In this episode of Special Education for Beginners, we continue our three-part series on administering achievement tests by focusing on how to write professional, comprehensive reports based on the data you’ve collected. Writing a well-organized report isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical step in the evaluation process that guides decision-making and sets the foundation for collaboration with your IEP team.

You’ll learn:

• Why writing a clear, professional report is essential for documenting the testing process, guiding decisions, and building trust.
• How to structure your report, including tips for starting with context, reporting results concisely, and adding meaningful observations.
• Strategies for summarizing the test as a whole, identifying patterns, and connecting findings to actionable recommendations.
• Tips for professional writing to ensure your report is clear, approachable, and polished.

If you’re looking for ways to simplify the report-writing process, I’ll also introduce you to a helpful resource that includes templates for crafting polished reports without starting from scratch.

Key Takeaways:

• A professional report provides critical context, highlights strengths and needs, and connects data to real-world implications for the student.
• Use clear subheadings, concise summaries, and thoughtful observations to make your report meaningful and actionable.
• Adding context to scores and summarizing patterns ensures your report is both informative and easy to understand.
• Proofread your report to ensure it’s accurate, clear, and professional.

Resource mentioned in the show:
Achievement Testing Kit

If summarizing results feels overwhelming, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a resource that includes report templates, tips for organizing your results, and example summaries you can use as a guide. You can download it at www.spedprepacademy.com/templates to make your report writing process smoother and more efficient.


Free Resource:
Don’t forget to get access to a FREE helpful testing checklist that includes two different “quiet” posters to use on your door and a complete checklist of everything you’ll need to gather before the test. You can download it at www.spedprepacademy.com/checklist

Next Week:
In the final part of this series, we’ll dive into presenting achievement test results confidently in IEP meetings. I’ll share strategies for clear communication, answering questions, and building trust with your team. Make sure to tune in!

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In this episode, we kick off a 3-part series on how to administer, report on and present achievement tests professionally.

Today, we focus on setting up for test administration. I’ll walk you through the specific steps to create a structured, distraction-free environment that allows students to focus and perform at their best.

I’ll also share practical advice on monitoring student behavior during the test—like fatigue or distraction—that can impact results and provide valuable context when interpreting data.

Even if you aren’t the one administering tests, understanding these steps strengthens your role as an advocate and collaborator. Knowing the testing process can help you support both students and team members, allowing you to contribute valuable insights at IEP meetings and more effectively interpret test results.

Today's quick action steps:

1. Familiarize yourself with the procedures of the test
2. Choose an appropriate testing window and don’t pull students at inopportune times
3. Ensure you have a quiet, distraction-free environment by putting a “Testing in Progress” sign on the door
4. Gathering all necessary materials, like timers, audio equipment, and fresh pencils.
5. Double-check the student’s identity
6. Monitor the student and take note of things that could impact interpretation of results
7. Administer the test with validity and reliability
8. End the session on a positive note

To make this process as easy as possible, I’ve created a free Testing Checklist available at www.spedprepacademy.com/checklist. This checklist includes two “quiet” posters to place on the door and a comprehensive list of everything you need before the test, so you can feel prepared, professional, and organized every step of the way.

Resources Mentioned:

• Testing Checklist: Download your free checklist and quiet posters at www.spedprepacademy.com/checklist

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In this episode of Special Education for Beginners Jennifer is joined by her co-host Paul to discuss the essential topics of de-escalation in the special education classroom and incorporating assistive technology into IEPs. Learn about how to handle extreme challenges educators face when students become overwhelmed and practical de-escalation strategies that you can implement today.

"How do you handle very challenging behaviors in the classroom?" - Amber

• Consistent routines
• Identify and track triggers
• Consider a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to guide interventions
• Build trust through one-on-one time focused on positive activities
• Seek additional support when needed: involve administration, behavior teams, and document incidents for safety and transparency.
• Tip: De-Escalation Strategy Cards for Special Education can be a great tool for your team, offering strategies to defuse tension before it builds.

