The IEP from A to Z How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives

The IEP From A to Z is a step-by-step guide to help educators, parents, and clinicians get the right education plan in place for students with Autism/Asperger's, ADHD, Emotional/Behavioral Disturbance, and related conditions. From autism expert and best-selling author Diane Twachtman-Cullen and noted speech-language pathologist Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly, this book guides readers through the process of writing thoughtful, intelligent Individualized Education Plans that deliver high-quality, need-based educational programming to students with ASDs. The book is split into two Parts. Part I provides a brief overview of special education law and outlines the crucial building blocks of IEP development: Present Levels of Performance (PLPs); Underlying Conditions; Methodology; Criteria for Performance/Prompt Levels; Generalization; Goals/Objectives; Evaluation/Data Collection; and an IEP "potpourri" (Least Restrictive Environment, Accommodations, Modifications). Part II presents a collection of helpful sample IEPs so that readers can see how the specifications outlined in Part I lead to comprehensive, clearly defined IEP goals and objectives.Praise for the 1st edition (titled How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up?)"Finally, an IEP book that focuses on the 'science' of writing clear, understandable and measureable objectives. The authors brilliantly expose the absurdity of public school IEPs and their bizarre, fuzzy wuzzy language!" --Peter W. D. Wright, Esq., co-author of Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and publisher of Wrightslaw.com"Once again, Diane Twachtman-Cullen, with Jennifer Twachtman-Reilly, has come to parents' rescue. This book reflects a true understanding of ASDs and clearly outlines what school districts can--and should--do to meet their obligations to our kids. This is one book no parent should be without. I'll never go to another IEP meeting with my copy!" --Patricia Romanowski Bashe, co-owner of OASIS and co-author, The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome"[The authors] are to be applauded for tackling the difficult and crucial issue of designing effective IEP goals... As the focus on accountability in schools increases, this book will serve as a critical tool for all educator to use in designing appropriate programming for students across the autism spectrum." --Dr. Cathy Pratt, director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism, and board of directors, Autism Society of America

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.

The Authors.

Authors' Note.

Foreword.

Introduction.

PART ONE: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF THE IEP.

1 Past Perspectives and Present Practices.

2 The “Gold Standard” for Setting Goals and Measuring Progress.

3 Setups for Successful Performance.

4 Methodology: No Longer a Sacred Cow.

5 Scaffolding Student Success.

6 The Case for Generalization.

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

8 Measuring Student Performance: More than a Simple “Numbers Game”.

9 In the Shadow of No Child Left Behind.

PART TWO: MOVING FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE.

10 Tools for Assessment and Decision Making.

11 Comprehension: The Power That Fuels Expression.

12 The Many Different Faces of Expression.

13 All Things Social.

14 Executive Function: The Pinnacle of Cognitive Development.

15 Critical Thinking: An Essential Life Skill.

Epilogue.

Appendix A: Tips for Teaching Skill Development and Generalization.

Appendix B: Helpful Teaching Resources.

References.

Index.