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IEP Alignment from a District Administrator's Perspective

With Guest Dane Parcel

In today’s episode of Special Education for Beginners, we’re taking our October IEP Alignment Series one step further...this time through the lens of administration.

I’m joined by Dane Parcel, my current Special Education Director (and former co-teacher and colleague of many years), to talk about what true IEP alignment looks like from the director’s chair.

This episode is packed with real, practical insight on what makes an IEP truly strong, connected, and defensible — not just complete.

"If the Present Levels aren’t fully developed, everything that comes after it is pretty disconnected.”

In this episode, we discuss:

✅ What “IEP alignment” really means from an administrator’s perspective
✅ What Dane the Director looks for in a strong Present Levels (PLAAFP) section
✅ His advice for writing clear, measurable IEP goals that actually make sense and keeps you from using so much brain power
✅ How to decide which services and accommodations belong — and which should be removed
✅ The difference between an IEP that is compliant vs. one that is meaningful
✅ Encouragement for teachers who are overwhelmed by the process

Whether you’re a brand-new special education teacher or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will give you clarity, validation, and a renewed sense of purpose around writing student-centered IEPs.

Make sure and check out the final episode in the IEP Connection series! Next week, I walk you through a complete case study of a connected IEP from start to finish.

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📎 Beneficial Resources:

• Using AI to Write IEPs: Identifying Strengths and Needs

• Digital IEP Goal Bank

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