Season 2 Episode 6: This Advocate's 10 Point IEP Specificity Checklist
Ever wish you knew what an advocate was going to look for in your student’s IEP?
Are you curious about what makes an IEP strong and specific?
In this episode, advocate and former school speech-language pathologist, Colleen Ashford M.S. SLP, shares her basic 10-point checklist to evaluate the quality of IEPs, ensuring the document gives a complete and humanizing picture of the unique student in order to truly provide the student a free and appropriate education. She also gets into the reason an IEP needs to “pass the stranger test” and be readable and understandable by anyone unfamiliar with the student.
Why robust present levels are the foundation of a solid IEP
The importance of accurately documenting parent input and concerns in the correct section
Why the Assistive Technology section of Special Factors should not be blank
Developing clear, measurable goals with short-term objectives and baselines
How to specify accommodations and testing modifications to pass the stranger test
The significance of detailed minutes broken down by academic areas for transition planning
How to create specific, “paint-by-numbers” IEPs rather than basic coloring pages
The importance of consistent progress reporting, more than 2x a year
Get the Check-list:
Connect with Colleen Ashford:
This episode equips advocates, parents, and educators with practical tools to assess and improve IEPs, ensuring they are comprehensive, personalized, and legally sound. Whether you're reviewing new drafts or preparing for meetings, these insights will help you advocate more effectively.
Colleen is not a lawyer and this podcast is not legal or medical advice.
