EdReach - IEP Season is upon us!

Please take a moment to check out my latest post on the EdReach Network - IEP Season is upon us!

Patrick

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EdCeptional #032 - Surviving the IEP Blues

I know it's been a while since my last post, so take a moment and check out the latest episode from EdCeptional - Surviving the IEP Blues!

Patrick

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Goalbook

There's an interesting new website that is set to release in the Fall, goalbook.  You can watch a video of it at http://enomeinc.com/.  After watching the video I'm thinking it's a blend of Facebook and IEP tracking software.  It's seems like it could be a great way to follow goals.  Feel free to leave some feedback for the developer, I know I suggested that they look at a way to take data and create graphs.  I'll be interested in seeing what they come up with!

Patrick

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Goals vs. Standards

There is a lot of talk these days about Standards: Common Core Standards, State Standards, etc... and it's had me thinking.  What's the difference between IEP Goals & Standards?


Listening to a recent podcast - With Students in Mind, episode 7 - and Russ Goerend talks quite a lot about teaching his class to the standards and even giving grades based on standards.  And all I kept thinking was how is this any different than IEP goals?  IEP goals are just a way to measure progress, like standards.  IEP goals are monitored on a regular basis, like standards.  IEP goals are standards!


OK, so there are a few differences that I can think of Goals are individualized to each student, while standards are more generalized.  Another large difference I can think of is that Standards are shared with students, while goals are not.  Many schools are sharing standards with students, as a way to increase student success.  Why aren't we doing it with IEP goals?


I admit, this is not something I've considered very much until recently, but I think it's a conversation we need to have.  I teach students with significant cognitive disabilities and I've never done this.  And it occurs to me that maybe I should.  I'm expecting my students to "meet" standards, but they've never been told what it is that I want them to do.  Just like their peers in general education, if they don't know what they are working towards, how can they meet it?


I don't have an answer to this question at this time, but I do think it's something that we need to consider as educators, especially special educators.  I know it's something I'll be looking into!


Patrick


Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons:  BabyDinosaur


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IEP at a glance

So the beginning of the year is upon us, and I have been looking at ways to share information with other staff members. A great idea that was suggested by Kate at Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs, an IEP at a Glance. This is a 1 page form that allows staff to see information about the student, and see it quickly, and without extraneous information. This is the template that Kate created. You can download a copy of it here:


IEP at a Glance

Have a great year, and make sure to keep reading!

Patrick