The Intentional IEP Podcast

Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a parent, or brand new to special education, the law matters. It shapes eligibility decisions, service delivery, and what happens when teams disagree. Understanding it is not optional, and it does not have to feel overwhelming either.

In this episode, Ashley Barlow, attorney and advocate, breaks down IDEA in clear, practical terms.

We cover eligibility, district responsibilities, the biggest mistakes schools make, and how parents and teachers can challenge assessments and decisions. Real-world advice you can use right now to feel confident at the IEP table.

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Stephanie breaks down LRE and why most of what we assume about placement is wrong. LRE isn’t about keeping students in general education or giving “less support.” It’s about creating the environment where each student can make real progress with the supports they need.

In this episode, Stephanie covers:

• What LRE really means and why one-size-fits-all placement doesn’t work
• The LRE continuum, from general education with supports to specialized programs, with real examples
• How placement decisions should be based on data, student needs, and meaningful growth—not convenience or fear

By the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity on how LRE works and practical insight to make confident, informed decisions that truly support students’ growth.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the top 5 misconceptions about student behavior and shows you how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn why kids aren’t “just seeking attention,” why it’s not defiance, and why punishment alone won’t stop behavior.

Stephanie shares simple, actionable strategies you can use immediately, from tracking what happens before a behavior with an ABC sticky note to pairing consequences with teachable moments, all while keeping connection first.

If there’s one behavior that’s been driving you crazy, this episode will help you see it differently, respond with confidence, and remember that behavior is communication.

ABC Behavior Sticky Note

Endless Bundle of Data Sheets

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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If no one has told you lately, you’re doing the impossible every day. This episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast is a reminder of the incredible work special education teachers do. Whether you’re navigating IEPs, managing behaviors, or just figuring it all out as you go, this episode is for you.

Special education teachers aren’t “just” teachers. You are advocates, difference makers, and lifelines. You interpret neurodiversity, translate behavior, and bridge the gap between “what is” and “what could be.” You notice what others miss, hold space for what others don’t understand, and create opportunities for students to succeed even when the system makes it hard.

In this episode, Stephanie:

• Highlights the unseen impact special education teachers have on students’ lives
• Celebrates the creative problem-solving and innovation required every day in the classroom
• Reminds teachers that their work—advocacy, differentiation, coaching, and collaboration is transformative
• Offers encouragement and perspective for moments of overwhelm and self-doubt

This episode is a reminder that your work matters, even when it isn’t recognized or celebrated. You’re not just teaching...you’re changing lives, building bridges, and giving students a voice.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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

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

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What if the most powerful thing a student learned wasn’t academic but how to speak up for themselves? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what self-advocacy looks like in practice and how it can be taught at every age.

Self-advocacy is a skill that helps students understand their needs, know their rights, and take action to access supports in school, work, and daily life. Starting early builds confidence, independence, and the ability to navigate real-world situations.

In this episode, Stephanie:

• Shares strategies for elementary students to name their needs and ask trusted adults for help
• Offers ways for middle school students to explain accommodations and manage supports
• Provides approaches for high school students to take ownership of their IEPs, participate in meetings, and prepare for real-world advocacy
• Gives tips for integrating self-advocacy into everyday classroom routines and small, practical steps

Stephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to help students build confidence, independence, and the skills to speak up for themselves.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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

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

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Choosing the right accommodations and modifications can feel overwhelming, but they are essential for student access and meaningful participation. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, pulled from our members-only vault, Stephanie and guest Tim explain how to identify, locate, and select the most effective supports and connect them to the rest of the IEP.

In this episode, Stephanie:

• Explains what accommodations and modifications are and why they are essential in an IEP
• Shows where supports appear in the IEP by considering behavior, curriculum, learning, and assessment
• Provides practical examples for each category, including behavior plans, sensory supports, curriculum modifications, adapted equipment, supplementary aids, and assessment accommodations
• Highlights how accommodations and modifications link to goals, present levels, and meaningful student engagement
• Offers guidance for selecting the right supports for each student

Teachers will walk away with practical strategies to make accommodations and modifications purposeful, effective, and tailored to each student.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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

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

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What if inclusion does not start with a schedule or a seating chart but with your next small decision? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what real inclusion looks like and how it can be practiced every day.

Inclusion is a mindset and a series of intentional choices that help every student feel seen, supported, and able to access learning.

In this episode, Stephanie:

• Shows how to design lessons and adapt tasks so every student can fully access learning without being separated
• Shares strategies to build trust, collaboration, and shared ownership with paras, co-teachers, and the broader team
• Explains how to give students voice and choice while advocating for inclusion in every classroom and team interaction

Stephanie provides actionable strategies teachers can use immediately to make classrooms more welcoming, inclusive, and student-focused.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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 binder is full but you’re still unsure whether your students are actually making progress, this episode is for you. Stephanie dives into the part of the IEP process that’s often ignored: analyzing data. Not just collecting it, but actually using it to guide your next steps.

You’ll get a clear, step-by-step system for turning raw data into confident, actionable decisions without spending hours or feeling burned out. Stephanie walks through how to spot meaningful patterns, compare progress to goals, ask the right questions, and adjust instruction based on what the data and context are telling you.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to:

• Make sense of the numbers and see real trends in student progress
• Identify red flags before they become bigger issues
• Make small, intentional adjustments that have a real impact

This isn’t about perfection...it’s about clarity, confidence, and actionable steps. If you’ve ever stared at a pile of IEP data and thought, “Now what?” this episode gives you the system to start moving forward.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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, Stephanie sits down with Cortnie to dive into documenting student needs in the IEP. Pulled straight from The Intentional IEP membership, this conversation breaks down how to identify a child’s specific needs and document them in a way that’s clear, meaningful, and actionable.

Stephanie and Cortnie use real, concrete examples to walk through a blank IEP, showing exactly what to include and how to phrase it. They cover the steps you need to follow, explain why thorough documentation matters, and emphasize one key point above all: document, document, document.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to capture a student’s needs, or wondered what “good documentation” actually looks like, this episode gives you practical guidance you can start using right away.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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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Ever feel like you’re collecting a lot of data but not sure if it’s actually useful? You’re not alone. Many special education teachers, service providers, and IEP team members struggle with understanding which data matters most and how to use it effectively.

In this episode, we break down the ten types of data you should know. You’ll learn what each type is, why it matters, and how it can help you write stronger IEPs, track progress more clearly, and approach team meetings with confidence.

We also cover why understanding your data matters in the first place. Different types of data serve different purposes—some guide instruction, some provide insight into student behavior, and some are essential for compliance and eligibility. Knowing which type of data you’re collecting helps you balance your collection, fill gaps, and advocate from a place of clarity.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about the data you collect and how to use it to support your students.

Ready to stop managing IEPs one meeting at a time? Start managing the process with The Intentional IEP System: https://theintentionaliep.com/start-here

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