What’s everyone talking about this week? We’re busy celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month, exploring the new California IEP template, RSVPing to our upcoming Medi-Cal event with Disability Rights California about the changes coming January 1st, and more! Here are the hot topics and conversations happening in the Undivided community this week — starting with a few questions parents are asking about IEP goals.
Dear Undivided: “The school says my child isn’t at grade level, so they can’t have standards-based goals. Is this true?”
Ever been told, “Your child isn’t at grade level,” or, “They need to repeat last year’s goals, “ or even, “It’s above their skill level?” Here are ways to respond when facing frustrating, misleading, or outright incorrect statements about IEP goals and standards-based education. (Hint: ask about Core Content Connectors to help bridge those gaps!)
From our library: “I need ideas for my child’s IEP goals!”
Every child’s IEP goals should be individualized. But sometimes, looking at examples can help spark ideas for what to ask for! Explore our lists of sample strength-based goals, reading and writing goals, math, socialization, AAC, and behavior goals, plus goals for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and transition planning for sample goal ideas for kids of all ages.
Permission slip: You can expect more from “functional” goals.
“Why are we teaching my child to count plastic coins when most of us pay with a card or our phones?” It’s worth asking whether a so-called functional goal will actually help your child in everyday life. Tune in as an expert explains why we need to rethink what counts as a functional skill, and find answers to 9 more common questions like this about IEP goals.
Inclusion and friendship at all ages
Does your child struggle to make real friends? We’re sharing the biggest takeaways from our conversation with Dr. Zach Rossetti last week, including ways to turn school supports into real social connections, rethink buddy programs, and help friendships grow, even in the tricky middle and high school years. If you missed the live conversation, check out our highlights here.
Weekend Watch List
UD Conversation: Inclusive IEP Goals
Sunday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. PT
After Halloween night, spend your Sunday tuning in to Education Advocate Dr. Caitlin Solone’s take on inclusive IEP goals! Learn how to keep your kiddo in the general education classroom during goal work, create more inclusive opportunities in special education, and more. Watch on Facebook and YouTube.
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and we’re here to celebrate entrepreneurs with Down syndrome! Hear from Sean McElwee of ”Born This Way” fame on our Instagram→
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It’s a huge misconception that a student has to “keep up with Gen Ed” to be included. Dr. Caitlin Solone busts this myth on Instagram→
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New to our private Facebook group for parents and caregivers? Introduce yourself and find your new community!
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Check out top stories and news in the disability community. Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
Undivided Voices Podcast Season 3, Episode 5: Masking in Neurodivergent Kids
What is masking, why do kids do it, and how can we help them feel safe being themselves? Hear from six leading experts and an autistic college student as they unpack the different types of masking and share how parents can support their kids. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.
