IEP Fundamentals Teacher Guide IEP Fundamentals
Session 1 Lesson Plan
Duration
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Understanding their IEP empowers students to actively participate in their transition to middle school, recognize their strengths and supports, and build self-advocacy skills early.
Objective
Introduce students to the purpose and key components of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) through direct instruction and an interactive sorting activity, enabling them to identify and understand each part of their IEP.
Prep (10 mins)
• Review Session 1 Slide Deck
• Print IEP Key Parts Worksheet
• Cut IEP Parts Sorting Cards
• Label chart paper: Strengths, Goals, Services, Accommodations
Materials Needed
Session 1 Slide Deck
IEP Key Parts Worksheet
IEP Parts Sorting Cards
Chart Paper and Markers
Lesson Flow
03'
Activate Prior Knowledge
Ask: “What do you think an IEP is?”
Record student responses on chart paper under “Prior Ideas.”
Highlight any correct elements (e.g., goals, supports) to build confidence.
12'
Direct Instruction: IEP Overview
Display slides 1–4 to define IEP and its purpose. Use guided questions: “Why might a student need an IEP?”
Present slides 5–7 to introduce key parts: Strengths, Goals, Services, Accommodations.
Show examples for each part and check for understanding.
10'
Hands-On Sorting Activity
Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of IEP Parts Sorting Cards.
Instruct groups to place each card under the correct heading: Strengths, Goals, Services, or Accommodations.
Circulate to support groups. Review as a class by having one group explain each category.
05'
Independent Reflection
Distribute the IEP Key Parts Worksheet.
Students match definitions to IEP parts and write one example from today’s activity.
Invite volunteers to share one new thing they learned about their IEP.
Teacher Tip:
Ensure students understand that an IEP is a "living document" that belongs to them. Emphasize that as they move to middle school, their voice becomes even more important in these meetings.
IEP Fundamentals Slides Mission Briefing: Session 1
Understanding Your IEP
Getting to know your Individualized Education Program and how it helps you succeed.
Today's Goals
Define what an IEP is and why it exists.
Identify the four key parts of your plan.
Practice sorting real IEP examples in our activity.
What is an IEP?
A written plan that outlines your learning supports and goals.
Developed by you, your parents, and your school team.
Ensures you receive the supports you need to succeed.
Why IEPs Matter
Your Strengths
It honors what you do well and your unique talents.
Your Growth
It provides specific goals to help you improve every day.
Your Support
It lists tools and help that make learning accessible.
The Big Four
Strengths
Goals
Services
Tools
Part 1: Strengths
What you do well.
Includes your talents, skills, and personal interests.
"Helps the team plan around what makes you awesome!"
Examples:
Great artist
Strong at math
Helpful to others
Part 2: Goals
Skills you are working to improve.
Measurable targets that show your progress.
"We celebrate every win, no matter how small!"
Examples:
Reading faster
Multi-step problems
Organizing work
Hands-On Challenge
In your groups, sort the cards under the correct heading:
Strengths
Goals
Services
Tools
Be ready to explain your choices!
IEP Key Parts Worksheet IEP Key Parts
Session 1 Activity
Student Name
Date
1
Definition Match-Up
Write the letter of the definition that best matches each part of an IEP.
___ 1. Strengths
___ 2. Goals
___ 3. Services
___ 4. Accommodations
A. Tools or changes that help you learn (like extra time on tests).
B. What you do well; your talents, skills, and unique interests.
C. Skills you are working to improve, with specific targets.
D. Help from school staff (like speech therapy or small groups).
2
Your Ideas
Think about the sorting activity. Write one example for each part.
1. Strengths
2. Goals
3. Services
4. Accommodations
Final Thought
Which IEP part do you feel is most important for you as you move to middle school? Explain why.
Tip: Use your sorting cards if you need a reminder!
IEP Sorting Cards Activity Sorting Cards Activity Guide
In this activity, students work in small groups to sort example cards into the four key IEP categories: Strengths, Goals, Services, and Accommodations.
Instructions:
Print and cut out the cards below (one set per group).
Label four areas of chart paper with the category names.
Students should discuss each card and decide where it belongs.
Ask students to explain their reasoning during the review.
Strengths
Enjoys reading graphic novels
Strengths
Good at solving puzzles
Strengths
Strong memory for facts
Strengths
Creative storyteller
Goals
Read 20 new vocabulary words per week
Goals
Write a 5-sentence paragraph independently
Goals
Improve multiplication fluency to 10×10
Goals
Use proper punctuation in every sentence
Services
Small group reading instruction
Services
Speech therapy sessions twice a week
Services
Occupational therapy activities
Services
After-school math tutoring
Accommodations
Extra 10 minutes on tests
Accommodations
Preferential seating near the teacher
Accommodations
Use of a word processor for writing tasks
Accommodations
Visual schedule with checklists
Self-Advocacy Mastery Teacher Guide Self-Advocacy Mastery
Session 2 Lesson Plan
Duration
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Helping students understand and use their personalized IEP fosters independence and confidence as they transition to middle school and self-advocate for needed supports.
