A truly comprehensive, teacher- and parent-friendly guide to
creating clear and effective IEPs
With the skyrocketing diagnoses of ADHD, autism spectrum
disorders, and related conditions in U.S. schools, there is a
growing need for information on creating effective IEPs for
exceptional students. The IEP From A to Z is a step-by-step
guide showing teachers and parents how to get the right education
plan in place for students with ADHD, Autism/Asperger’s,
Emotional/Behavioral Disturbance, and related conditions.
* Provides easy-to-understand explanations of the special
education process along with a wealth of sample effective IEPs
* Explains what is most important for educators and parents to
keep in mind during IEP development
* Provides content area-specific sample goal and objective
templates, general teaching tips for maintaining the IEP, and
useful resources
From nationally recognized experts in the special education
field, this book guides readers through the process of writing
thoughtful, intelligent Individualized Education Plans that deliver
high-quality, need-based educational programming to exceptional
students.
Table of Content
Acknowledgments ix
The Authors xi
Authors’ Note xiii
Foreword xv
Introduction 1
Part One: Essential Elements of the Iep
1 Past Perspectives and Present Practices 7
2 The ”Gold Standard” for Setting Goals and Measuring Progress 15
3 Setups for Successful Performance 23
4 Methodology: No Longer a Sacred Cow 31
5 Scaffolding Student Success 41
6 The Case for Generalization 53
7 Getting to the Heart of the Matter: How to Write Meaningful Goals and Objectives 59
8 Measuring Student Performance: More than a Simple ”Numbers Game” 69
9 In the Shadow of No Child Left Behind 77
Part Two: Moving From Theory to Practice
10 Tools for Assessment and Decision Making 87
11 Comprehension: The Power That Fuels Expression 97
12 The Many Different Faces of Expression 111
13 All Things Social 131
14 Executive Function: The Pinnacle of Cognitive Development 149
15 Critical Thinking: An Essential Life Skill 165
Epilogue 179
Appendix A: Tips for Teaching Skill Development and Generalization 183
Appendix B: Helpful Teaching Resources 187
References 193
Index 197
About the author
Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a communication disorders specialist and licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Autism Spectrum Quarterly. Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a communication disorders specialist and licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in working with students with autism, emotional/behavioral disturbance, and related communication and language impairments.