When I was a special educator in Maryland, we provided an IEP Snapshot to all of our general educators who had a student with an IEP in their class.
We knew that teachers could be overwhelmed when they saw the humongous IEPs flopped on their desks each fall.
We decided to simplify the form with an IEP at a Glance, which contained key points.
IEP at a Glance
But remember: the IEP is a written document that is a contract between parents and their school district. The IEP at a glance does not replace the IEP!
It is just a great, simple way to let each teacher know about the student’s strengths and needs in the classroom.
Now that I have my own children with IEPs and advocating for other students, I use the snapshot for my own meetings. I want to share them with you. I used it yesterday at a “Back-to-School” meeting with my daughter’s teachers in middle school.
One teacher commented on how easy it was to follow the information. She also stated, “I wish all parents could be as prepared as this and have these.” Now you will be!
What is the Snapshot IEP?
A snapshot IEP is just what it says. It’s just a snapshot, a one-sheet if you will, of your child’s IEP. Please keep in mind, a snapshot IEP does not replace the IEP. A parent-teacher meeting does not replace an IEP meeting.
But as stated in the first paragraph, if you are going to a Meet the Teacher night, what a great way to introduce them to the IEP without dropping a 50-page document on their desk.
This is what I put together for my daughter’s meeting (formatted slightly different for the post and minus some confidential info.) You can use as a template. It is pretty simple.
How to Create an IEP at a Glance
I list all of the teachers, guidance counselors and even administrators who may want the information on your child at the top.
- Date it in the corner.
- Go through the IEP and look at the areas of strengths and needs.
- Compile a list of both to discuss at the meeting.
- Then break the IEP down into the areas of specific goals. Typically you will find your child has reading, writing, behavioral, social, OT, Speech/Language, Math, and classroom modification goals.
- Then look at the actual SDI part or the specially designed instruction and write out “how” they will make those goals happen.
- You may also want to add if your child has any additional services such as (OT, SL, PT) and for what duration. This is just to inform the teaching staff.
Leave them with your contact information and always let them know you are there to help. Remember, this is a TEAM effort to help support your child.
Sample IEP at a Glance
I have provide a printable and editable template below. However, that is not always necessary. Main points written on a sheet of paper will do! This is what we had written down about one of our kids.
IEP at a Glance: Name of Child
Strengths/Areas of Need
- friendly/written expression skills
- polite /fine motor skills
- good cognitive development/ emotional/behavioral development
- determined/ transitioning skills
- creative /organizational skills
- imaginative/ redirection to tasks-at-hand
- seeks out knowledge/ functional handwriting skills
- on-level reading, math, spelling/ social skills
- Writing Goals in All Classes
Accommodations at a Glance
- written work w/ adult support (scribe/TSS)
- planning
- brainstorming
- word banks
- graphic organizers
- reinforce handwriting skills based on model/have edited in class or during resource
- provide teachers model of best handwriting to show expectation
- daily assignment book checked w/ support for writing to ensure complete
- use of assistive tech-AlphaSmart/computer for writing (in asst. tech eval)
Transitioning Accommodations
- permitted to leave class 5 minutes early between classes
- difficulties with lockers due to fine motor issues (gym locker) may need assistance
Social Skills
- working on -initiating conversational interactions with peers
- reciprocal conversations on non-preferred topics
- picking-up and following social cues
- staying on topic in conversations
- interrupting teachers and peers appropriately at a break in conversation
Emotional/Behavioral Goals in Classroom
- monitor sensory seeking behavior
- due to sensory triggers w/loud noises, provide forewarning w/ fire drills
Positive Behavior Support Plan
- verbal praise for expected behavior
- give visuals for expected behavior
- provide immediate, direct, and constructive feedback on her behavior
Accommodations/Modifications in Classrooms
- reduced and/or mod. work expect. -build the ability to sustain attention to task-at-hand (i.e. reduced # of problems; complete work to demonstrate core concept understanding)
- opportunity to take tests in resource
- preferential seating to reduce distractions (discuss w/teacher wherein each class would provide optimal learning situation)
- provide the opportunity to work on homework in resource since homework increases frustration
- adapted tests for all core classes to include but not limited to
- word banks
- chunking
- graphic organizers
- reduced written assignments
- provide skeleton outlines to accommodate OT needs
- adult support for some core classes (see bottom note re: TSS)
- monitor for organization of binders and folders
Other
- Pulled out for OT-52 sessions a year
- Pulled out for Social Skills Group-26 session a year
- Aide will be working with her 10:30-1:00pm-setting-up
Thank you for your support!
