The Intentional IEP Podcast
The Intentional IEP Podcast helps special education teachers navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs. Host Stephanie DeLussey, a dual-certified special education teacher and IEP coach, breaks down the process into actionable steps. Each episode covers topics like writing legally compliant IEP goals, data collection, accommodations, and running effective IEP meetings. The show aims to reduce overwhelm and make special education documentation more manageable.
Episodes
E76. 7 Parts of a Prior Written Notice
Prior Written Notices are a required part of the special education process, but writing them clearly can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to make sure every decision is documented correctly.In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the seven required parts of a Prior Written Notice and explains how to write each section in a way that clearly reflects the IEP team's decision-making pr
E75. Inviting Parents to the IEP Meeting
Sending a parent invite to an IEP meeting is more than another compliance task. It is one of the first opportunities to make sure families have a clear and accessible way to participate as members of the IEP team.In this episode, Stephanie breaks down best practices for parent participation and communication throughout the IEP process, including:The different ways parents can participate in IEP me
E74. Writing Progress Reports That Won't Get Flagged in Due Process
Progress reports are more than another piece of IEP paperwork. They show whether a student is making progress toward their goals, help teams make informed instructional decisions, and give families a clear picture of where their child started and where they are now.In this episode, Stephanie discusses how to write progress reports that are specific, data driven, and clearly connected to the studen
E73. Supporting New Een Ed Teachers on Your Team
New general education teachers may be learning how to manage their classroom while also figuring out accommodations, goals, SDI, behavior supports, and everything else that comes with supporting students with IEPs.In this episode, Stephanie shares how special education teachers can help new gen ed teachers feel more confident as members of the IEP team. She discusses:Why gen ed teachers’ curriculu
E72. Compensatory Education: What Every Special Education Teacher Needs to Know
Compensatory education can feel confusing, especially when a student has missed services or an IEP has not been fully implemented. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what compensatory education actually means, when it may be considered, and why the focus should be on educational impact rather than simply counting missed minutes.In this episode, Stephanie discusses:What compensatory education i
E71. When Parents Want More Restrictive Placement Than the Team Recommends
When a parent wants a more restrictive placement than the IEP team recommends, it can be difficult to know how to respond. In this episode, we’re looking at why parents may request a more restrictive setting, how to listen for the concern underneath the request, and what data teams should consider when making placement decisions.In this episode, Stephanie discusses:Why parents may request a more r
E70. Collecting Baseline Data: The Most Important Step Before Writing an IEP
Before writing an IEP goal, teams need to know exactly where a student is starting. In this episode, we’re looking at what baseline data is, why it should be collected with and without supports, and how it helps teams write more meaningful, individualized goals.In this episode, Stephanie discusses:What makes baseline data objective, measurable, and usefulHow data with and without supports can info
E69. Transition planning before it’s legally required
Transition planning may be required in the later school years, but the skills students need for life after graduation begin developing much earlier. Stephanie shares why self-advocacy should be intentionally taught from PreK through high school and how everyday opportunities can help students build the skills they need to communicate, make choices, and advocate for themselves.In this episode, we c
E68. SDI vs. Accommodations vs. Interventions
SDI, accommodations, and interventions are terms we hear constantly in special education but they are often used interchangeably. Understanding the difference matters because each serves a different purpose when supporting students.In this episode, we break down what each one means, how they differ, and how they can work together to support student success.Stephanie unpacks:What specially designed
E67. How to Send Home a Draft IEP
Sending home a draft IEP before the meeting can create more meaningful collaboration and give families the time they need to review the proposed plan, process the information, and come prepared with questions.In this episode, Stephanie discusses:What a draft IEP is and how to send one home appropriatelyWhy draft IEPs can improve parent participationHow to avoid predetermination and invite meaningf
E66. What to Do When an IEP Isn't Being Followed
An IEP is a legally binding document that ensures a student receives the supports they need to access their education. But what happens when those supports are not actually being implemented in the classroom?In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what IEP non-compliance can look like in real settings, how to tell the difference between a one-time issue and a pattern, and what steps teachers and fa
E65. How to Tell If an IEP Goal Is Too Ambitious (Without Guessing)
One of the most common questions special education teachers ask is, "Is this IEP goal too ambitious?" The answer isn't based on a feeling or a percentage that sounds right. It's found in the data.In this episode, Stephanie explains how to use baseline data, previous IEP progress, and student growth patterns to write goals that are both realistic and appropriately challenging. Instead of relying on
E64. Why IEP Meeting Agendas Are Often Overlooked (And Why You Need One)
