Special Education Inner Circle

Grab your coffee, and join me in a candid chat about what's brewing in the special education world. In this episode, we chat about two hot topics: 1. It's not just about more money for Special Education, but how we use it. Ever thought about looking into your district's budget? Let's talk about making every dollar count. 2. Special Education or No Special Education? It's a heated debate, but at its core, it's about what's best for each unique child. I share how my mom's perspective on this topic way back in the 80's helped shape my thoughts about Special Education placements today. Visit Master IEP Coach: https://www.masteriepcoach.com Join the Facebook Conversation Here https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1080944383388680&id=100044193861280 Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Have you ever been told IEPs are just for academics? Not true! This episode shares how we can use IEPs as a travel hack to help families hit the road with confidence! IEPs can help children build skills for family road trips, plane travel, and anything in between. Waiting in lines, time management, flexibility when plans change - these are so key for vacation success. As parents and teachers, we need to get out of the Special Education IEP goal slump and start connecting skills to EXCITING real-life challenges, like travel! Ask Your IEP Questions https://www.masteriepcoach.com/questions Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

When a parent discovered secret behavior data about her child, mistrust between school and family deepened. Open communication is critical in special education. Kids thrive when parents and schools collaborate, not compete. We must choose understanding over mistrust and partnership over secrecy. Listen and learn the next step this parent needs to take to get her child's education back on track through collaborative actions. Ask Your IEP Questions https://www.masteriepcoach.com/questions Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Let's jump into my inbox and discuss two key questions that came my way this week! First, we tackle what to do as a Special Education teacher when you inherit IEPs that are not up to standards. IEPs that are stuffed with unimportant goals or goals written inappropriately are not okay! Next, If you're a single mom or a struggling teacher and you're thinking about becoming a Master IEP Coach®, but your doubt keeps creeping up - the last 6 minutes of this episode is for you! Ask your IEP questions here: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/questions Earn Your Master IEP Coach® Certificate https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

I found a book for you to add to your Special Education resources! Inclusion game-changer "Leadership Strategies for Schoolwide Inclusion" shows you the details for making inclusion work using the STAR method. From admin leadership to Special Education and General Education collaboration, it covers everything you need to win at inclusion. In this episode, I share my top takeaways for assessing your school's inclusion practices and overcoming challenges. If you're a parent or teacher seeking tips to create an inclusive IEP experience, this episode is for you! Links Mentioned In This Episode: 📖 Leadership Strategies for Successful Schoolwide Inclusion https://amzn.to/45AS0KO Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Schools are facing massive paraprofessional shortages, leaving Special Education support inconsistent. In this episode, I share two simple tips to help a child learn comfortably even with daily staff changes. With these strategies, a child can stay confident and access their school day despite staffing struggles. FREE Time Saving IEP Prep Guide for Parents and Teachers https://www.masteriepcoach.com/masterclass Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Vijay Ravindran, founder of Floreo, discusses using virtual reality to help neurodiverse children learn new skills. Floreo provides immersive practice for real-world skills in a safe, engaging environment. This innovative technology is already enhancing outcomes in over 50 school districts.

Learn how to write effective IEP goals that promote student progress and engagement. Discover the limitations of SMART goals and the importance of balancing them with a child's unique needs. Explore the concept of nearsighted and generic goals in IEP planning and the significance of setting high expectations. Find out how to change IEP goals without a meeting and the options for collaborating on IEPs, such as earning a Master IEP Coach certificate or starting a business with mentorship.

End the constant tug-of-war in IEP meetings. It's time to find compromise on inflexible goals, assistive technology needs, and ESY qualifications. Listen and learn strategies for what to consider when you are stuck in the "I want" vs. "they want" battles. Read the full blog post and get definitions of Assistive Technology and ESY qualifications: https://www.masteriepcoach.com/blog/iep-tug-of-war-3-unnecessary-special-education-battles-between-schools-and-parents Links Mentioned In This Episode: Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship Download Your Time Saving IEP Guide https://www.masteriepcoach.com/masterclass YouTube Music License: EXYX2OR8CSZAKEAQ

As special education faces a teacher shortage crisis, where can we find solutions? Tune in to hear Catherine interview Jaime from BlazerWorks on innovative approaches to find, support, and retain teachers. You'll learn how we can work collectively to weather this storm. With new mentoring programs and grassroots efforts to recruit talent, there is hope ahead! Links Mentioned In This Episode: Blazerworks https://blazerworks.com/ Earn Your IEP Leadership Certificate Program https://www.masteriepcoach.com/course Start Your Own IEP Coaching Practice https://www.masteriepcoach.com/mentorship Download Your Time Saving IEP Guide https://www.masteriepcoach.com/masterclass YouTube Music License: OJSSP0CE0XMOWCUX