#individualized education program

The Student: Avid audiobook reader and a lover of all things science and animals. High achiever and super competitive, will kick her classmates’ collective butts on Kahoot quizzes. Nonverbal, and developed an intricate way of sassing me with just her eyes. Will pass state testing for her specific SPED demographic.

The IEP: The student’s strengths include being aware of the world around them.

The Student: Socially intelligent, is good at picking out good hearted people and bonding with them quickly. Knows who “his people” are and readily seeks out love, comfort, and a plain old good time from them. An absolute class clown and an integral part of the classroom community.

The IEP: Has severe behaviors like biting, hitting, screaming, and kicking.

- Hey! If you’re thinking about reading this, your grades probably aren’t the best and that’s totally okay! Everyone has trouble with school at some point and sometimes you just need to figure out what the most effective way of studying is for you! So, as a fellow person that hasn’t had the best grades throughout my middle and high school career, I’ve compiled a list of some study methods that I used regularly that have helped me fix my grade a bit.  REMINDER: these may not work for you, and that’s okay! Everyone learns differently and you’ll find your study-style someday~

Let’s Get Started!

Rewriting Notes This is my favorite way to study because it’s the most simple. The only real work you have to do is take notes during class, and the rest is completely up to your body! The way I do it is I’ll take notes during class and when I get home - I have a notebook specifically for rewriting notes - I’ll rewrite the notes I’d taken in class multiple times. Usually, it only takes two or three times before the information is stuck in my brain, but it could take more or less depending on the person! If you’re trying to study for a test or exam, bust out your old notes and recopy those. Re-insert the old information back into your brain. This method literally only takes about an hour and a half a day and it is by far the most effective for me.

Record Lectures and Listen to Them This is something I do a lot as well. It’s not my favorite, but it does still help a lot. Bust out your phone at the beginning of class and record the lecture - audio or video, it doesn’t matter. Then, when you get home you can listen to it while doing other things. Whenever I use this method, I usually end up listening to the lectures while doing chores or just scrolling aimlessly through the internet. Also, if you’re not in Uni and aren’t sure that your teacher will let you do this, just ask! Tell them you want it for later studying and I can almost guarantee they’ll say yes!

Apply for an IEP or 504 Plan This one isn’t a study tip, but it can be helpful! A lot of people don’t know, but if you apply for an IEP or 504 Plan the school legally has to examine and test you. So, if you feel like you just can’t learn like the other people in your class and you need a little extra help, go ahead and write a letter to your school psychologist/therapist and ask to be evaluated. Your parent/guardian does have to write it for you, but if you explain to them how much trouble you’re having in class and how much it would help, they really should realize how beneficial it’ll be for everyone. Remember, they are required legally to evaluate you within 60 days of you sending the letter in. (I will leave a link here to a reference on how to write an evaluation request letter)

Study With People This one’s my least favorite on the list. Not because it doesn’t work, just because I hate being around other human beings. BUT in the rare times where I actually felt like being around them, study groups helped me a lot! It’s really easy to find them as well. You can just ask your normal friends if they want to go to the library after school and study together or you can contact your school and ask if they have a study group. Studying with other people can be a lot of fun and it can help because you’ll be able to ask questions as your studying and have people check your work and such.

Hey! If you’re reading this you’re either really curious about IEP/504 plans, or you’re thinking about applying for one. Well, no need to worry! I have all the stuff you need to know compiled right here in this one post! Let’s begin.

WHAT IS AN IEP/504 PLAN? IEP stands for Individualized Education Program and it’s basically exactly what it sounds like. It’s overall just a way of telling the school your way of learning, what you need to learn, and your other special needs at school. For example, if you work better while listening to music, then your IEP automatically informs all of your teachers that they can’t tell you to take out your earbuds during class because it helps you. A 504 plan is a plan made for disabled students to make sure they are learning the best way they can and are making it through school as easily as possible.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? They honestly do seem very similar but they are different. Students that have an IEP require specialized instruction and special tools to help them get through a school day, while students with a 504 are more aimed towards legally disabled students that physically or mentally need accomidation that an IEP simply wouldn’t allow.

FACTS ABOUT IEP/504 PLANS -

anyone can apply for them. You don’t have to have bad grades or be disabled; literally, anyone can apply.

If you apply for an evaluation, the school is legally obligated to evaluate you within the next 60 days. If they don’t, you’re allowed to sue them.

School’s are not legally allowed to deny a student the right to an evaluation. I had this happen to me, where my school therapist said, and I quote, “but you’re so smart, you don’t need one!” Of course, I’m smart, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have trouble in class. If your school denies you an evaluation, that is illegal and the school can get in very big trouble for it.

Just saw someone on Facebook say "I didn't vote to dismantle the department of education just because I voted for Donald Trump!" and I'm just so confused at the doublethink it takes to believe that.

Abolishing the DoE was a pillar of his campaign. You DID vote for him to do it, because he campaigned on it. I don't know how or why I need to explain that supporting a politician means supporting their ideas?