IEP meetings can quickly feel unorganized or reactive when there is no clear structure in place. While agendas are often treated as optional or overlooked altogether, they play a critical role in keeping meetings focused, compliant, and productive for everyone at the table.In this episode Stephanie breaks down why IEP meeting agendas matter, what should be included based on meeting type, and how t
E63. Building an IEP System That Survives Teacher Turnover
If your IEP system only works because you are the one holding it all together, it is not actually a system yet. It is a dependency. And that is exactly what leads to burnout when staff changes happen, caseloads shift, or someone new steps into the role.In this episode Stephanie breaks down what it really takes to build an IEP system that does not fall apart when people change, including the types
E62. When Behavior Goals Should Replace Academic Ones
When academic goals are in place but a student still can’t access instruction, it may be behavior—not academics—that needs to be addressed first. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how to recognize when behavior is the real barrier to learning, when it’s appropriate to shift IEP priorities, and how to use data to guide those decisions.In this episode, Stephanie discusses:The difference between
E61. Come Prepared: What General Education Teachers Need to Bring to an IEP Meeting
In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie is talking about what general education teachers should bring to every IEP meeting. While special education teachers often lead the meeting, general education teachers play a critical role in making informed decisions. The key is coming prepared with data, not just observations.In this episode, you'll learn:Why general education teachers sh
E60. Standards-Aligned IEP Goals (Without Doing It Wrong)
Writing standards-aligned IEP goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told to align goals to grade-level standards without being shown what that actually looks like in practice.In this episode, we're breaking down a simple framework for aligning IEP goals to state standards while keeping them individualized and appropriate for each student's needs.Stephanie covers:• Why standards-
E59. From Panic to Prepared: Your Step-by-Step System for Getting Ready for an IEP Meeting
Do you ever look at your calendar and realize an IEP meeting is coming up much faster than expected?In this episode, we're breaking down a step-by-step system for preparing for IEP meetings without the last-minute stress and scrambling. From scheduling the meeting and gathering team input to writing present levels, developing goals, and preparing families, you'll learn how to create a process that
E58. Stop the Chaos: Systems for Communicating with Multiple Paraprofessionals
In this episode, Stephanie is talking about simple systems that help special education teachers communicate more effectively with paraprofessionals, reduce confusion, and create stronger team collaboration throughout the school day.She shares:Why communication systems matter more than constant conversationsWays to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independenceS
Special Education Teachers: This Is for You
Summer is the best time to get ahead before the school year starts.That’s why we created the Summer PD Series.This is practical professional development for special education teachers who want strategies they can use right away. With over 50+ trainings, you’ll get expert-led sessions focused on IEPs, behavior, data collection, collaboration, and student success.Everything is built to help you walk
E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents (Without Panic)
Talking to parents about a lack of progress is one of the most challenging parts of being a special education teacher. When you've been working hard, collecting data, and providing support, it can be difficult to explain that a student isn't growing as expected.In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach these conversations with confidence, use data effectively, and collaborate with families
E56. The Top 5 Self-Reflection Questions Teachers Should Ask at the End of the Year
The school year is over. The desks are empty, the paperwork is done, and for the first time in a long time… there’s space to pause.Not the kind tied to compliance checklists, evaluation goals, or guilt. Real reflection. The kind that helps you figure out what actually worked this year, what left you overwhelmed, and what needs to change so next year feels lighter.If you’re a special educator carry
E55. 3 Benefits of Sending a Draft IEP Home Before the Meeting
IEP meetings can quickly become overwhelming when families are seeing everything for the first time at the table. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down why draft IEPs are one of the most effective tools for creating smoother meetings, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful parent participation.In this episode, Stephanie:• Explains what a draft IEP actually is and why it should be used as a c
E54. Fading Prompts + the Prompt Hierarchy: What Every Special Ed Teacher Needs to Know
If a student can only complete a task when an adult steps in, are we teaching the skill… or teaching dependence? In this episode, Stephanie is unpacking the prompt hierarchy, prompt dependency, and what it actually looks like to fade support in a way that builds real student independence.With practical examples and easy-to-apply strategies, this episode will have you rethinking the way prompting s
E53. From Control to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Roadmap for Transforming Student Behavior
If student behavior has been leaving you feeling stuck, this episode is one to lean into. This conversation challenges the way we’ve been taught to think about discipline and offers a shift that actually supports long-term change, not just quick fixes.In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Nathan Maynard to break down what it really means to be trauma-informed and how moving from control to conne
E52. What If a Student Needs a Different LRE?
