The Green Flags of a Well Written IEP
Fri Sep 05 2025
In this episode of the Empowered to Advocate podcast, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the essential green flags to look for in a well-written Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
They emphasize the importance of student-centered language, effective goal setting, and the inclusion of both student and parent voices. The conversation also covers the need for a balanced approach to addressing various skill areas and the significance of progress monitoring in ensuring that goals are met.
This episode serves as a guide for parents navigating the complexities of IEPs, providing them with actionable insights to advocate for their children effectively.
Takeaways
- Student-centered language is crucial in IEPs.
- Goals should be specific, achievable, and trackable.
- Clear connections between needs, goals, and services are essential.
- All skill areas impacted by a disability should be addressed.
- Parent and student voices must be included in the IEP.
- Progress monitoring plans are necessary for tracking success.
- The new IEP template emphasizes child-centered focus.
- Goals should not be copied and pasted from previous years.
- IEPs should balance academic and social-emotional skills.
- Parents should come prepared with concerns for IEP meetings.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to IEP Green Flags
02:19 Student-Centered Language in IEPs
03:09 Setting Specific and Measurable Goals
05:24 Connecting Needs, Goals, and Services
06:13 Balancing Academic and Social-Emotional Skills
07:06 Inclusion of Student and Parent Voices
08:32 Progress Monitoring Plans
09:36 Conclusion and Future Topics
Next Steps!
We’re helping you press the easy button on back to school!
When you sign up for an Office Hours session in August or September for $45 for 45 minutes with us you also get:
✏️ our customizable Back to School letter
✏️ 15% off one future service with us!
Grab your spot by clicking HERE
These sessions are a perfect way to gain clarity and direction on your child's special education paperwork and any challenges you are experiencing navigating the special education process!
More
In this episode of the Empowered to Advocate podcast, Michelle and Dana Marie discuss the essential green flags to look for in a well-written Individualized Education Plan (IEP). They emphasize the importance of student-centered language, effective goal setting, and the inclusion of both student and parent voices. The conversation also covers the need for a balanced approach to addressing various skill areas and the significance of progress monitoring in ensuring that goals are met. This episode serves as a guide for parents navigating the complexities of IEPs, providing them with actionable insights to advocate for their children effectively. Takeaways - Student-centered language is crucial in IEPs. - Goals should be specific, achievable, and trackable. - Clear connections between needs, goals, and services are essential. - All skill areas impacted by a disability should be addressed. - Parent and student voices must be included in the IEP. - Progress monitoring plans are necessary for tracking success. - The new IEP template emphasizes child-centered focus. - Goals should not be copied and pasted from previous years. - IEPs should balance academic and social-emotional skills. - Parents should come prepared with concerns for IEP meetings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to IEP Green Flags 02:19 Student-Centered Language in IEPs 03:09 Setting Specific and Measurable Goals 05:24 Connecting Needs, Goals, and Services 06:13 Balancing Academic and Social-Emotional Skills 07:06 Inclusion of Student and Parent Voices 08:32 Progress Monitoring Plans 09:36 Conclusion and Future Topics Next Steps! We’re helping you press the easy button on back to school! When you sign up for an Office Hours session in August or September for $45 for 45 minutes with us you also get: ✏️ our customizable Back to School letter ✏️ 15% off one future service with us! Grab your spot by clicking HERE These sessions are a perfect way to gain clarity and direction on your child's special education paperwork and any challenges you are experiencing navigating the special education process!