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The Intentional IEP Podcast

The Intentional IEP Podcast

Stephanie DeLussey 69 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

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

E68. SDI vs. Accommodations vs. Interventions
E68. SDI vs. Accommodations vs. Interventions Aug 17, 2026 12:06 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
E67. How to Send Home a Draft IEP Aug 10, 2026 15:55 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
E66. What to Do When an IEP Isn't Being Followed Aug 3, 2026 22:01 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)
E65. How to Tell If an IEP Goal Is Too Ambitious (Without Guessing) Jul 27, 2026 12:38 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)
E64. Why IEP Meeting Agendas Are Often Overlooked (And Why You Need One) Jul 20, 2026 10:55 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
E63. Building an IEP System That Survives Teacher Turnover Jul 13, 2026 18:57 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
E62. When Behavior Goals Should Replace Academic Ones Jul 6, 2026 25:10 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
E61. Come Prepared: What General Education Teachers Need to Bring to an IEP Meeting Jun 29, 2026 10:04 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)
E60. Standards-Aligned IEP Goals (Without Doing It Wrong) Jun 22, 2026 13:05 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
E59. From Panic to Prepared: Your Step-by-Step System for Getting Ready for an IEP Meeting Jun 15, 2026 17:56 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
E58. Stop the Chaos: Systems for Communicating with Multiple Paraprofessionals Jun 8, 2026 18:19 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 conversations• Ways to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independe
Special Education Teachers: This Is for You
Special Education Teachers: This Is for You Jun 5, 2026 01:12 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

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