Mom and Dad {followed by contact information}
So that was a basic template of the “Snapshot” IEP modified for the post. Hope that you find it useful and a “snap” to create for each year to follow as your child’s needs change.
IEP at a Glance Template
Please note: This is only editable in Adobe if you have the paid version of Adobe. The free Adobe reader does not allow for editing documents. If you have the paid version, purple boxes will appear for you to type in. Or, on the right hand side, click on “fill and sign” and they should appear.
IEP at a Glance is a valuable tool for parents and educators to better understand and support students with disabilities.
This document provides a summary of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), including goals, accommodations, and services.
By condensing important information into a single page, IEP at a Glance helps ensure that everyone involved in a student’s education is on the same page.
Understanding IEP at a Glance is crucial for parents and educators to effectively support students with disabilities. The document provides a brief overview of the student’s IEP, including the student’s strengths, areas of need, and goals.
Additionally, IEP at a Glance outlines the accommodations and services the student requires to be successful in the classroom. With this information readily available, parents and educators can work together to ensure the student’s needs are met and progress is made.
Understanding IEP at a Glance
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines the educational goals and services for students with disabilities. The IEP at a Glance is a summary of the student’s IEP that provides an overview of the key information in a concise format.
The purpose of the IEP at a Glance is to help teachers, parents, and other members of the student’s educational team quickly and easily understand the student’s needs and services.
It includes important information such as the student’s disability category, accommodations and modifications, and goals and objectives.
The IEP at a Glance typically includes a table that lists the key components of the IEP, along with brief descriptions of each. This table may include the following sections:
- Student Information: This section includes basic information about the student, such as their name, grade level, and disability category.
- Present Levels of Performance: This section describes the student’s current academic and functional abilities, as well as any challenges they may be facing.
- Annual Goals and Objectives: This section outlines the specific goals and objectives that the student will work on throughout the year.
- Accommodations and Modifications: This section lists the accommodations and modifications that the student will receive to help them access the curriculum and participate in school activities.
- Related Services: This section describes any additional services that the student will receive, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy.
Overall, the IEP at a Glance is a valuable tool for ensuring that everyone involved in the student’s education is on the same page.
By providing a clear and concise summary of the student’s needs and services, it helps to ensure that the student receives the support they need to succeed in school.
Components of IEP at a Glance
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legal document that outlines the educational goals, accommodations, and services that a student with a disability will receive. The IEP at a Glance is a summary document that provides a quick overview of the student’s IEP.
It is designed to be a helpful tool for teachers, parents, and other members of the student’s educational team. The IEP at a Glance includes the following components:
Student Information
This section of the IEP at a Glance includes basic information about the student, such as their name, grade level, and date of birth. It also includes information about the student’s disability and any related medical conditions. This section may also include information about the student’s strengths, interests, and learning style.
IEP Goals
The IEP goals section of the IEP at a Glance summarizes the student’s academic and functional goals. These goals are specific, measurable, and based on the student’s individual needs.
The goals may include academic goals, such as improving reading comprehension or math skills, as well as functional goals, such as improving social skills or self-advocacy skills.
Accommodations and Modifications
This section of the IEP at a Glance outlines the accommodations and modifications that the student will receive in the classroom. Accommodations are changes to the learning environment or instructional methods that help the student access the curriculum.
Examples of accommodations may include extended time on tests, preferential seating, or the use of assistive technology. Modifications are changes to the curriculum or assignments that are made to meet the student’s individual needs. Examples of modifications may include simplified assignments or alternative assessments.
Support Services
The Support Services section of the IEP at a Glance summarizes the services that the student will receive outside of the classroom. These services may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling.
The IEP at a Glance may also include information about the student’s related services, such as transportation or assistive technology.
