Be The Exception In Special Education

Latest Episodes:

263.Tools That Make Collaboration Easier May 08, 2025

Show notes

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 with Dawn

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If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!

262.Why Your IEP Team Might Be Struggling (And How to Fix It) May 01, 2025

Show notes

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

Exceptional Collective

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261.How to Take Minutes and Use Data to Run Efficient IEP Meetings and Stay on Track Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

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 place!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

The importance of taking minutes: Why documenting your IEP meetings is crucial for accountability and decision-making.
How to take effective meeting minutes: Best practices for capturing important points while staying focused on the discussion.
Using data to drive decisions: How to incorporate data into your IEP meetings to ensure outcomes align with students' needs.
Tips for staying on track during the meeting: Strategies to keep the meeting focused and on-topic.
Tools to streamline the process: The best tools and templates for tracking data and taking minutes without getting bogged down by details.
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! 💛

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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260.Simplify Your IEP Meetings with the Right Tools and Templates Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

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 progress tracking templates.
Templates that work: I'll walk you through key templates like meeting agendas, goal tracking sheets, and progress notes that will keep your meetings focused and on track.
The importance of data collection: Why tracking data effectively is crucial for informed decision-making and improved student outcomes.
Organizing your materials: Tips for keeping your IEP documents organized digitally and physically so they're always accessible when you need them.
Introducing the IEP Tools & Templates Bundle: I'll share how my customizable templates can help you simplify your IEP process and boost efficiency.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

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259.How to Prep Like a Pro: Making Your IEP Meetings More Effective Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

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

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258.Streamlining IEP Meetings: The Key to Boosting Collaboration Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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, and Visual Schedules.
Boosting Collaboration: How setting clear goals, using visuals, and being open to feedback can increase collaboration with team members.
How to Maintain Organization: Best practices to stay organized in the long term and ensure that your IEP meetings run smoothly every time.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

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257.How to Organize Visual Supports in Your Classroom for Maximum Efficiency Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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.
Creating a Grab-and-Go System: Find out how to make visuals easily accessible during your lessons.
Maintaining Your System: Learn simple steps to keep your visuals organized all year long.

Links and Resources

Visual Supports Toolkit

Connect with Dawn

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256.Promoting Autism Acceptance in Schools and Classrooms Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

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

Links and Resources

Autism Acceptance Ideas Blog The Exceptional Collective Transition Abilities Autism Acceptance Bundle

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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255.The Secret to Making Visual Supports Work for Every Student Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

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 students, autism, ADHD, and anxiety. ✅ The best software and tools for creating personalized visual supports. ✅ How to start using custom visuals today with step-by-step guidance.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

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254. How to Use Visual Supports to Reduce Classroom Stress and Support Student Success Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Struggling with student engagement, transitions, or behavior in your special education classroom? Visual supports could be the game-changer you need! In today's episode, we'll break down why visuals are essential, the different types of visual supports, and how you can start using them today. Plus, I'll share a real-life story of a student whose entire school experience improved thanks to a visual schedule and reinforcement board.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe & leave a review!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why students struggle with verbal instructions and how visuals help. ✅ The 4 most effective types of visual supports and how to use them. ✅ A real-life success story of a student who thrived with visuals. ✅ Quick tips for getting started with visual supports in your classroom today.

Links and Resources

Connect with Dawn

Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don't miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Leave a Review