As we head into Spring, it’s time for all things Special Education related to begin the planning process for next year. Sure it may seem a bit early, however, there are a number of seasonal “to dos” that are important to review at this time of the year. Here are a few:
MOTIVATION: It’s time to re-think and review your child’s behavior plan, motivational system, or overall program for Spring is a great time to add new elements to the mix. Often, the tried and true systems have worn thin and now, is a great time to consider updating programs including:
Behavior Plans may need new targets, updated rewards, and inspirational goals to work toward; this is critical if there are patterns that are demonstrating there is a need for an adjustment.
Instructional Programs may need to be reviewed at this time for a number of students are needing to experience something all together different; creating activities based upon interests may create the “hook” that is needed. There are also a number of online programs which may be a great supplement for kids like IXL math or ALEKS.
ESY (Extended School Year): Some students on the IEP trail need additional support during the summer. Now is the time for the IEP Team to review if there is a likelihood that your son or daughter would benefit from ESY support during the break. This is most important for kids who would typically lose a significant amount of learning during the summer months and the drop off creates a greater challenge in the Fall. You will want to review this consideration with your IEP team now. Regression is the over-arching theme within this discussion.
IEP UPDATES: As schools change programs, as well as families often move from one year to another, it is important for the current IEP to reflect the “present levels of performance” so next year’s team can implement the IEP from day one with the most updated snapshot of his or her program. I strongly recommend that parents bring this concern up to the team in the Spring to assure the Present Levels and the Service Matrix of minutes on the IEP present what the current program looks like. Any adjustment doesn’t need a full blown IEP Meeting and can be handled within a IEP amendment between parents and the case manager as long as everyone is on the same page.
PLACEMENT: If you are thinking that your child;s teacher or placement is a critical issue for your son or daughter, then now is a good time to have conversations with your child’s IEP Case Manager and the Principal to assure your concerns are heard and on their radar. Before not too long, it will be summer. So it’s a good practice to be thinking FALL early in the Spring. Also, if your child is transitioning to a new school, like Elementary to Middle School or Middle School to High School, now is a great time to begin transition conversations between the current team and the receiving team (for next year). It is best to put this all in play early to assure there are no loose ends in this important transition process.
Larry