261.How to Take Minutes and Use Data to Run Efficient IEP Meetings and Stay on Track
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 04/24/2025
282.Data-Driven Decisions in Special Education: Let the Numbers Lead the Way
Be The Exception In Special Education
Ever feel like you’re teaching on autopilot because you’ve been working on the same IEP goal for months? Here’s the truth: data — not instinct — should guide your next move. In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I’m sharing what it really means to be data-driven, how to track and use academic, behavior, and functional skill data, and when it’s time to adjust IEP goals. I’ll also walk you through real classroom examples and show you how built-in progress monitoring sheets (included in my academic bundles) can simplify the process so you spend less time on...
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281.Writing Progress Notes That Actually Tell a Story (and Save You Time)
Be The Exception In Special Education
Most progress notes are too vague to be useful. But when you write them with clarity and intention, they become powerful tools for instruction and advocacy. In this episode of Be The Exception, you’ll learn: The 4-part formula for writing progress notes that tell a story. How to connect your data directly to your instructional decisions. Real examples of vague vs. meaningful notes. Plus, I’m sharing my free guide to help you Tackle Progress Reports Like a Pro so you can save time and stress less. 🎯 Links & Resources: Connect with Dawn ...
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280.Making IEP Progress Monitoring Manageable: Tools That Actually Work
Be The Exception In Special Education
Progress monitoring is one of those things in special education that can either be your best friend or your biggest headache. I’ve lived both extremes. In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I’m sharing: Why progress monitoring is more than a compliance task. The top mistakes I’ve made (and how you can skip them). My favorite tools that actually make data collection doable. You’ll hear about my hybrid system that blends the speed of paper with the power of digital, plus real strategies you can start this week to make your data work for you. If progress...
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279.Time-Saving Templates and Paraprofessional Prep
Be The Exception In Special Education
Wish your classroom could run more smoothly without you constantly being the glue that holds everything together? In this episode, Dawn shares her go-to templates and systems that save time, reduce stress, and help paraprofessionals thrive. From data collection and IEP meeting tools to para training binders and daily systems, you’ll walk away with practical ways to create an efficient, supportive classroom that works—even when you’re pulled in ten directions. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What templates save the most time in special ed classrooms How to batch...
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278.Building Effective Classroom Routines in Special Education
Be The Exception In Special Education
Struggling with chaos during transitions, arrival, or center time? You might have a routine problem—not a student problem. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to teach and reinforce daily classroom routines in a self-contained special education setting. You’ll learn how to build routines that support independence, reduce challenging behaviors, and make your classroom run like clockwork. Plus, we’ll talk about how to get paras and support staff on board with consistent systems from Day One. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to teach routines using visuals and...
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277.Curriculum Planning for Reading, Science & Social Studies in Special Ed
Be The Exception In Special Education
Trying to juggle reading, science, and social studies in your special ed classroom without losing your mind? I’ve got you. In this episode, I’m breaking down simple, strategic ways to plan and implement adapted curriculum across three core subjects—without needing an extra hour in the day. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned SPED pro, these tips will help you streamline your planning, engage your students, and meet IEP goals with confidence. You’ll also get three of my favorite freebies to support your classroom planning right now. 💡 In This Episode,...
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276.Classroom Setup Tips for Special Educators
Be The Exception In Special Education
Back-to-school season is officially here—and whether it’s your first year or your fifteenth, setting up a functional, organized, and calm classroom can feel like a lot. In this episode, I’m walking you through practical classroom setup tips specifically designed for self-contained special education classrooms. You’ll learn how to create student-centered zones that actually work, set up visuals and systems that support independence, and avoid the common setup traps that lead to chaos instead of calm. I’ll also share some of my favorite go-to tools and organization hacks that have...
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275.Maximizing Classroom Functionality: Tools & Tips for an Organized Special Education Classroom
Be The Exception In Special Education
If your classroom has ever felt like a whirlwind of chaos (hello, Monday mornings!), then this episode is your go-to guide for turning the madness into magic. ✨ In today’s episode, we’re diving into: Why functionality is everything in a special education classroom The must-have tools that simplify your day (yes, visual schedules = lifesavers!) How to set up efficient zones that make transitions smooth and expectations clear Simple systems that save you tons of time (spoiler: batch-laminating = genius) My favorite ready-to-use resources to help you hit the ground running ...
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274.Classroom Zones and Organization: Creating Spaces for Success
Be The Exception In Special Education
Hey there, special educators! In this episode of Be the Exception in Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most impactful ways to set your classroom up for a smoother, more successful school year—creating purposeful classroom zones. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current setup, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you organize your space in a way that truly supports your students and your sanity. 🎧 What You'll Learn: ✨ How to design functional and supportive zones within your special education classroom—from sensory areas to...
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273.Setting Up Your Special Ed Classroom: Start with the Basics
Be The Exception In Special Education
Welcome back to Be the Exception in Special Education! I’m your host, Dawn Ellis, and today we’re jumping into one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of back-to-school season—classroom setup! Whether you're a veteran teacher or fresh on the scene, this episode is packed with tips to help you set up a functional, organized, and stress-free special education classroom that works for you and your students. Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode: 💡 Why classroom setup is more than just cute décor—it’s about functionality, structure, and student...
info_outlineLet’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 place!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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The importance of taking minutes: Why documenting your IEP meetings is crucial for accountability and decision-making.
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How to take effective meeting minutes: Best practices for capturing important points while staying focused on the discussion.
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Using data to drive decisions: How to incorporate data into your IEP meetings to ensure outcomes align with students’ needs.
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Tips for staying on track during the meeting: Strategies to keep the meeting focused and on-topic.
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Tools to streamline the process: The best tools and templates for tracking data and taking minutes without getting bogged down by details.
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How to integrate data into your IEP process: How to use data to create meaningful goals and track progress throughout the year.
Thanks for tuning in! I hope you’re walking away with some helpful tips to make your next IEP meeting a little smoother and a lot more effective. Don’t forget to grab those templates and tools we mentioned—and as always, keep doing the amazing work you do for your students. Catch you in the next episode! 💛
Links and Resources
Connect with Dawn
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