It’s safe to say that we all know what IEPs are — but are you wondering (and maybe utterly confused?!) about what the heck they have to do with Common Core? Let’s break this down. Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are like a universal yardstick that helps teachers and parents understand what’s expected at each grade level. The connection between IEPs and Common Core might not be immediately obvious, but it’s vital.
— Rachel Quenemoen, National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC)
CCSS — along with Core Content Connectors and Essential Understandings (more on these below!) — are crucial in helping create standards-based goals that give our kiddos the most access to the content that their peers are learning. If you’re thinking, “How will I choose the most appropriate standards for my child’s IEP?!” — don’t panic! As Dr. Caitlin Solone, special education advocate and a faculty member at UCLA, suggests, look at the “most essential standards to address this year” and use them to “inform your goals.” Here are more tips and insights to get you started:
- True or false: a student’s IEP goals don’t need to be aligned with the general education or Common Core curriculum if they are performing far below grade level. The answer is…false! Find out why and help us bust some other common myths about IEP goals in A Parent’s Guide to IEP Goals.
- Wondering what makes an IEP “bad” or “good?” As a parent, knowing the difference between well-written and poorly-written goals (and learning how to fix them) can make a huge difference in your child’s roadmap. Read our article to learn the basics of workshopping IEP goals!
- Didn’t think Common Core State Standards applied to IEPs? Think again! Core Content Connectors break down standards in a functional way for any student, promote inclusion, and inform IEP goals to help bridge the gap for children with disabilities and their neurotypical peers. Find out more in Core Content Connectors and Essential Understandings.
Standards-based goals — how do we create ones that are supported by Common Core Connectors and Essential Understandings AND actually work for our kids?! Dr. Solone gives us her expert insights in Standards-Based Goals: Undivided Learning with Dr. Caitlin Solone
On October 10, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 805, which means that insurance can now pay for evidence-based behavioral health treatment options beyond Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) — including Floortime! Read here all about SB 805 and what it means for families of kids with disabilities.
One Undivided member tells us, “You have been so, so helpful. You’re the reason we signed on. If it wasn’t for our Navigator Gabi, we would not have Floortime. It has been amazing for our daughter.”
IHSS Under Age 18
Join us on November 30 for a Facebook Live event with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, where we’ll be discussing everything In-Home Supportive Services. If your child qualifies, how do you know whether you’re making the most of those services? What if you’re denied IHSS over the phone? How do you prepare for the in-home visit? Did you realize you can get paid for “personal care hours” from IHSS as your child gets older?
Bring all your questions and Lisa will bring her expert insight to help us get a handle on all things IHSS. Register for the event here!
Office Hours with Lisa Carey
Undivided Education Advocate Lisa Carey will be available to answer questions about IEPs, special education, and more on Wednesday, November 15, 12:00–1:00 p.m. PDT. Bi-weekly Office Hours are virtual, small group Q&A sessions with experts that are open to Undivided members only, so if you’d like to attend, sign up here to begin your free Kickstart!
- You can write inclusion directly into IEP goals! Get tips from Dr. Solone: Watch on YouTube→
- Have questions about goals or any other part of your child’s IEP? Feel free to ask in our supportive Facebook group →
- How did your inclusive Halloween go?? We’d love to see your photos! Tag @undividedapp on Instagram→
- We’re committed to making a difference for families raising kids with disabilities. Share what we’re all about on LinkedIn→
- Need help with your child’s IEP goals? Your 1:1 Navigator is here with step-by-step support and expert resources. Start here→
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This newsletter was originally sent to our subscribers on 11/2/23. Subscribe to our newsletter to get more resources like this in your inbox, and check out our full library of articles, templates, and videos at undivided.io/resources.