LRE conversations can feel heavy, especially when you’re trying to figure out if a student’s current placement is actually working. This episode walks through how to approach those decisions with clarity and confidence so they’re based on what the student truly needs.In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what Least Restrictive Environment really means and how to know when a change might be necess
E51. Labels Don’t Equal Placement: Making Meaningful LRE Decisions That Match Student Needs
If you’ve ever walked out of an LRE meeting knowing the decision didn’t fully make sense, this episode is for you.Whitney and Stephanie get into the side of placement conversations people don’t always say out loud. A diagnosis should never be the reason a student ends up in a certain setting, but it happens all the time. And so does the “we’ve always done it this way” thinking.They talk through wh
E50. IEP Amendements 101
IEP amendments are one of the most effective ways to make timely changes to a student’s plan without waiting for the annual meeting. In this episode, Stephanie breaks down how to use amendments to keep IEPs accurate, responsive, and aligned with what students actually need.In this episode, Stephanie covers:what an IEP amendment is and how it workswhen an amendment should be used instead of waiting
E49. 11 IEP Writing Mistakes and How to Fix Them
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
E48. Test-Taking Accommodations: What’s Allowed, What Works, and Why It Matters
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.
E47. What to Do When Parents Disagree with the IEP Team
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, p
E46. Managing Special Ed Paperwork Without the Overwhelm
Paperwork is one of the biggest sources of stress for special education teachers. It’s not just writing IEPs. It’s data logs, service minutes, progress reports, behavior documentation, meeting notes, emails, and reevaluation timelines. Without a clear system, it can quickly start to feel like you’re always behind.In this episode, Stephanie shares a training pulled directly from The Intentional IEP
E45. 9 Types of Lesson Adaptations Every SPED Teacher Should Know
Lesson adaptations are one of the most practical tools teachers can use, yet they are often confused with accommodations and modifications. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, we talk about how small, intentional adjustments can help students access the same content as their peers.Instead of relying on the same few strategies, expanding your toolbox gives you more ways to support stude
E44. Test Taking Strategies
In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that can bring up a lot of mixed feelings in the special education world: test taking.Benchmark assessments, state testing, and standardized exams can feel overwhelming and sometimes disconnected from what matters most in SPED. But here’s the shift we’re making today. We are not teaching to the test. We are teaching students how to show what they know.
E43. Prioritizing IEP Goals
You sit down to plan your week, look at your caseload, and immediately feel the pressure. Communication goals. Reading fluency. Fine motor. Math facts. Social skills. Behavior. All of it matters. But how are you supposed to work on everything without burning out?In this episode Stephanie tackles the question every special educator asks at some point: How do we actually prioritize IEP goals when ti
E42. Helping Students Build Independence
Stephanie brings listeners into one of the most important skills we can teach our students independence. It’s not about making our lives easier or stepping back because we’re tired. It’s about helping students gain confidence, take initiative, and develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.In this episode, she shares practical strategies to guide students toward doing
E41. Top 6 Special Education Books for Teachers
In this episode, Stephanie shares the books she returns to again and again — resources that have helped her understand IEPs, advocate confidently, partner with schools, and support children with special needs in real and meaningful ways. Top 6 Books: The Intentional IEP BookThe Special Needs School Survival GuideParents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: The Dance That Ma
E40. Maintaining Current Skill Levels for Mastered Goals
Have you ever had a student master an IEP goal, only to come back later and realize that skill didn’t stick?In this episode, Stephanie talks through why skill regression happens after mastery and what teachers can do to maintain IEP goals in ways that actually fit into the school day. This conversation focuses on keeping skills active, supporting generalization, and helping students carry what the
E39. The Power of IEP Impact Statements
One short paragraph can make or break an IEP. And yet impact statements are often rushed, copied forward, or treated like filler.In this episode Stephanie breaks down IEP impact statements in a way that actually makes them useful, meaningful, and legally sound. You’ll learn what an impact statement really is, why it matters so much, and how to write one that clearly connects a student’s disability
E38. Special Ed Law: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re a veteran teacher, a parent, or brand new to special education, the law matters. It shapes eligibility decisions, service delivery, and what happens when teams disagree. Understanding it is not optional, and it does not have to feel overwhelming either.In this episode, Ashley Barlow, attorney and advocate, breaks down IDEA in clear, practical terms.We cover eligibility, district res
E37. Understanding the LRE: The Least Restrictive Environment Explained
Stephanie breaks down LRE and why most of what we assume about placement is wrong. LRE isn’t about keeping students in general education or giving “less support.” It’s about creating the environment where each student can make real progress with the supports they need.In this episode, Stephanie covers:What LRE really means and why one-size-fits-all placement doesn’t workThe LRE continuum, from gen
EP36. 5 Misconceptions About Student Behavior
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the top 5 misconceptions about student behavior and shows you how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn why kids aren’t “just seeking attention,” why it’s not defiance, and why punishment alone won’t stop behavior.Stephanie shares simple, actionable strategies you can use immediately, from tracking what happens before a behavior with an ABC stic
E35. End of the Year Pep Talk for Special Ed Teachers
If no one has told you lately, you’re doing the impossible every day. This episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast is a reminder of the incredible work special education teachers do. Whether you’re navigating IEPs, managing behaviors, or just figuring it all out as you go, this episode is for you.Special education teachers aren’t “just” teachers. You are advocates, difference makers, and lifelines.
