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IEP Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers
Feeling Lost with IEPs? Start Here.
IEPs can feel overwhelming, especially in the first year as a special education teacher. This guide breaks down practical ways to manage IEPs without stress, so you can stay organized, advocate effectively, and support your students from day one.
Create an IEP Snapshot Sheet
You don’t need to memorize entire IEPs — pull the key info: goals, accommodations, services, and behavior plans. Keep it in a folder or binder that you can reference quickly during the day
Meet the IEP Team Early
Schedule a brief intro with related service providers (OT, PT, speech) and paraprofessionals. Even a 10-minute conversation can build rapport and set expectations for support.
Understand Timelines
Be aware of when IEP meetings are scheduled and when progress reports are due. Set calendar reminders early so you're not scrambling to do so.
Save Your Templates
Use reusable templates for tasks such as accommodation logs, parent communication, and teacher input forms. It’ll save you hours over the year.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
IEPs can be legal-heavy and confusing. If something doesn’t make sense, ask your team or case manager. You’re not alone.
A Concerned Parent
When a Child Is Struggling to Read
A mother notices that her first-grader is having trouble reading. While classmates sound out words and read simple books, her child still can’t recognize basic sight words like “the” or “can.” Homework is frustrating. She wonders:
“Shouldn’t he be reading by now? Why is this so hard for him?”
When Strategies Aren’t Enough
The Next Step: Considering an Evaluation
The parent has tried reading strategies at home. The teacher has provided small-group support, phonics practice, and documented progress through RTI (Response to Intervention). But the child is still struggling.
Now, both the parent and teacher are asking:
"Could something deeper be going on?"
"Should we evaluate for special education?"
What the Teacher Should Do
- Review the full RTI data and documented interventions
- Bring concerns to the student support team or child study team
- Inform the parent of the option to pursue a formal evaluation
- Help write a referral that includes:
- Specific concerns (e.g., decoding, fluency, comprehension)
- Progress monitoring results
- Classroom observations and interventions tried
- Specific concerns (e.g., decoding, fluency, comprehension)
What the Parent Can Do
- Formally request an evaluation in writing (this starts the legal timeline under IDEA)
- Ask for a copy of their procedural safeguards (a legal explanation of their rights)
- Work closely with the team to ensure concerns are clearly communicated
💡 Reminder:
A referral for special education evaluation does not mean a child is automatically placed in special education. It begins the process to determine whether a disability is present and whether special services are needed.