"What is your experience with using assistive technology to support students with disabilities?" - Hannah

• Assistive Technology is anything that will assist the students in being successful
• Don't get hung up on the word "technology"
• Assistive technology can be simple or complex: from pencil grips to speech-generating devices
• Engage with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and district resources to explore options
• Observe students throughout the day to identify possible areas for support
• Balance AT use: avoid creating dependencies by gradually reducing support as students become more independent

Conclusion
Thank you for joining us for this insightful discussion on de-escalation and assistive technology in special education! Remember, tools like the De-Escalation Strategy Cards for Special Education are excellent resources to help you calmly navigate challenging moments with confidence. Special educators, you’re not alone—lean on each other and these strategies to create a supportive classroom environment.

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In this episode, Caroline Koehler from Celavora Education and Sped Up Paperwork joins me to discuss the ever-pressing issue of paperwork in special education. Listen in as we share effective strategies and tools designed to help special educators manage your documentation more efficiently. This discussion is essential for anyone looking to reduce the administrative burden and focus more on teaching.

Key Talking Points:

• Caroline’s Professional Background: From kindergarten to special education, Caroline brings a wealth of experience and insight into the unique challenges of the field.
• Overview of Sped Up Paperwork: Caroline introduces her membership service which includes tools like student observations, functional behavior assessments, and behavior plans, aimed at simplifying the paperwork process for educators.
• Streamlining Compliance and Efficiency: How Sped Up Paperwork ensures adherence to legal standards while making the documentation process quicker and more customizable.
• Benefits for Educators: The discussion highlights how both new and veteran teachers can benefit from these tools, emphasizing efficiency and reduced stress.
• Special Offer - Free Webinar: Caroline discusses an upcoming free webinar that will provide additional strategies for managing educational paperwork effectively.

Implementing the right tools like Sped Up Paperwork can significantly ease the paperwork load for special educators, allowing you more time to dedicate to your students. Join Caroline’s upcoming webinar to learn more about these strategies and follow Calabora Education on social media for continuous support and resources.

Sped Up Paperwork

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In today’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, I share an inspiring conversation I recently had with a new special education teacher, Emily, who demonstrated an incredible capacity for resilience and optimism in the face of a challenging situation. When Emily was unexpectedly assigned a new student with complex needs, she chose to embrace the challenge with positivity and grace rather than frustration or overwhelm.

As special educators, we often find ourselves in situations that test our patience and resilience. This episode is a reminder that, while we can’t control the challenges we face, we can always control how we respond to them. Emily’s approach teaches us the importance of adopting a positive mindset, focusing on solutions, and fostering a supportive community for both staff and students.

Tune in to hear how Emily turned a potential burden into a learning opportunity, and how her proactive and compassionate attitude helped build a positive environment where her students can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of maintaining a positive mindset in special education.
• How our responses to challenges set the tone for both ourselves and our students.
• Emily’s story as a reminder that we can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.
• Practical ways to approach unexpected challenges with grace and resilience.

A Quote to stick with you
"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." -Charles R. Swindoll

Join the Conversation:
Have you faced a similar challenge? How did you handle it? Let’s chat about mindset, resilience, and adapting to the unexpected in our Facebook community or on Instagram.

Be a guest on the show Click the link and let's chat!

Rate & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show. Your support helps other special educators find the podcast and learn alongside us!

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On today's segment of Ask Us Anything with my co-host, Paul Hubbard we answer two common challenges faced by special education teachers: handling difficult parents and figuring out how often to progress monitor students.

How do you deal with difficult parents?
Jennifer and Paul both emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with parents and maintaining professionalism during tough conversations. Jennifer recommends practicing what you want to say ahead of time, paying attention to body language and tone, and ensuring that communication is consistent and clear to build trust before conflicts arise. Paul highlights the need to reflect on the energy you project, suggesting teachers categorize parents into Advocate, Behavioral, and Combative types, and use different strategies for each. He recommends involving Advocate Parents as valuable members of the IEP team by assigning them specific roles, helping to create a more collaborative relationship.