E34. Breaking Down Student Self Advocacy
What if the most powerful thing a student learned wasn’t academic but how to speak up for themselves? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what self-advocacy looks like in practice and how it can be taught at every age.Self-advocacy is a skill that helps students understand their needs, know their rights, and take action to access supports in school, work, and daily l
E33. Choosing the Right Accommodations + Modifications with Tim
Choosing the right accommodations and modifications can feel overwhelming, but they are essential for student access and meaningful participation. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, pulled from our members-only vault, Stephanie and guest Tim explain how to identify, locate, and select the most effective supports and connect them to the rest of the IEP.In this episode, Stephanie:Explai
E32. 7 Ways to Be More Inclusive in the Classroom
What if inclusion does not start with a schedule or a seating chart but with your next small decision? In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie explores what real inclusion looks like and how it can be practiced every day.Inclusion is a mindset and a series of intentional choices that help every student feel seen, supported, and able to access learning.In this episode, Stephanie:S
E31. Making Data Driven Decisions
If your IEP binder is full but you’re still unsure whether your students are actually making progress, this episode is for you. Stephanie dives into the part of the IEP process that’s often ignored: analyzing data. Not just collecting it, but actually using it to guide your next steps.You’ll get a clear, step-by-step system for turning raw data into confident, actionable decisions without spending
E30. Documenting Student Need in the IEP
In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Cortnie to dive into documenting student needs in the IEP. Pulled straight from The Intentional IEP membership, this conversation breaks down how to identify a child’s specific needs and document them in a way that’s clear, meaningful, and actionable.Stephanie and Cortnie use real, concrete examples to walk through a blank IEP, showing exactly what to incl
E29. The Different Types of IEP Data Explained
Ever feel like you’re collecting a lot of data but not sure if it’s actually useful? You’re not alone. Many special education teachers, service providers, and IEP team members struggle with understanding which data matters most and how to use it effectively.In this episode, we break down the ten types of data you should know. You’ll learn what each type is, why it matters, and how it can help you
E28. The Crucial Role Gen Ed Teachers Play in IEPs
If you’re a general education teacher, you carry a lot—lesson plans, classroom management, and the needs of every learner who walks through your door. But when it comes to IEPs, it can be easy to feel unsure of your role or even overlooked.In this episode, Stephanie brings both general and special education teachers into the conversation to talk about what real collaboration looks like. She shares
E27. How to Build IEP Teams That Support Students
Today we’re talking about something that often gets overlooked but makes all the difference in how your classroom runs. Team building. It’s not something that always shows up in your IEP goals or service minutes, but you feel it when it’s missing. When the team isn’t clicking, when paras don’t feel supported, when everyone’s running in their own lane, it shows.The truth is, your team needs to clic
E26. How to Assess Student Behavior Effectively
If you’ve ever felt unsure about why a student is acting out or how to best support their needs, this episode will help you make sense of it all.Stephanie shares practical ways to assess student behavior with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re prepping for an FBA, tracking classroom behaviors, or trying to figure out what’s really going on with a student, this conversation will help you take m
E25. How to Write Trauma Informed Practices into IEPs
In this episode, Stephanie welcomes Nichole for an important conversation about keeping trauma informed practices in IEPs. This episode is pulled straight from the members only training vault, giving you a peek inside one of the powerful conversations usually reserved for members.Together, they explore what it truly means to be trauma informed and why this understanding is essential in today’s cla
E24. What Qualifies a Child for an IEP?
