Sending home a draft IEP before the meeting can create more meaningful collaboration and give families the time they need to review the proposed plan, process the information, and come prepared with questions.

In this episode, Stephanie discusses:

• What a draft IEP is and how to send one home appropriately
• Why draft IEPs can improve parent participation
• How to avoid predetermination and invite meaningful feedback

If you’re looking for ways to make your IEP meetings more collaborative and family-centered, this episode is a great place to start. You’ll walk away with practical ideas for sharing draft IEPs while keeping the door open for meaningful team discussion and changes.

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For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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An IEP is a legally binding document that ensures a student receives the supports they need to access their education. But what happens when those supports are not actually being implemented in the classroom?

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what IEP non-compliance can look like in real settings, how to tell the difference between a one-time issue and a pattern, and what steps teachers and families can take to address concerns while keeping the focus on student access and progress.

In this episode Stephanie discusses

• What IEP non-compliance can look like, both obvious and subtle
• How to determine whether an issue is isolated or part of a larger pattern
• What teachers and families can do to document, communicate, and advocate effectively
• Ways to prevent implementation breakdowns through stronger systems and collaboration

By the end of this episode you will have a clearer understanding of how to respond when an IEP is not being followed and how to move from frustration into action that supports the student.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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One of the most common questions special education teachers ask is, "Is this IEP goal too ambitious?" The answer isn't based on a feeling or a percentage that sounds right. It's found in the data.

In this episode, Stephanie explains how to use baseline data, previous IEP progress, and student growth patterns to write goals that are both realistic and appropriately challenging. Instead of relying on opinions or guesswork, you'll learn how to use data to make confident goal writing decisions.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why baseline data is the foundation of every strong IEP goal
• The importance of collecting data with and without supports
• How past growth can help determine realistic goal criteria

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer framework for deciding whether an IEP goal is too ambitious, not ambitious enough, or just right for the student sitting in front of you.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

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IEP meetings can quickly feel unorganized or reactive when there is no clear structure in place. While agendas are often treated as optional or overlooked altogether, they play a critical role in keeping meetings focused, compliant, and productive for everyone at the table.

In this episode Stephanie breaks down why IEP meeting agendas matter, what should be included based on meeting type, and how they help teams stay aligned and confident throughout the process.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why IEP meeting agendas are often overlooked and how that impacts the meeting process
• What should be included in agendas for different types of IEP meetings
• How agendas help create clarity, structure, and stronger team collaboration

By the end of this episode you will understand how something as simple as a clear agenda can completely change the flow and effectiveness of your IEP meetings.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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If your IEP system only works because you are the one holding it all together, it is not actually a system yet. It is a dependency. And that is exactly what leads to burnout when staff changes happen, caseloads shift, or someone new steps into the role.

In this episode Stephanie breaks down what it really takes to build an IEP system that does not fall apart when people change, including the types of burnout that show up when systems are missing and the key shifts that create long term consistency and support for your team.

In this episode Stephanie discusses:

• The five types of burnout special education teachers experience when systems are not in place
• Why strong systems should support consistency even when staff changes happen
• The five foundational shifts that help build an IEP system that actually lasts

By the end of this episode you will start to see where your current system is holding strong and where it may be relying too heavily on you instead of supporting the team as a whole.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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When academic goals are in place but a student still can’t access instruction, it may be behavior—not academics—that needs to be addressed first. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how to recognize when behavior is the real barrier to learning, when it’s appropriate to shift IEP priorities, and how to use data to guide those decisions.

In this episode, Stephanie discusses:

• The difference between academic and behavior goals in an IEP
• Signs behavior is preventing access to instruction
• How to use data to support a temporary shift in goal focus

If this episode helped you rethink how you approach goal writing, be sure to share it with your team or another educator who might need the same perspective. For more support with writing effective, intentional IEPs, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the next episode.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie is talking about what general education teachers should bring to every IEP meeting. While special education teachers often lead the meeting, general education teachers play a critical role in making informed decisions. The key is coming prepared with data, not just observations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why general education teachers should bring data on IEP goals, accommodations, and classroom performance.
• How simple data collection leads to stronger recommendations and better team decisions.
• Easy ways to track student progress without creating extra work.

Whether you're a general education teacher preparing for your next meeting or a special education teacher supporting your team, this episode will help you make IEP meetings more productive and student-focused.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

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Writing standards-aligned IEP goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told to align goals to grade-level standards without being shown what that actually looks like in practice.

In this episode, we're breaking down a simple framework for aligning IEP goals to state standards while keeping them individualized and appropriate for each student's needs.

Stephanie covers:

• Why standards-aligned does not mean copying and pasting a state standard into an IEP goal

• How to use baseline data, grade-level standards, and skill gaps to identify the next appropriate step for a student

• How prerequisite skills can help you create meaningful goals that move students toward grade-level expectations

If you've ever wondered how to balance standards, data, and individual student needs, this episode will help you write goals that are aligned, purposeful, and focused on real progress.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

Do you ever look at your calendar and realize an IEP meeting is coming up much faster than expected?

In this episode, we're breaking down a step-by-step system for preparing for IEP meetings without the last-minute stress and scrambling. From scheduling the meeting and gathering team input to writing present levels, developing goals, and preparing families, you'll learn how to create a process that keeps you organized and confident every step of the way.

If you're tired of feeling rushed before every IEP meeting, this episode will help you create a system that saves time, reduces stress, and leads to better outcomes for students.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep

In this episode, Stephanie is talking about simple systems that help special education teachers communicate more effectively with paraprofessionals, reduce confusion, and create stronger team collaboration throughout the school day.

She shares:

• Why communication systems matter more than constant conversations

• Ways to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independence

• Strategies for building a culture of open communication and feedback

Whether you're working with one para or managing a larger team, these practical strategies can help improve communication, strengthen teamwork, and create a more organized classroom environment.

Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep