This free monthly newsletter offers information on working with exceptional children.
Archive | Subscribe | Newsletter Center

Provided in partnership with: The Council for Exceptional Children

March 2001

Dear Teacher,

Most teachers, at some point in their career, will be involved in the development of an IEP (Individualized Education Program). The process is designed to support the education of students with disabilities. IEP work is crucial to the success of students – yet it is challenging and time-consuming.

In this issue you will find great resources that will be helpful in creating, implementing, and evaluating an IEP. The information is geared towards teachers, parents, and administrators and is excerpted from IEP Team Guide by the Council for Exceptional Children.

Sincerely,

Rebecca DuFault
Assoc. Producer, TeacherVision.com

The IEP Cycle
The IEP process is an orderly one required by law. This cycle describes the steps that are taken from beginning to end.

The IEP Team Members
The IEP team consists of a group of people who are responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising an IEP.

What to Include in an IEP
The information that needs to be included in an IEP is very specific. It must include these elements to complete the process.

The General Educator's Role
The general educator's role in the IEP process is an extremely important one from beginning to end.

Using General Education Standards with IEPs
A chart that outlines whether or not to change or modify a general education standard for an IEP (Individualized Education Program).

Preparing for an IEP
Helpful questions for IEP team members to think about in advance.

Positive Descriptions of Student Behavior
An extensive list of verbs and phrases that will help you to prepare positive, descriptive statements about a student's behavior.

Guidelines for Behavioral Observations
These guidelines will be helpful in performing a thorough behavioral observation.

Effective Accommodations for IEPs
A complete chart to help IEP teams find specific accommodations in instruction, assessment, classroom management, organization, etc.

Return to Top

The Council for Exceptional Children Resources on IEPs

IEP Team Guide
This book is the ultimate guide for all individuals who may find themselves part of an IEP team. In clear, concise, everyday language it explains what federal law requires and guides them through the process of developing and revising an IEP. It highlights the importance of each team member, including the student, spells out the potential contributions of each to the child's IEP, and gives practical advice for carrying out their roles.

Implementing the 1997 IDEA: New Challenges and Opportunities for Serving Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
Translating the IEP and discipline requirements of IDEA '97 into practice is the focus of this report from a 1998 forum sponsored by CEC's Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. The book examines several key issues in discipline and instruction. The information it presents on functional behavioral assessments, developing behavioral intervention plans, the role of the IEP team, and providing accommodations makes it a very useful resource for administrators and teachers alike.

Better IEPs: How to Develop Legally Correct and Educationally Useful Programs, Third Edition
Written by lawyer-educators, this handbook explains IEPs and IDEA 1997 from the legal point of view, citing the law and court cases throughout. It spells out dos and don'ts of placement, funding, and procedure; describes the IEP team; gives examples of problematic IEPs; and shows how to write legally and educationally sound IEPs.

Two Videos Featuring Barbara Bateman
In these videos, Barbara Bateman presents workshops on vital IDEA changes and useful IEPs to teachers, administrators, and parents. Tape 1 deals with IDEA changes in team membership, the legal process, and disciplinary procedures. Tape 2 concerns how to set the stage for meetings, what is legally required in an IEP, and how best to develop educationally useful IEPs.

Family Education Network Resources on IEPs

Special Education Teacher's Book of Lists
This unique timesaver provides 192 reproducible lists packed with useful facts – including essential assessment, diagnostic, remediation, legal and procedural information – about every phase of the special education process.

A Survival Kit for the Special Education Teacher
Scores of ready-to-use forms, checklists, charts, rating scales, and model letters to give special educators instant help in every aspect of their work. Includes the referral process, parent conferences, evaluation, interpretation, diagnosis, remediation, IEPs and more. For use in K-12 grade classrooms.

Special Educator's Complete Guide to 109 Diagnostic Tests
A comprehensive guide to the most common intellectual, achievement, perceptual, and language tests used in special education as well as rating and adaptive behavior scales. Includes descriptions of each test and subtest, scoring, and how to interpret test scores for student IEPs to plan appropriate remedial instruction. For use in K-12 grade classrooms.

Return to Top