Let me see if I have this right?

One of the most confusing parts of writing an IEP is knowing what to say in that dang impact section. 😕

Can I get an amen??

We are given information on how to write present levels of performance. We are instructed on how to write SMART goals. We are able to easily communicate the strengths and needs of the student.

But when it comes to clearly articulating exactly HOW the disability impacts the child, we either write the same canned statement over and over or we try to get creative and write something that sounds decent, but doesn't truly capture the unique challenges and needs of each individual student.

Please tell me I'm not the only one who saves this section for the very last because no one ever showed me what a good impact statement looked like.

So, why is this such a tough cookie to crack?

Lack of Specific Guidance

• Not knowing what is exactly wanted or expected in this section is stressful. The lack of specific examples, templates or sentence starters leaves you feeling unsure of how to begin or what to include. 

Stress of compliance

• You feel pressure to ensure your impact statements comply with legal and educational standards while also ensuring they are truly reflective of the student's individual needs. 

Time constraints

• Writing IEPs is a time-consuming process, and chances are you have a large caseload. The time pressure can make it challenging to dedicate the necessary attention to each student's unique impact statement.

Complexity of student needs ❓

Each student with special needs has a unique set of challenges and abilities. You must understand and articulate these complex needs clearly in the IEP, which requires a deep and nuanced understanding of each disability and the impact it has on the student's participation in school.

🎓Lack of specific training

While you are generally trained in creating IEPs, specific guidance on writing impactful impact statements is often not extensively covered in that training. This gap leaves you wondering the best way to summarize just exactly how a disability impacts a child.

Legal and compliance pressures📄

IEPs are legal documents, and there are specific compliance requirements that need to be met. You must ensure that your impact statements are not only accurate and reflective of the student’s needs, but also meet all legal standards, which can be daunting.

💭Communicating with stakeholders

Impact statements in IEPs are used to communicate a student's needs to a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, administrators, and other educators. It's important you learn to write these statements in a way that is understandable and meaningful to all parties involved.

Time constraints⏰

You most likely have a heavy workload, and finding the time to dedicate to the thoughtful and careful crafting of impact statements can be challenging. What you need are efficient strategies to manage this important task within your limited time.

Hello my name is Jennifer and I'm guilty of writing sucky impact statements.

With years of experience as a special education teacher, I've navigated the same choppy waters you're sailing through right now.

My early days in special education were marked by trial and error. Like you, I was adept at identifying my students' needs and strengths. Setting SMART goals was second nature to me, and summarizing data was pretty painless.

But when it came to articulating the impact of a student's disability in a concise, clear, and meaningful way, I felt like a failure.

I often found myself cycling through generic statements or spending hours trying to craft something that felt right and sounded professional but understandable. It was frustrating, knowing how crucial these statements were for accurately conveying each student's unique experience.