If your IEPs feel rushed, inconsistent, or harder than they should be to write, you’re not the only one. A lot of what shows up in IEPs comes down to habits that were never clearly taught. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the patterns she sees most often and shows you how to clean them up so your IEPs are clearer, stronger, and easier to implement.

In this episode, Stephanie covers:

• 11 common IEP writing mistakes that show up across teams and caseloads
• Why these mistakes happen in the first place
• Simple shifts you can make to start writing clearer, more effective IEPs

You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start with one shift and build from there. Strong IEPs come from being intentional, not perfect. If this episode resonated, share it with your team or save it for your next writing day.

And if you want more support, explore The Intentional IEP Membership, including tools like the Goal Bank, Data Screeners, and Training Vault to make IEP writing simpler and more effective.

Watch the Free 80% Accuracy Video here

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

Test taking accommodations can feel confusing for many special education teachers, especially during testing season. Questions often come up about what is allowed, what is not, and how to make sure students are properly supported during assessments.

In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what test taking accommodations actually are and how they should be used to support students with disabilities. She also explains the important difference between accommodations and modifications, and why that distinction matters during benchmark and state testing.

Stephanie covers

• What test taking accommodations are and how they help remove barriers without lowering expectations

• The difference between accommodations and modifications and why modifications are not allowed on benchmark or state assessments

• The benefits of accommodations for access, equity, and more accurate student data

• Five commonly permitted accommodations teachers should understand and begin teaching students to use

• Why accommodations should be practiced throughout the year, not introduced only during testing

This episode helps special education teachers better understand how accommodations support students in demonstrating what they know while still maintaining grade level expectations.

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

Disagreements in IEP meetings can feel uncomfortable, especially when emotions are high and everyone in the room is trying to advocate for what they believe is best for the student. But these moments are not unusual. In fact, they are a natural part of the collaborative process.

In this episode, Stephanie walks through how special education teachers can navigate parent disagreements with clarity, professionalism, and confidence. She also explains why having strong systems in place throughout the year can make these conversations much easier when they do arise.

Stephanie covers

• The most common areas where parents and IEP teams tend to disagree

• Why emotions often run high during IEP meetings

• How data can help guide conversations back to student need

• Strategies for building strong relationships with families before disagreements happen

• Ways to help parents understand and advocate within the IEP process

This episode offers practical insight to help teachers approach difficult conversations with empathy, preparation, and a focus on collaboration.

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