How often should teachers progress monitor students?
Both Jennifer and Paul agree that while daily data collection can be overwhelming, leaving progress monitoring until right before a report is due isn’t effective either. They suggest finding a balance, such as weekly or bi-weekly data collection, depending on the student's needs. Paul explains how assigning different students to specific days for monitoring can help teachers stay consistent. They also recommend using digital tools like Google Forms to streamline data collection, especially with the help of paraprofessionals, ensuring that accurate data is readily available for IEP meetings and decisions.

Highlights:

• Building strong relationships with parents and effectively navigating tough conversations when emotions run high
• Body language and preparation can significantly impact your communication with challenging parents
• A breakdown of different types of difficult parents
• How involving parents in the IEP process can turn them into valuable allies
• Finding a balance for your daily data collection to avoid last-minute data rushes
• Strategies for incorporating progress monitoring into your weekly routine to ensure more consistent and accurate data collection.
• How using Google Forms and paraprofessional support can streamline data collection for IEP meetings.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, leave us a review, and keep sending in your questions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Parent Communication Logs & Reports
• Send in your questions for the next Ask Us Anything
  
  

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As special educators, we often find ourselves navigating challenging interactions. Whether with colleagues, parents, or administrators, conflict is bound to rear its ugly head at some point. In this episode, we explore 3 practical strategies to handle these situations constructively, fostering an environment of collaboration and respect.

Discussion:

1. Embrace Conflict as an Opportunity:
   • Understand conflict as a chance to improve systems and relationships.
   • Example of resolving scheduling conflicts by proposing alternative models.
2. Stay Solution-Oriented:
   • Approach conflicts with potential solutions, not just problems.
   • Discuss the importance of coming prepared to discussions with actionable ideas.
   • Example from a staff meeting about resource allocation, showing how a proactive approach can lead to productive changes.
3. Assume Positive Intent:
   • Start discussions with the belief that everyone is aiming for the best outcomes.
   • Highlight how this assumption can change the tone of interactions and lead to more understanding and less defensiveness.
   • Example involving a new policy implementation where assuming positive intent helped to clarify misunderstandings and fostered a more supportive dialogue.

Resource Mention:

• Conversation Skills - Tips for Courageous Conversations
• How to Have Hard Conversations

Remember that the way we handle conflicts can significantly impact our professional environment and the outcomes for our students. By using these 3 strategies, we are not only able to resolve issues more effectively but also build a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic.

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Welcome back to Special Education for Beginners! In today’s episode, Jennifer draws a fun and insightful parallel between writing an Individualized Education Plan and solving a detective case. Just like detectives use boards with pushpins and strings to connect clues and evidence, special education teachers need to ensure that every part of an IEP is linked seamlessly to the next. From present levels of academic and functional performance (PLAAFP) to services, goals, and accommodations—each piece must flow together to create a solid plan for student success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to treat the PLAAFP statement like the foundation of a detective's investigation
• Why it’s crucial that every service and goal directly connect to the needs outlined in the PLAAFP
• Tips for writing goals that serve as stepping stones to the student’s progress
• The importance of aligning accommodations and modifications to support student achievement
• How failing to connect these parts of the IEP can lead to a plan that lacks cohesion and effectiveness

Plus, Jennifer introduces her resource, Write Better PLAAF Statements, which offers 179 professionally written examples across 20 areas of need to help you craft clear, professional PLAAF statements. You can grab it by clicking the link in the show notes.

Resource Mentioned:

• Write Better PLAAF Statements – Get access to 179 sample PLAAF statements to strengthen your IEPs.

Tune in and discover how connecting all the dots in your IEP will ensure your students get the most from their plans.

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