Benefits of IEP at a Glance
IEP at a Glance is a document that summarizes the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student in an easy-to-read and concise format. It provides a quick reference for teachers, parents, and other school staff to understand the student’s strengths, needs, and goals. Here are some benefits of using IEP at a Glance:
1. Saves Time and Effort
IEP at a Glance saves time and effort for teachers and other school staff. Instead of going through the entire IEP document, they can quickly refer to the summary and get an overview of the student’s needs and goals. This helps them to plan and provide appropriate instruction and support for the student.
2. Improves Communication
IEP at a Glance improves communication between teachers, parents, and other school staff. It ensures that everyone is on the same page about the student’s needs and goals. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts and promotes collaboration and teamwork.
3. Enhances Student Learning
IEP at a Glance enhances student learning by providing teachers with the information they need to design and deliver effective instruction. The summary includes information about the student’s strengths, needs, and goals, as well as accommodations and modifications that can help the student succeed. This ensures that the student receives appropriate instruction and support to reach their full potential.
In summary, IEP at a Glance is a valuable tool that saves time and effort, improves communication, and enhances student learning. It is an essential document that should be used by teachers, parents, and other school staff to support the success of students with disabilities.
Challenges in Implementing IEP at a Glance
Implementing an IEP at a Glance can be challenging for educators and administrators. Here are some of the common challenges that schools may face when implementing an IEP at a Glance:
Lack of Understanding
One of the biggest challenges in implementing an IEP at a Glance is the lack of understanding about what it is and how it works. Educators and administrators may not fully understand the purpose of the IEP at a Glance or how to use it effectively.
This can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to implement the IEP at a Glance.
Time Constraints
Another challenge in implementing an IEP at a Glance is time constraints. Educators and administrators may not have enough time to fully implement the IEP at a Glance or may not have enough time to gather the necessary information to complete the IEP at a Glance.
This can lead to incomplete or inaccurate IEPs, which can negatively impact students.
Inadequate Training
Inadequate training is also a challenge when implementing an IEP at a Glance. Educators and administrators may not have received adequate training on how to use the IEP at a Glance or how to gather the necessary information to complete it.
This can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to implement the IEP at a Glance.
Lack of Resources
Finally, a lack of resources can also be a challenge when implementing an IEP at a Glance. Educators and administrators may not have access to the necessary resources, such as technology or support staff, to fully implement the IEP at a Glance.
This can lead to incomplete or inaccurate IEPs, which can negatively impact students.
Implementing an IEP at a Glance can be a challenge, but with proper training and resources, educators and administrators can successfully implement it to improve student outcomes.
One of the benefits of an IEP at a glance is that it can help streamline communication between parents and educators. Instead of having to read through a lengthy document, parents and educators can quickly reference the IEP at a glance to get an overview of the student’s plan.
Another benefit of an IEP at a glance is that it can help ensure that the student’s needs are being met. By providing a summary of the student’s accommodations and services, educators can quickly identify if any changes need to be made to the student’s plan.
Overall, an IEP at a glance is a valuable tool that can help improve communication and ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of the IEP at a Glance?
The IEP at a Glance provides a quick and easy way to understand the key components of a student’s IEP. It allows teachers and other school staff to quickly access important information about the student’s goals, accommodations, and services. This information can be used to help ensure that the student is receiving appropriate support.
What is a snapshot of an IEP?
A snapshot of an IEP is a summary of the key components of the IEP. It includes information about the student’s goals, accommodations, and services. The IEP at a Glance provides a snapshot of the IEP that can be used to quickly understand the student’s needs.
What is the IEP at a Glance ECATS?
The IEP at a Glance ECATS is a web-based tool that allows teachers and other school staff to access the IEP at a Glance from any device with internet access. This tool provides a convenient way to access important information about the student’s IEP.
You need to purchase specific software to do this, and it is usually only purchased by school districts.
How can I print the IEP at a Glance from IEP online?
To print the IEP at a Glance from IEP Online, you can navigate to the student’s IEP and click on the “IEP at a Glance” tab. From there, you can click on the “Print” button to print a copy of the IEP at a Glance.
Where can I find an editable IEP at a Glance template?
Editable IEP at a Glance templates can be found above. It is important to ensure that any template you use is aligned with your state’s IEP requirements.
This post was originally written in 2011 by Michele D. It was recently updated to check formatting and links.