A truly comprehensive, teacher- and parent-friendly guide to creating clear and effective IEPs

With the skyrocketing diagnoses of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and related conditions in U.S. schools, there is a growing need for information on creating effective IEPs for exceptional students. TheIEP From A to Z is a step-by-step guide showing teachers and parents how to get the right education plan in place for students with ADHD, Autism/Asperger's, Emotional/Behavioral Disturbance, and related conditions.

Provides easy-to-understand explanations of the special education process along with a wealth of sample effective IEPsExplains what is most important for educators and parents to keep in mind during IEP developmentProvides content area-specific sample goal and objective templates, general teaching tips for maintaining the IEP, and useful resources

From nationally recognized experts in the special education field, this book guides readers through the process of writing thoughtful, intelligent Individualized Education Plans that deliver high-quality, need-based educational programming to exceptional students.

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is a communication disorders specialist and licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders and related conditions. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Autism Spectrum Quarterly. Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a communication disorders specialist and licensed speech-language pathologist specializing in working with students with autism, emotional/behavioral disturbance, and related communication and language impairments.

Acknowledgments ix

The Authors xi

Authors Note xiii

Foreword xv

Introduction 1

Part One: Essential Elements of the Iep

1 Past Perspectives and Present Practices 7

2 The Gold Standard for Setting Goals and Measuring Progress 15

3 Setups for Successful Performance 23

4 Methodology: No Longer a Sacred Cow 31

5 Scaffolding Student Success 41

6 The Case for Generalization 53

7 Getting to the Heart of the Matter: How to Write Meaningful Goals and Objectives 59

8 Measuring Student Performance: More than a Simple Numbers Game 69

9 In the Shadow of No Child Left Behind 77

Part Two: Moving From Theory to Practice

10 Tools for Assessment and Decision Making 87

11 Comprehension: The Power That Fuels Expression 97

12 The Many Different Faces of Expression 111

13 All Things Social 131

14 Executive Function: The Pinnacle of Cognitive Development 149

15 Critical Thinking: An Essential Life Skill 165

Epilogue 179

Appendix A: Tips for Teaching Skill Development and Generalization 183

Appendix B: Helpful Teaching Resources 187

References 193

Index 197