day 224: my proposed IEP

When composing an IEP, it is crucial to first point out all of the student's positive strides forward.  

He can write all of his letters.  She can rote count to 20.  He can rhyme pairs of words.   

When the areas of concern are mentioned, it is important to continue to show hope and encouragement.

I think everyone could use an IEP.  

Based on a recent assessment given, you are doing a fabulous job with your family.  Your kids are thriving, you are maintaining your relationships, and people can depend on you.  You have not mastered certain skills, like being 100 percent on your game all of the time, but you are working hard and doing your best.

Yeah, I would surely sign off on that one.

13 comments

Minna | March 31, 2010 at 5:57 AM

we are so on the same page. i was just thinking that if i applied all the same skills that i would use in helping a student achieve his full potential to my own life, perhaps i could accomplish some of the goals that i haven't reached yet. i literally thought of an IEP for my life. perhaps it's an Individualized Existence Plan.

Clothilda | March 31, 2010 at 6:04 AM

i agree. far too often we address the negative actions and behaviors and fail to acknowledge all of the wonderful things we (and/or others) are doing well. hmmm, thanks for the idea.

Kazzy | March 31, 2010 at 7:08 AM

Lynn- I love it!

C- so true.

Barbaloot | March 31, 2010 at 9:05 AM

I just did one ofthese for myself the other day---kind of an attempt to motivate myself to do even better. If I AM all of those things, then I CAN BE other things I want.

Valerie | March 31, 2010 at 12:08 PM

Great thoughts! I've been kind of stuck in a negative rut...I think I need an IEP right now! :)

Robin | March 31, 2010 at 1:15 PM

I have a difficult time acknowledging what's going right because I am always trying to fix what's not.

Sabine Berlin | March 31, 2010 at 2:22 PM

I think I needed to read this today. Thanks! I am going to go make me an IEP!

Lara Neves | March 31, 2010 at 3:53 PM

Love it. Also love the Individualized Existence Plan name from Minna.

wendy | March 31, 2010 at 6:36 PM

Husband #2 teaches special ed...and I am familiar with IEP's.
YUP.....we could all use them
someone to tell us what we are doing well
the things we can improve on
and goals for the future.

an IEP...........good idea

Charlotte | March 31, 2010 at 8:43 PM

I need to write myself an IEP, too.

Heidi | April 1, 2010 at 9:43 AM

It's like the o'l feedback sandwhich where you say positive things at the beginning and the end with the bad news in the middle. People actually remember what is said first and last better than they remember what's in the middle, leaving them with warm fuzzy feelings (which is why it's good to have the bad stuff in writing to read when they get home with an open, warm, fuzzy, mind). I have said this before but I surely wish you had been the Big Guy's teacher, pretty much for always.

Heather | April 1, 2010 at 11:45 PM

Reading that yellow part has giving me a new goal, I want to be able to say that about myself.

Lola Sharp | April 4, 2010 at 5:57 PM

Word.

Love this!