Objective
Guide students to locate and interpret their own IEP sections, complete a mapping worksheet, and practice self-advocacy through role-play, reinforcing their ability to use their IEP supports.
Prep (10 mins)
• Review Session 2 Slide Deck
• Print IEP Mapping Worksheet
• Cut Role-Play Scenario Cards
• Gather individual student IEPs
Materials Needed
Session 2 Slide Deck
IEP Mapping Worksheet
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Individual IEP Documents
Lesson Flow
03'
Recap and Warm-Up
Review key IEP parts from last session. Ask: “What is one part of the IEP we learned about?”
Invite 2–3 volunteers to share and record responses on chart paper.
07'
Direct Instruction: Navigating Your IEP
Present slides 2–4 showing where to find sections (Strengths, Goals, Services, Accommodations).
Model locating each section on a sample IEP. Ask: “Which page lists your accommodations?”
10'
Independent Activity: IEP Mapping
Distribute the IEP Mapping Worksheet and students’ own IEP documents.
Instruct students to locate and record their personal strengths, goals, services, and accommodations on the worksheet.
Circulate to support and clarify any sensitive information.
08'
Role-Play Practice: Self-Advocacy
Introduce role-play using Scenario Cards. In pairs, students take turns as the ‘student’ asking for support and the ‘teacher’ responding.
Encourage use of sentence starters from slide 5 (e.g., “I need… because…”).
02'
Reflection and Next Steps
Invite 1-2 pairs to share a brief dialogue. Ask: “How did it feel to ask for support?”
Remind students to bring their IEP to their first middle school meeting.
Differentiation Tip:
For students who struggle with reading their own IEP, highlight the specific sentences or phrases they need to find ahead of time, or use a "treasure hunt" approach with colorful sticky notes marking the key sections.
Self-Advocacy Mastery Slides Mission Briefing: Session 2
Using Your IEP
Learning to navigate your personal plan and finding your voice.
Today's Goals
Locate each important section in your own IEP.
Record your personal information on your map.
Practice asking for supports using sentence starters.
How to Navigate
Table of Contents
The roadmap at the start of your document.
Bold Headings
Look for the big titles on each page.
Page Numbers
Use numbers to jump straight to where you need to go.
Where to Find the Info
Strengths
Usually found on the first page.
Goals
Under "Measurable Annual Goals".
Services
Under "Special Education Services".
Accommodations
Under "Accommodations and Modifications".
Speaking Up!
Sentence Starters:
"I need ______ because ______."
"Can I have ______ to help me with ______?"
"My goal is ______, and I would like ______."
Ready for Middle School
Your IEP is your plan. Bring it to your meetings and use your voice to succeed!
Be Prepared
Know your plan.
Be Brave
Ask for support.
IEP Mapping Worksheet IEP Mapping
Personal Navigator
Explorer Name
Date
Use your own IEP document to find your personal information. Record what you find and the page number where it is located.
1. My Strengths
Found on Page: _______
2. My Goals
Found on Page: _______
3. My Services
Found on Page: _______
4. My Tools
Found on Page: _______
Reflection
Which part of your IEP (Strengths, Goals, Services, or Tools) do you think will help you most in middle school? Why?
Role-Play Scenarios Activity Role-Play Scenario Guide
In this activity, students practice asking for supports from their IEP by acting out common classroom situations. This builds confidence and helps them find the right words to use in middle school.
Instructions for Teachers:
Print and cut out the scenario cards below.
Distribute one set of cards to each pair of students.
The "Student" uses sentence starters to ask for support.
The "Teacher" practices responding in a helpful, supportive way.
Pairs should switch roles after each card.
1. Extra Time
I have a math quiz and see I need more time. Ask for your accommodation.
"I need extra time because..."
2. Preferential Seating
It's hard to hear at the back of the room. Ask to move to the front.
"Can I sit closer to you to help me with..."
3. Calculator Use
I must solve multiplication problems but need my calculator. Ask to use it.
"I need to use a calculator to help me..."
4. Visual Schedule
I'm confused about what's next in our day. Ask for a schedule or checklist.
"Can I have a visual schedule to help..."
5. Read-Aloud
I struggle reading instructions on my own. Ask for them to be read aloud.
"I need instructions read aloud because..."
6. Short Breaks
I feel overwhelmed after working for 20 minutes. Ask for a 2-minute break.
"Can I take a short break because..."
7. Word Processor
Writing by hand is hard for me. Ask to type your paragraph instead.
"Can I use a word processor to help..."
8. Extra Practice
I'd like to work on my speech goals. Ask for your therapy time.
"My goal is... and I would like..."
