

Special Education Inner Circle
Catherine Whitcher
The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Kahl, M.Ed, founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family's experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2024 • 8min
221. 3 Takeaways from the Master IEP Coach Mentorship
Hey there 👋 I just wrapped up a training for Master IEP Coaches and wanted to share some major aha moments from the session - straight from the perspective of NEW Master IEP Coaches®! 💡 The first big takeaway was getting general education teachers more involved in the IEP process. 👩🏫 Often there's a divide between gen ed and special ed in schools. It doesn't have to be that way! Inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship we cover specific strategies to break down those walls and get all teachers invested in all kids' success. The second aha was about preventing IEP burnout and boundaries. 😴 Sometimes IEPs get overloaded with a gazillion goals and strategies leaving no room for organic learning or relationships. Learning how to prioritize goals, let some go, and structure the day so teachers and students aren't just box-checking but actually making progress on the most important goals is critical. 🎯 This creates a domino effect to hit milestones without burnout. The third big takeaway was you can include a home-school communication plan right in the IEP. 🏡👩🏫 No more back and forth about how much contact parents and teachers should have! We cover how to decide the minimum communication needed and get it documented so there's no confusion year to year. We can meet kids' needs and respect teachers' boundaries - it's possible! ✅ I hope these highlights get you excited to join our next Master IEP Coach cohort! Just click the link to learn more. Let's get ALL members of the IEP team working together to give all kids the education they need to be prepared for the future! 🙌 Join the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship Here

Jan 18, 2024 • 10min
220. 5 Questions to Ask When an IEP Isn't Working
Before you jump into "fix it" mode when you see things going wrong with an IEP, ask yourself these 5 questions! Special Education Teachers and Parents, When you slow down and ask these 5 questions you can get out of the cycle of IEP struggles and band-aid fixes. Learn More IEP Strategies at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Jan 12, 2024 • 15min
219. Learn how to get MORE and BETTER Special Education Services
Tired of fighting through the IEP process and feeling like you get peanuts for your child or your students? Let me show you 3 steps to help you get MORE without activating your "fight or flight" response every time you step into an IEP meeting. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Jan 3, 2024 • 6min
218. IEP Meetings - What's In and Out in 2024
👋 Let's chat about what's IN and OUT for IEP Meetings in 2024.✨ * Parent Input Statements: In: 😍 Beautifully crafted statements showing a parent's vision AND incorporating their priorities throughout the IEP Out: 🚫 Generic "no concerns at this time" * IEP drafts and reports: In: 📝 Sharing documents ahead of time, with open communication for questions and collaboration Out: 🙅♀️ Surprises and reading reports word-for-word at the meeting * ESY (Extended School Year): In: 🎯 Customized programming based on individual needs Out: 🍪 Cookie cutter summer school approach focused only on regression 🙌 Special Education Teachers and Parents - Ready to become the idea bringer, solution finder, and team builder at the IEP table? Join me for the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship - starting soon! Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Dec 27, 2023 • 14min
217. Stop Doing THIS in Special Education in the New Year
This year, give yourself permission to stop what's not working at the IEP table and simplify the process to get better results. 1. First, stop signing paperwork you don't fully understand. Never assume. Ask questions until you're 100% clear. Teachers, know what you're responsible for if your name is on it. 2. Next, stop thinking more volume means more value. Quality over quantity! Core, focused goals create a domino effect of progress. 3. Finally, stop comparing your child's IEP or your classroom to others. You know what's best - don't let other opinions make you feel shame. Do what's right for your family or classroom. Want to take your IEP skills up a notch in the new year? Check out the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. In just 30 days, you'll become an expert at getting more IEP results with less conflict. Learn More: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Dec 20, 2023 • 19min
216. 3 Unfiltered Truths about Special Education in 2023
What are we going to do about staff shortages, technology, and ugly threats at the IEP table? Tune in to find out what solutions you can use starting immediately at your own IEP table! Get More Master IEP Coach® Resources Here Learn How to Become a Master IEP Coach® Here

