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PODCAST

The Intentional IEP Podcast

Stephanie DeLussey

Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process? The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education. Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom

education education for kids

All Episodes

16:05

E74. Writing Progress Reports That Won't Get Flagged...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/09/28

Progress reports are more than another piece of IEP paperwork. They show whether a student is making progress toward their goals, help teams make informed instructional decisions, and give families a clear picture of where their child started and where they are now.In this episode, Stephanie discusses how to write progress reports that are specific, data driven, and clearly connected to the student's IEP goals.Stephanie discusses:What data to include to clearly show student progress over timeThree

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15:43

E73. Supporting New Een Ed Teachers on Your Team

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/09/21

New general education teachers may be learning how to manage their classroom while also figuring out accommodations, goals, SDI, behavior supports, and everything else that comes with supporting students with IEPs.In this episode, Stephanie shares how special education teachers can help new gen ed teachers feel more confident as members of the IEP team. She discusses:Why gen ed teachers’ curriculum expertise is essential to the IEP teamSimple ways to share IEP information without overwhelming a new

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16:58

E72. Compensatory Education: What Every Special...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/09/14

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 is and what it is notHow data and documentation help teams determine educational impactWhat teachers need

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16:20

E71. When Parents Want More Restrictive Placement...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/09/07

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 restrictive placementHow to look beyond the placement request and understand the underlying concernWhat

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11:45

E70. Collecting Baseline Data: The Most Important...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/08/31

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 inform IEP decisionsHow baseline data guides goal writing and progress monitoringA strong baseline isn’t

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11:58

E69. Transition planning before it’s legally required

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/08/24

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 cover:What transition really means and why it goes beyond employment and graduationHow self-advocacy can

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12:06

E68. SDI vs. Accommodations vs. Interventions

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/08/17

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 instruction (SDI) is and what it looks like in practiceHow accommodations provide access without

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15:55

E67. How to Send Home a Draft IEP

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/08/10

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 meaningful feedbackIf you’re looking for ways to make your IEP meetings more collaborative and family-centered,

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22:01

E66. What to Do When an IEP Isn't Being Followed

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/08/03

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 families can take to address concerns while keeping the focus on student access and progress.In this

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12:38

E65. How to Tell If an IEP Goal Is Too Ambitious...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/07/27

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 opinions or guesswork, you'll learn how to use data to make confident goal writing decisions.In this

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10:55

E64. Why IEP Meeting Agendas Are Often Overlooked...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/07/20

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 they help teams stay aligned and confident throughout the process.In this episode you'll learn:Why IEP

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18:57

E63. Building an IEP System That Survives Teacher...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/07/13

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 of burnout that show up when systems are missing and the key shifts that create long term consistency

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25:10

E62. When Behavior Goals Should Replace Academic Ones

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/07/06

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 academic and behavior goals in an IEPSigns behavior is preventing access to instructionHow to use data

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10:04

E61. Come Prepared: What General Education Teachers...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/29

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 should bring data on IEP goals, accommodations, and classroom performance.How simple data collection leads

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13:05

E60. Standards-Aligned IEP Goals (Without Doing It...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/22

Writing standards-aligned IEP goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told to align goals to grade-level standards without being shown what that actually looks like in practice.In this episode, we're breaking down a simple framework for aligning IEP goals to state standards while keeping them individualized and appropriate for each student's needs.Stephanie covers:• Why standards-aligned does not mean copying and pasting a state standard into an IEP goal• How to use baseline data,

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17:56

E59. From Panic to Prepared: Your Step-by-Step System...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/15

Do you ever look at your calendar and realize an IEP meeting is coming up much faster than expected?In this episode, we're breaking down a step-by-step system for preparing for IEP meetings without the last-minute stress and scrambling. From scheduling the meeting and gathering team input to writing present levels, developing goals, and preparing families, you'll learn how to create a process that keeps you organized and confident every step of the way.If you're tired of feeling rushed before every

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18:19

E58. Stop the Chaos: Systems for Communicating with...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/08

In this episode, Stephanie is talking about simple systems that help special education teachers communicate more effectively with paraprofessionals, reduce confusion, and create stronger team collaboration throughout the school day.She shares:• Why communication systems matter more than constant conversations• Ways to create visual communication systems that reduce questions and increase independence• Strategies for building a culture of open communication and feedbackWhether you're working with one

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01:12

Special Education Teachers: This Is for You

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/05

Summer is the best time to get ahead before the school year starts.That’s why we created the Summer PD Series.This is practical professional development for special education teachers who want strategies they can use right away. With over 50+ trainings, you’ll get expert-led sessions focused on IEPs, behavior, data collection, collaboration, and student success.Everything is built to help you walk into the new school year prepared, confident, and ready.Join the Summer PD Series

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19:21

E57. How to Explain Lack of Progress to Parents...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/06/01

Talking to parents about a lack of progress is one of the most challenging parts of being a special education teacher. When you've been working hard, collecting data, and providing support, it can be difficult to explain that a student isn't growing as expected.In this episode, Stephanie shares how to approach these conversations with confidence, use data effectively, and collaborate with families to determine the best next steps.Stephanie covers:What progress really means within an IEPWhy

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10:05

E56. The Top 5 Self-Reflection Questions Teachers...

The Intentional IEP Podcast ·

2026/05/25

The school year is over. The desks are empty, the paperwork is done, and for the first time in a long time… there’s space to pause.Not the kind tied to compliance checklists, evaluation goals, or guilt. Real reflection. The kind that helps you figure out what actually worked this year, what left you overwhelmed, and what needs to change so next year feels lighter.If you’re a special educator carrying the weight of IEPs, behavior support, data collection, meetings, communication, and constant problem

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