As IEP time rolls around again I am wondering whether how many of you write IEPs to state testing standards taking NCLB into account and how many write IEPs to the needs of the student. Do you use direct instruction remediation programs or dummied down state standards correlated reading programs?
I am in VA and my middle school did not make full accredidation last year and everyone is pointing the finger at the LD students for bringing down scores.
Barbara
state standards and IEP goals
Hi Barbara,
I am an RSP at elementary level, not secondary, but I can identify with what you are saying, because I too am worried about how the kids are going to do once they have to pass that exit exam to get out of high school. We do write our goals to align to the state standards, and for most of my RSP kids they are usually appropriate, but only because I’ve been using some highpowered intervention programs with them, so most are close to grade level now. This year I was able to push through a one-on-one program for my severe kids, mainly because we too are under sanctions for not meeting our AYP goals, two years in a row now. Again, it seems to be the special needs kids, along with English Language learners, who are pulling down the scores, so I argued, why not do something that has a genuine chance of working? I guess they bought it, so they are leaving me alone to do my thing, instead of insisting (like last year) that I needed to “be in the classroom more” etc.
We have a computerized IEP system this year called “Welligent” that has a goal bank you can use, all aligned to the state standards by grade level. You can even choose goals for lower grade levels, if appropriate. I prefer to write my own goals, based on the needs of the students, however. I spent many years honing my goal writing skills, and I don’t want to lose that ability due to the convenience of technology! I do use state standards in writing the goals, however, I just adapt and combine them to fit both my program (i.e. what the kids are really working on) and their needs. Hope this answers your question!
state standards and IEP goals
Hi Barbara,
I am an RSP at elementary level, not secondary, but I can identify with what you are saying, because I too am worried about how the kids are going to do once they have to pass that exit exam to get out of high school. We do write our goals to align to the state standards, and for most of my RSP kids they are usually appropriate, but only because I’ve been using some highpowered intervention programs with them, so most are close to grade level now. This year I was able to push through a one-on-one program for my severe kids, mainly because we too are under sanctions for not meeting our AYP goals, two years in a row now. Again, it seems to be the special needs kids, along with English Language learners, who are pulling down the scores, so I argued, why not do something that has a genuine chance of working? I guess they bought it, so they are leaving me alone to do my thing, instead of insisting (like last year) that I needed to “be in the classroom more” etc.
We have a computerized IEP system this year called “Welligent” that has a goal bank you can use, all aligned to the state standards by grade level. You can even choose goals for lower grade levels, if appropriate. I prefer to write my own goals, based on the needs of the students, however. I spent many years honing my goal writing skills, and I don’t want to lose that ability due to the convenience of technology! I do use state standards in writing the goals, however, I just adapt and combine them to fit both my program (i.e. what the kids are really working on) and their needs. Hope this answers your question!
Another secondary RSP teacher and I were talking the other day about this very thing. We work for 2 different school districts and both of us are getting lambasted for writing IEP’s that are tied to the State standards and fit the kids like gloves. We care about the kids with special needs and want them to graduate and be prepared for their future.
At her district they have test prep classes on Saturdays to prepare the special education students for the diploma exit exams. The district I work for is a long way behind the times, in secondary schools. I have students who can’t even read in secondary school. However, what they do at one of my schools is have the sp. ed. students take a state approved alternate assessment which actually improved the scores of this elementary school.
Everyone is worried about NCLB where I work too because even top schools are going to eventually hit the ceiling and several schools in my district are in their 2nd year of sanctions. It is scary because there are some great programs and teachers but we can’t change the home enviroments for some of these kids no matter what we do.