Dec 13, 2023 • 16min
215. Special Education Resources I Love!
You've got a lot of resources to choose from when it comes to getting results in Special Education - I'm sharing the resources I LOVE! Delight Station: An app providing streaming educational content for adults and students with disabilities. https://delightstation.us/ Coupon Codes: INNERCIRCLE - good for 25% off for 3 months if a user selects a monthly subscription INNERCIRCLEYEAR - good for 25% off a yearly subscription Slant System: Reading curriculum. https://www.slantsystem.com/ Save $100 with code: GIFT2YOU Frenalytics: An app for skill mastery. http://frenalytics.com/ ForBrain: A tool for auditory processing and speech development. https://www.forbrain.com/?utm_id=MasterIEP 10% discount with link Tracked Learning: A web-based app for teachers to help students work on and track IEP goals. http://trackedlearning.com/ Calm Strips: Textured strips for sensory support. https://calmstrips.com/ Seven Super Powers (Dr. Maria Gilmore): A positive behavior support book for parents and teachers. Grab the book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tfpOzM Hoglet: A computer mouse designed for sensory input. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NNosDJ Time Timer: Provides visual timers for time management. Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tjIiPJ Find more resources and join the next Master IEP Coach® Mentorship at: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Dec 8, 2023 • 13min
214. Inclusion in Hollywood: Meet Diane Strand
I had the absolute joy of sitting down with the remarkable Diane Strand. Diane's journey is nothing short of WOW – from facing dyslexia head-on to creating magic behind the scenes of iconic shows like "Friends" and "General Hospital". She's even worked behind the scenes for legends like Barbra Streisand! But here's the heart of Diane's story: she's passionately dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities through her work at JDS Creative Academy, using the power of the arts. Diane's story is a vibrant reminder of how embracing our passions can truly change our lives and the lives of others. So, grab your favorite cozy spot and tune in for a conversation filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, and the kind of inspiration that sticks with you long after you've listened. Can't wait for you to join us! 🌟💕 Find Out More About Diane and her mission to support individuals of all abilities through the art of media through JDS Creative Academy. https://jdscreativeacademy.org/ Grab free IEP resources and find out how to become a Master IEP Coach®: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/

Dec 1, 2023 • 10min
213. 3 Ways to Get General Education Involved in IEPs
Often, general education teachers feel unprepared and disconnected from the IEP process, especially at meetings. Let's explore three strategies to involve general education teachers more effectively in the IEP process without overwhelming them. Strategy 1: Ensure that the IEP's "supports for school personnel" section is checked and filled out inside the IEP paperwork. This box is frequently overlooked in IEPs or not used to its maximum potential. Strategy 2: Engage general education teachers in simple data collection. This doesn't require intensive one-on-one time but can be as straightforward as tracking skills using discreet methods. This involvement helps teachers feel a sense of ownership over the outcomes. Strategy 3: Include general education teachers in goal-setting for the IEP. Their perspective can provide valuable insights into the skills necessary for the student's current and future school environments, which leads to fostering more engagement and ownership. Your Next Steps: Earn Your Master IEP Coach® Leadership Certificate Find Out How to Start Your Own IEP Coaching Business Grab Free IEP Resources

Nov 22, 2023 • 16min
212. IEP Deadlines Missed - Fix It Fast!
It's time for a cozy conversation Special Education and what to do when deadlines are missed! Here's what we're unpacking today: A Real-Life Story: Sit down with me as I share an insightful experience from a one-on-one consult with an amazing mom from our Master IEP Coach® community. Discovering the Overlooked: Ever wonder how small details can make a big difference? We'll explore how communication gaps in schools can lead to missed cues in student behavior and development. Join Our Journey: Feeling inspired to make a difference? Learn about becoming a Master IEP Coach and how you can contribute to more effective special education outcomes. Resources: Start Your Own IEP Coaching Business Find a Master IEP Coach® to Help You Get Your Own Master IEP Coach® IEP Leadership Certificate


