Using the IEP to Support Students with a Strength-Based Focus

Lee Ginenthal, ICSDJenn Gondek, TST BOCES

Session Targets:

• Use person-first language when describing students.

• Use the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to support individual students’ strengths and needs.

Individualized Education Plans

I.E.P.

Person-First LanguageInstead of this…. Say This….The learning disabled student, Gail.

Gail has a learning disability.

Jeff is retarded. Jeff has a cognitive disability.Torey is nonverbal. Torey communicates with her

eyes and switch device.Ben is in special ed. Ben receives special education

services.Dennis can’t write. Dennis writes using the computer.Anna has vision problems. Anna needs a magnification

device.

Small Group Brainstorm:

Based on this disability, whatdo you expect to see on the IEP

and in the classroom?

Share-Out

•Academic Achievement, Functional Performance, and Learning Characteristics•Social Development•Physical Development•Management Needs•A statement on the effect of these needs on his/her progress in the general education curriculum

1. Read the PLEP2. Describe Matthew usinga strength-based approach.

What? How well?

How will we know?

When do we

assess?

Special Ed. Services

Related ServicesProgram Mod. and Accom.

Supplementary Aids & Services

Assistive Technology

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Testing Accommodations

Flexible Setting

FlexibleTiming/

Scheduling

Method of Presentation

Method of Response

• Test passages, questions, items, and multiple choice responses read aloud to student

• Scribe for writing• Directions read aloud • Language in directions simplified• Extended time • Reduce number of test items per page• A ten minute break for each 40 minute test period• Use of calculator• Test administered in a separate location• Test administered individually• Masks or markers to maintain place• Word processor used to type responses over 2 sentences.• Multiple choice answers recorded in test booklet.

3 THINGS YOU LEARNED

2 QUESTIONS YOU HAVE

1 SUGGESTION FOR FOLLOW-UP