, 2017. This […]
Do I Have To Go To The IEP Meeting? I’m Not a Special Education Teacher
By: Melanie Taylor Am I required to attend IEP meetings if I am not a Special Education teacher? I’ve been asked that more than once as the Special Education teacher, and especially as a Resource Specialist, also known as Special Academic Instructor.The answer in our state is that at least one general education teacher who has […]
What Should General Education Teachers Look for in the IEP?
There are so many general education teachers who feel hopeless about servicing special education children. Rightfully so, there is just so much to the program to learn, understand and enforce. However, that can’t be an excuse to not make one aware. It’s simply too risky due to the fact that a general education teacher is required […]
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]
Inclusion, Not Always the Answer
I recently read an article in Education Week entitled Improving Special Education in Tough Times. With budgets being cut, especially to special education, the title sparked my interest. As I read, I found myself applauding many of the suggestions presented. But, there was one theme I found myself in total disagreement about, at least on […]