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down one of the biggest questions in special education: how does a student actually get an IEP? She explains what begins the process, what signs to look for, and what happens during and after the evaluation.Whether you are a teacher noticing ongoing challenges or a parent wondering if your child needs extra support, Stephanie walks through the path from concern to
E23. 3 Ways AI Can Help Special Education Teachers (Without Taking Your Job)
AI is everywhere in education right now, and it’s easy to feel unsure about it. Today, we break down practical ways it can support your work without taking over your role.In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, we look at three ways AI can help special education teachers — from IEP writing to lesson planning and daily systems — all while keeping your professional expertise and heart at the
E22. 7 Misconceptions Teachers Have About Data Collection
If you’ve ever thought, Am I collecting enough data? Am I even doing this right? Does this even count as progress monitoring? You’re not alone. Data collection is one of the biggest stress points for special education teachers, and much of that stress comes from common myths.In this episode, Stephanie tackles 5 of the biggest misconceptions about data collection and progress monitoring. From the p
E21. Understanding the Different Types of IEP Meetings
Not all IEP meetings are created equal — and knowing the differences can make the entire process smoother for you and for families. In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, Stephanie walks through the most common types of IEP meetings, what to expect in each, and how to prepare so every conversation feels purposeful and productive.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:The most commo
E20. What Legally Has to Be in Every IEP
If you’ve ever wondered what absolutely must be in every IEP you write — whether it’s your first or your 400th — this episode is for you. Stephanie breaks down the 8 legally required components of an IEP under IDEA, plus a few bonus considerations that often get overlooked but are just as important.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:Why present levels set the stage for everything elseHow to w
E19. Changing Your Mindset About Challenging Student Behavior
This episode might look a little different, but Stephanie is excited to give listeners a peek into one of the expert guest trainings from The Intentional IEP. Stephanie sits down with Sam to tackle changing your mindset about challenging student behaviors and explore practical strategies for managing behavior in the classroom.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How to shift your perspective on chal
E18. The Problem with 80% Accuracy in 3 of 4 Trials
That phrase on IEPs — “80% accuracy in 3 out of 4 trials” — doesn’t actually measure mastery. On today's episode, Stephanie breaks down why this one-size-fits-all approach is a red flag, what it does to your data, and how to write mastery criteria that actually matter.You’ll get real examples, reflection questions, and strategies for creating goals that guide instruction and track meaningful progr
E17. 10+ Things Not to Say in an IEP Meeting
We spend so much time preparing for IEP meetings—writing goals, gathering data, pulling everything together—yet when we finally sit down at the table, the words we use can make or break the entire conversation.There are a handful of phrases that can instantly shift the tone of a meeting, and not in a good way. Some of them come out of habit, others because we’re trying to save time or keep things
E16. What Every General Education Teacher Needs to Know
If you teach in a general education classroom, this episode is for you. Students with IEPs are in your class every day, and knowing how to read, understand, and use those IEPs makes a real difference—for your students and for your teaching. This episode gives you practical, clear guidance to feel confident supporting every learner.Here’s what we’ll cover together:What inclusion really means (and w
E15. Goals VS Objectives VS Benchmarks
Let’s be honest — writing IEP goals can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between annual goals, objectives, and benchmarks. In this episode, Stephanie breaks it all down so you can finally feel confident and clear about what you’re writing and why it matters.Stephanie shares real-life examples from math, reading, and writing, and walks throug
E14. SDI Implementation
Ever catch yourself wondering, “Am I actually doing SDI the way I’m supposed to?” Stephanie’s got you covered in this episode. She breaks down what SDI really means, how it’s different from accommodations or just good teaching, and what you need to make it work for your students.SDI is all about giving students instruction that’s tailored to their unique needs and directly tied to their IEP goals.
