The Intentional IEP Podcast

That phrase on IEPs — “80% accuracy in 3 out of 4 trials” — doesn’t actually measure mastery. On today's episode, Stephanie breaks down why this one-size-fits-all approach is a red flag, what it does to your data, and how to write mastery criteria that actually matter.

You’ll get real examples, reflection questions, and strategies for creating goals that guide instruction and track meaningful progress.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why “80% in 3 out of 4 trials” is vague and ineffective
• How mastery criteria impacts data collection and reporting
• Key questions to consider before writing any goal
• Examples of clear, actionable mastery criteria that reflect student needs

Writing clear, intentional mastery criteria changes everything: it guides instruction, aligns the team, makes data meaningful, and ensures every goal has impact. If your goals aren’t doing that, it’s time to rethink them — for every student, every skill, every day.

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

We spend so much time preparing for IEP meetings—writing goals, gathering data, pulling everything together—yet when we finally sit down at the table, the words we use can make or break the entire conversation.

There are a handful of phrases that can instantly shift the tone of a meeting, and not in a good way. Some of them come out of habit, others because we’re trying to save time or keep things moving. But here’s the thing: what we don’t say is just as important as what we do say.

In this episode, Stephanie will:

• Share more than 10 phrases to avoid during an IEP meeting
• Explain why comments like “we only have an hour” or “there’s no way we can increase their minutes” can shut down collaboration
• Offer practical alternatives that keep conversations positive, strengths-focused, and student-centered
• Give tips for navigating tricky moments with confidence and professionalism
• Help you create smoother, more collaborative meetings where families feel heard.

If you’ve ever left a meeting wishing it had gone more smoothly, this episode will give you practical swaps, helpful reminders, and the confidence to navigate IEP meetings without stress. Because when the team works well together, the student always wins.

IEP Meeting Agendas: https://www.theintentionaliep.com/product/editable-meeting-amendment/

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

If you teach in a general education classroom, this episode is for you. Students with IEPs are in your class every day, and knowing how to read, understand, and use those IEPs makes a real difference—for your students and for your teaching. This episode gives you practical, clear guidance to feel confident supporting every learner.

Here’s what we’ll cover together:

• What inclusion really means (and why it’s more than just a trend).
• The difference between accommodations and modifications—explained simply.
• How service time works, and what role you play in it.
• Why related service providers—like OTs, speech therapists, and counselors—are your secret classroom allies.
• How your observations and input make IEP meetings stronger and more accurate.
• And the big one: why yes, YOU can provide services too.

This isn’t about being perfect or becoming a special education expert. It’s about practical steps you can use right now to support every student in your classroom with more confidence.

Grab the Bundle of Input Forms

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

Let’s be honest — writing IEP goals can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between annual goals, objectives, and benchmarks. In this episode, Stephanie breaks it all down so you can finally feel confident and clear about what you’re writing and why it matters.

Stephanie shares real-life examples from math, reading, and writing, and walks through how to write each piece using S.M.A.R.T. criteria, so your goals are not just paperwork but meaningful guides for your teaching.

This episode also tackles the common confusion between objectives and benchmarks, what your state might require, and why writing clear, scaffolded goals makes your life easier—from lesson planning to progress monitoring and communicating with families.

If you want to stop guessing and start writing goals that truly support your students’ growth, this episode is a must-listen.

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

Ever catch yourself wondering, “Am I actually doing SDI the way I’m supposed to?” Stephanie’s got you covered in this episode. She breaks down what SDI really means, how it’s different from accommodations or just good teaching, and what you need to make it work for your students.

SDI is all about giving students instruction that’s tailored to their unique needs and directly tied to their IEP goals. It’s not extra work or some fancy new program—it’s smart, focused teaching that helps your students move forward.

In this episode, Stephanie talks about:

• The must-have tools to get SDI right—like using the IEP as your roadmap, simple ways to collect data, picking the best instructional strategies, and using visuals to help kids learn
• How to plan lessons by working backwards from those IEP goals so it feels doable, not overwhelming
• Real-life examples of SDI in action for reading, writing, math, behavior, and communication
• Tips to keep your SDI consistent without burning out—think block scheduling and teaming up with paras and gen ed teachers

By the end, you’ll see why SDI isn’t more work—it’s just smarter work. Stephanie gives you a clear, practical way to deliver instruction that really fits your students and track their progress with confidence.

