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The Intentional IEP Podcast

The Intentional IEP Podcast

Stephanie DeLussey 69 Episodes Sep 14, 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

E72. Compensatory Education: What Every Special Education Teacher Needs to Know
E72. Compensatory Education: What Every Special Education Teacher Needs to Know Sep 14, 2026 16:58 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
E71. When Parents Want More Restrictive Placement Than the Team Recommends Sep 7, 2026 16:20 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
E70. Collecting Baseline Data: The Most Important Step Before Writing an IEP Aug 31, 2026 11:45 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
E69. Transition planning before it’s legally required Aug 24, 2026 11:58 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
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

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