E13. A Better Way to Schedule Your Day in Special Education
Let's talk about the one thing you always need more of: time. In this episode, Stephanie walks through how to intentionallycreate a schedule that supports your students and protects your time. Whether you're in a self-contained, resource, or inclusion setting, you'll hear strategies to make your day run more smoothly without sacrificing your evenings.Scheduling isn’t just about plugging things int
E12. 3 Things to Do at Back to School Time
In this episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast, host Stephanie cuts through the noise and gets straight to what actually helps at the start of the school year. No fluff. No perfectionism. Just three grounded, practical strategies that special education teachers can put into place right now.These aren’t new ideas or trendy hacks—they’re the kind of moves that create real breathing room and better o
E11. 5 Practical Tips for Paraprofessional Collaboration That Works
Paraprofessionals do so much more than we often give them credit for. They're not just an extra set of hands—they’re part of the backbone of our classrooms. But even with the best intentions, collaboration with our paras can fall flat if we don’t take time to build it on purpose.In this episode, Stephanie shares five practical ways to create a stronger, more aligned partnership with your classroom
E10. Using an IEP Goal Bank to Save Time
If you’ve ever stared at a blank IEP and wondered where to start with writing meaningful goals, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most helpful tools for special educators—IEP goal banks.Stephanie breaks down why using a goal bank doesn’t mean IEPs are cookie-cutter. Goal banks give teachers a strong starting point so they can spend less time figuring out what to wri
E9. Using AI Ethically As A Special Education Teacher
What does it really mean to use AI ethically as a special education teacher?AI is everywhere—but how do you use it without losing your professional judgment or risking student privacy? If you’re curious, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you.I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of AI in special education, sharing why AI can support your work but never replace the human con
E8. Setting Up a Sensory Friendly Classroom
What does “sensory-friendly” actually mean?In this episode, we’re breaking down the what, why, and how of creating a sensory-friendly classroom. Spoiler: it’s not about buying all the things—it’s about designing a space that helps students feel safe, supported, and regulated.Every student has a sensory system. And every single one can benefit from a classroom that’s calm, intentional, and responsi
E7. 7 Common Misconceptions About IEPs
In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down some of the most common (and frustrating) misconceptions about IEPs—the ones every special education teacher has heard at some point. If you’ve ever been told “that’s just how it is,” this episode clears the air and sets the record straight.What You’ll Learn:Why special education does not mean separate educationWhat happens when an IEP needs to be change
E6. Teaching with Intention During ESY
In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach teaching during Extended School Year (ESY) with purpose and clarity. If you're walking into a summer classroom wondering what to actually teach, this episode breaks it all down—so your time is meaningful, manageable, and data-driven.What You’ll Learn: The true purpose of ESY (hint: it’s not content coverage) Where to start with each student’s IEP H
E5. Accommodations vs. Modifications
Accommodations and modifications aren’t the same thing—and knowing the difference is key to providing the right support. In this episode, Stephanie is breaking down what each one means, how they impact student learning, and why getting it right in the IEP matters.Here’s what you’ll hear:The difference between how a student learns vs. what they’re expected to learnClear examples of accommodations a
E4. The Importance of Analyzing IEP Data
In this episode, Stephanie dives into one of the most common questions she hears from educators: “How many data points do I actually need?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, she walks listeners through how to think about data collection in a way that’s practical and purposeful.She also reminds teams that analyzing data shouldn’t just happen once a year. It’s something that should be sched
E3. The Different Types of IEP Goal Criteria
In today's episode, Stephanie breaks down 7 different types of IEP goal criteria and explains how to use them effectively. She walks through concrete examples to help you understand how to measure student success.Stephanie covers criteria like accuracy, frequency, duration, and more, while reminding listeners that mastery means a student can perform the skill across different settings, materials,
E2. Specially Designed Instruction
In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the core of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters. Hint: accommodations like extra time or special seating don’t count as SDI.She walks through the three essential elements of SDI: the what (content), the how (methodology), and the who/where/when (delivery). Stephanie also clears up the difference between SDI and d
E1. Extended School Year (ESY) Determination
Welcome to the first episode of The Intentional IEP Podcast!In today’s episode, we’re kicking things off by diving into Extended School Year (ESY) and what it truly means for students with IEPs. We’ll walk through the criteria for determining eligibility and explore why ESY services are so important in helping students maintain their progress and prevent regression.We'll also address some of the c
The Intentional IEP Podcast with Stephanie DeLussey
I vividly remember being a special education classroom teacher, and every single one of my memories revolves around IEPs. Whether it was sitting at my desk staring at my screen trying to come up with IEP goals, writing the IEP the night before the meeting, or drowning in piles and piles of what seemed like never ending paperwork… I always knew I wanted to make a difference, to truly support my stu