If you want a refresher on the basics, check out Episode 2 for the full scoop on what SDI is all about.

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

Related Resources:

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/specially-designed-instruction/

https://www.theintentionaliep.com/differences-sdi-differentiation/

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

Let's talk about the one thing you always need more of: time. In this episode, Stephanie walks through how to intentionallycreate a schedule that supports your students and protects your time. Whether you're in a self-contained, resource, or inclusion setting, you'll hear strategies to make your day run more smoothly without sacrificing your evenings.

Scheduling isn’t just about plugging things into a calendar—it’s about building a functional, flexible structure that works for instruction, behaviors, therapies, inclusion, and you as the teacher. This episode is packed with real tips you can start using right away to make your schedule more effective and sustainable.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 3 most important steps to building a SPED schedule that works
• How to carve out time for paperwork, data collection, and IEP writing—during the school day
• How to make the most of your paras and support staff
• Smart ways to protect your planning time without guilt

Whether you're just starting to build your schedule or looking to make your current one work better, this episode will help you create a system that works for your students—and for you.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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

Related Resources:

https://www.mrsdscorner.com/creating-your-class-schedule-for-sped/

https://www.mrsdscorner.com/planning-academic-centers-in-a-special-ed-classroom/

Brain Dumping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JffWnU7NDZ4

How to Create Your Class Schedule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6mbNKXB-PA

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 of The Intentional IEP Podcast, host Stephanie cuts through the noise and gets straight to what actually helps at the start of the school year. No fluff. No perfectionism. Just three grounded, practical strategies that special education teachers can put into place right now.

These aren’t new ideas or trendy hacks—they’re the kind of moves that create real breathing room and better outcomes for students.

Stephanie breaks down:

• How to map out IEP due dates so they don’t sneak up unexpectedly
• Why early check-ins with team members build trust and improve implementation
• How to stay connected to general ed lesson plans so IEP goals stay aligned and relevant

She also shares a bonus tip at the end that can help teachers prep once and support multiple student needs all year long.

This episode is for any special ed teacher who wants to start the year with a plan—not perfection—and lead their IEP team with more confidence and clarity.

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

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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

Paraprofessionals do so much more than we often give them credit for. They're not just an extra set of hands—they’re part of the backbone of our classrooms. But even with the best intentions, collaboration with our paras can fall flat if we don’t take time to build it on purpose.

In this episode, Stephanie shares five practical ways to create a stronger, more aligned partnership with your classroom para. Whether you're starting the year fresh with someone new or hoping to improve an existing relationship, these strategies will help you work better together.

You’ll leave this episode with simple steps you can start right away to make sure your para feels seen, supported, and empowered in their role. Because when the adults in the room work well together, everyone wins—especially our students.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

Check out the Para Binder https://www.theintentionaliep.com/product/education-classroom-paraprofessional/

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

If you’ve ever stared at a blank IEP and wondered where to start with writing meaningful goals, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most helpful tools for special educators—IEP goal banks.

Stephanie breaks down why using a goal bank doesn’t mean IEPs are cookie-cutter. Goal banks give teachers a strong starting point so they can spend less time figuring out what to write—and more time making the goals fit their students.

In this episode you'll learn:

– Why IEP goal banks save time and help teachers stay organized

– How they support better, more personalized goals

– Why AI can’t replace a teacher’s understanding of student needs

– How the Intentional IEP Goal Bank helps teachers work smarter, not harder

For educators who feel stuck or overwhelmed with IEP goal writing, this episode offers practical ideas to make the process easier and more meaningful.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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

What does it really mean to use AI ethically as a special education teacher?

AI is everywhere—but how do you use it without losing your professional judgment or risking student privacy? If you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of AI in special education, sharing why AI can support your work but never replace the human connection. Plus, I’ll walk you through how to approach AI with curiosity, clarity, and caution—the three roles every teacher needs to take on.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• What AI can actually do well and where it falls short
• How to use AI for lessons, documentation, and IEP writing responsibly
• Why protecting student privacy isn’t optional
• The importance of professional judgment and ethical decision-making
• How to be a smart consumer, thoughtful creator, and lifelong learner when it comes to AI

If you want to learn how to use AI tools in a way that supports your expertise and keeps your students safe, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation about using AI.

Download the FREE IEP Goal Bank www.theintentionaliep.com/podcastgoalbank

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