Teachers for the Visually Impaired should not be overwhelmed by writing lesson plans, nor should they be overwhelmed by keeping track of IEP goal progress data. How is that possible, you ask? When IEP goals drive your lesson plans on a consistent basis, and you include ways to consistently measure progress toward IEP goals, the process becomes smooth, and the stress falls away.
Manage Lesson Plans With Solid IEP Goals
Start with writing solid IEP goals addressing a student’s priority needs, that can be objectively measured, that clearly state what a student will do and how they will do it to show mastery of the goal, and that are realistic for success within the IEP period. Solid goals set a student up for success and growth, and they make the lesson planning process much easier! Part of writing a solid goal is also creating a simple way to regularly document the student’s progress on their goal. You might use a spreadsheet for each goal where you divide up each part of the goal in a separate column, such as, number of words read in braille, accuracy for answering comprehension questions, and words per minute read. Include every part of the goal in your plan for documentation. Each time a student completes work on a goal like a braille reading task, simply document data in those columns. Other goals might lend themselves more to rubrics or student work samples. Whatever method of data collection that you choose, start as soon as the IEP is in place, and you’ll be all set for writing progress reports, or reporting goal progress at the end of the IEP period.
Manage Lesson Plans By Actively Using the IEP Goals
The other benefit of keeping regular IEP goal data is that you can write clear lesson plans to support the learning and skill development of those goals. You’ll also always be aware of a student’s present level of functioning, and what they need to have planned for in your instruction versus what they may have already mastered. Keeping regular IEP data is also great accountability for not letting a goal fall through the cracks of seemingly more pressing needs. Next, use the IEP goals to create daily, weekly, or monthly lesson planning templates for your student, incorporating the language of each IEP goal into the template plan. Each week you can simply copy and paste from the template and add specific details such as the book title and pages to read, or the objects used for students with Cortical Visual Impairment to practice looking. Continuing to use a template, and updating the template as the student progresses, makes lesson planning easier, less time consuming, and keeps the student’s specific needs as identified in their IEP goals as the center of your lesson plans.
Manage Lesson Plans By Regularly Linking to IEP Goals Data
Finally, link the IEP goal data collection sheet, rubric, folder of student work samples, etc. to your plans so that you remember to collect data on a regular basis. While this process does take a bit of time to set up each time a new set of IEP goals is put in place, the time it will save you, and benefits to your students are well worth the investment!
Check out our Blog on, How To Teach a Blind Student To Clean A Toilet! Complete with lesson plans and rubric.
