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
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?...
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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...
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! 💛
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