181.Physical Education that Works for All Students
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 10/05/2023
268.How to Create Adapted Resources That Actually Work in a Self-Contained Classroom
Be The Exception In Special Education
Creating adapted resources is a must in a self-contained classroom—but how do you make sure they’re actually useful, not just cute or overwhelming? In this episode, Dawn Ellis breaks down how to avoid common pitfalls when adapting materials and how to keep your resources simple, functional, and effective. From hands-on elements to visual supports and using Canva to streamline your workflow, you’ll walk away with practical, time-saving tips you can use right away. What You’ll Learn: The 3 most common mistakes teachers make when adapting resources How to simplify and focus on...
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267.Prompting vs Teaching—Are You Helping or Hovering?
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into the key differences between teaching and prompting—and why understanding this distinction is essential for effective instruction. Whether you're in a classroom, therapy setting, or working with learners one-on-one, prompt fading is a powerful tool to foster independence and skill mastery. I’ll walk you through exactly what prompt fading is, why it’s critical (and non-negotiable), and how to implement it effectively—without overcomplicating the process. If you're worried that your students are becoming prompt-dependent, this episode...
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266.Let’s Talk IEP Team Drama (and How to Avoid It)
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m taking a deep dive into why so many IEP teams face challenges when it comes to collaboration. While it’s easy to blame scheduling conflicts or differing opinions, the root issues often go much deeper. I’m uncovering the hidden barriers that prevent meaningful teamwork and show you how to lead your team with confidence, clarity, and compassion. You’ll learn how to recognize the early warning signs of miscommunication, how to proactively set the tone for productive meetings, and which simple leadership tools can help you navigate even the most difficult team...
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265.Leading with Confidence at the IEP Table
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, we’re giving you the tools and strategies you need to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or simply want to lead with more intention, you’ll learn how to set a positive and productive tone right from the start. We’ll walk through how to navigate challenging dynamics with professionalism and empathy, and share practical pre-meeting tools that will help you stay organized, prepared, and in control. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to step into your role as a strong, effective leader...
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264.Turning Paras and Therapists into Powerhouse Team Members
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, I’m sharing how to lead a team that actually feels like a team. You’ll learn how to define roles, open up communication, and support your paras and therapists so they can support your students. Key Highlights: How to define roles without micromanaging Quick wins for better communication Pep talk for leading with confidence If you’re tired of doing everything alone and ready to build a team culture that works, this episode is your playbook. Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust...
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263.Tools That Make Collaboration Easier
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to tools that make IEP team collaboration not only doable—but enjoyable. From goal-setting templates to weekly check-ins, learn what’s working in real special ed classrooms right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What real collaboration looks like Tools to simplify team communication One story that proves these systems work If you're tired of chasing people down for input, or feeling like you’re doing it all alone, these tools will help you lead your team without losing your mind. Links and Resources Connect...
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262.Why Your IEP Team Might Be Struggling (And How to Fix It)
Be The Exception In Special Education
This episode breaks down the messy truth about IEP team dynamics and gives you actionable steps to lead with confidence. Dawn shares why teams fall apart and how a simple tool—the IEP Team Input Survey—can help restore clarity and collaboration. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Top 3 reasons IEP teams fall apart Why proactive planning is your secret weapon How to use an input survey to cut down on surprises Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t...
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261.How to Take Minutes and Use Data to Run Efficient IEP Meetings and Stay on Track
Be The Exception In Special Education
Let’s be real—IEP meetings can sometimes feel like a lot. But with a few simple strategies, they can actually be super productive and way less overwhelming. In this episode, we’re chatting about why taking minutes is more important than you might think, how to keep your notes focused (without writing a novel), and ways to use data to make smarter decisions for your students. We’ll also share some of our favorite tools and tips to keep your meetings on track and your team all on the same page. If you're looking to make your IEP process smoother and more meaningful, you’re in the right...
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260.Simplify Your IEP Meetings with the Right Tools and Templates
Be The Exception In Special Education
Do you feel like you’re always scrambling to get ready for IEP meetings? 📝 What if you could walk into every meeting feeling confident and organized—without the last-minute stress? In this week’s podcast episode, I share the secrets to simplifying your IEP prep What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the right tools matter: Discover how the right tools and templates can save you time, reduce stress, and make your IEP meetings more productive. The best tools for IEP meetings: Learn about the essential tools you need to streamline the process, from meeting agendas to...
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259.How to Prep Like a Pro: Making Your IEP Meetings More Effective
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, we’ll cover proven strategies for IEP meeting prep, including organizing data, setting clear goals, and encouraging team collaboration. I’ll also share time-saving tips and resources to make your prep efficient and stress-free. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to align your team and ensure they’re prepared. The importance of organizing meaningful data to support decisions. Simple tools and strategies that make IEP prep easy and effective. Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast?...
info_outlineHave you ever wished that your students with special needs had more opportunities to get involved in physical education, sports and even creative activities? Well, you are not alone! But finding those opportunities can often prove challenging…even when we try our best.
In this week’s episode I am chatting with Lucy from Club Activo. Club Activo is an organization that creates those opportunities in schools and social organizations for all students. Lucy is a mom to children with autism and she realized that her children were being left behind from their peers in this area. She, along with a larger group of parents, decided to do something about it. Out of that came Club Activo, and now she is sharing all that she has learned so that everyone can have a chance.
In this episode you will learn:
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How to help teachers and coaches adapt activities for students with disabilities
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How physical activities can help all students feel connected
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Ways to improve the soft skills through physical education
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How the parents and caregivers of your students will also feel more connected
Links and Resources
Etsy Tees for Teachers
Halloween Bundle
Exceptional Collective
Connect with Lucy
Connect with Dawn
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
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