260.Simplify Your IEP Meetings with the Right Tools and Templates
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 04/17/2025
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?...
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258.Streamlining IEP Meetings: The Key to Boosting Collaboration
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, Dawn Ellis shares her top strategies for streamlining IEP meetings to make them more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful. By preparing effectively, using the right tools, and boosting collaboration, special educators can transform the IEP process and set their students up for success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Importance of Preparation: How being prepared with templates, visuals, and organized data saves time and reduces stress. Tools and Templates to Streamline Your IEP Meetings: The IEP Organization Bundle, Special Education IEP Bundle,...
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257.How to Organize Visual Supports in Your Classroom for Maximum Efficiency
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares practical tips for organizing visual supports in your classroom to ensure they’re always easily accessible. Visual supports play a crucial role in special education, and keeping them organized can save you time, reduce stress, and help your students thrive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Visual Organization Matters: Learn how organized visuals improve student engagement and reduce frustration. Best Storage Methods: Discover the best storage methods for cue cards, schedules, behavior visuals, and more. ...
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256.Promoting Autism Acceptance in Schools and Classrooms
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception, I am exploring creative and impactful activities for promoting autism acceptance in schools and classrooms. From sensory-friendly events to interactive learning experiences. There are practical strategies and inspiring ideas for creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and celebrated. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference and be the exception in special education! In this episode you will learn: Bulletin Board ideas for the month of April Sensory Activities for everyone Interactive Storytime ideas ...
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255.The Secret to Making Visual Supports Work for Every Student
Be The Exception In Special Education
Not all visual supports work the same way for every student. Customization is key to ensuring students benefit from visual schedules, cue cards, and behavior charts. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why generic visuals don’t always work, how to modify them for different disabilities, and the best tools for creating personalized supports. Plus, I’ll give you a free customizable visual schedule template to help you get started today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why one-size-fits-all visuals aren’t effective for all students. ✅ How to modify visuals for nonverbal...
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254. How to Use Visual Supports to Reduce Classroom Stress and Support Student Success
Be The Exception In Special Education
Struggling with student engagement, transitions, or behavior in your special education classroom? Visual supports could be the game-changer you need! In today’s episode, we’ll break down why visuals are essential, the different types of visual supports, and how you can start using them today. Plus, I’ll share a real-life story of a student whose entire school experience improved thanks to a visual schedule and reinforcement board. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why students struggle with verbal instructions and how...
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253.How to Use Behavior Data to Drive Interventions
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis dives deep into the often intimidating world of behavior data. She explains why it’s so critical, how to collect it, and most importantly, how to use it to inform effective interventions. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by student behavior, this episode will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn things around in your classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to collect behavior data with simple tools like frequency charts and behavior logs How to analyze behavior data to identify patterns...
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252.Teaching Emotional Awareness: Simple SEL Activities for Special Ed
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares simple and effective SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities that every special education teacher can implement to help students build emotional awareness. These activities not only help students regulate their emotions but also contribute to their social and academic success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why emotional awareness is essential in the special education classroom How Emotion Charades can help students recognize and express emotions The power of Feelings Check-Ins to support...
info_outlineDo 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:
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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.
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The best tools for IEP meetings: Learn about the essential tools you need to streamline the process, from meeting agendas to progress tracking templates.
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Templates that work: I’ll walk you through key templates like meeting agendas, goal tracking sheets, and progress notes that will keep your meetings focused and on track.
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The importance of data collection: Why tracking data effectively is crucial for informed decision-making and improved student outcomes.
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Organizing your materials: Tips for keeping your IEP documents organized digitally and physically so they’re always accessible when you need them.
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Introducing the IEP Tools & Templates Bundle: I’ll share how my customizable templates can help you simplify your IEP process and boost efficiency.
Links and Resources
Connect with Dawn
Subscribe
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