Exceptional Services/Special education Teachers

Marsha - posted on 10/30/2009

I work with students with moderate to severe handicaps (mostly autism) overseas with the Department of Defense. The paperwork is a never-ending battle. Yesterday, they told us we had to have paperwork filled out to decide which of our students would qualify for Extended School Year (summer school) by today. I grumbled, but got it done, only to receive an email later in the day saying the forms were for our information only and didn't need to be turned in! UGH. I don't have a choice to not see my students because they are self-contained with me. So, I put them on the computers or put in a video and work on the paperwork. It certainly isn't best practice, but what to do??

Kristin - posted on 10/25/2009

I teach special ed. Know about the paperwork. I get ready for ARD's on the weekend unfortunately. One time I took off a fri and prepared for an ARD and then did errands. It is hard, and I don't have as many ss as youl I just grab every min I can to do paperwork. I hear from the speech therapist, who has about 70 ss. She is often overwhelmed and does paperwork at her house and stays up late. But you'll prob bring it home like all of us spec ed teachers. I psychologist told me that if you schedule in time for your own kids, say even 30 min, make it good quality and it fills them up and then you can take a chunk of time for your self and it makes you and your own child feel good. make an apt for your child in your planner. and stick to it. I had to do that with my son after my daughter was born. I would leave a note "Wrestle/play with sean". gotta go to the grocery store so talk to you later if you want

Helen - posted on 10/22/2009

I am a special ed teache too. I am currently workig with students with high functioning autism an Asperger Syndrome. The paperwork has always been a nightmare. The online IEPs and progress reports are both a blessing and a curse. I refuse to take work home partly becuase I know it won't get done. Before my kids I would stay after school, but now that is impossible. What accidently happened is that every day during my prep period, I would take 1-2 students and review their progress et al. Legally you can write an IEP 2 weeks prior to an actual meeting. So, if you know when the meeting is scheduled you can write the IEP early. I have the fortune/misfortune of having a district laptop. When I had to travel it allowed me to make my reports on site instead of having to got to "base."

Hope that helps

Sharon - posted on 10/18/2009

I am also a special educator and work in a resource room setting. I agree that the paperwork can sometimes be overwhelming. At times when the students are able to work on something independently that is when I will take a few minutes to do some of my work. Also, I eat lunch in my classroom a lot to get things done. I also differntiate and have to individualize lesson plans so there are times I am taking work home on the weekends. I try to keep it to a minimum by going in early a few days a week as well.

Sandy - posted on 10/18/2009

I am. We have a special ed teacher that is our due process person. This is our first year that we have not had to do it. This has really freed up a lot of time for us to concentrate on the students.

Donna - posted on 10/17/2009

I am special ed for LD, ED in an alternative high school. I does seem like most of my time is eaten up with paperwork. I have a supportive admin and just do what I can. I put the kids first and if I am late, well, I am just late! Last May every graduate went to college, and that made it all worthwhile.

Angel - posted on 10/17/2009

Wow! What state are you in? If it's online you can do it from home just after the little one's go to bed but other than that try to get a head start on some of the easier parts so it's not so much near due dates.

Kathy - posted on 10/16/2009

Yeah, our IEP's are on line, too and so are the progress reports. My home school is across town so it's just best for me to stay a bit longer after school where there are no interruptions. I will have to take a half or whole day in front of the computer at my "headquarter" school just to get all the progress reports done in a timely manner.

Megan - posted on 10/14/2009

I used to teach an inclusion classroom. I worked closely with the spled teacher. Although the paperwork (IEP's, etc.) were her responsibility, I often helped her with them. I felt like these students were with me all day and my input was beneficial. The amount of paperwork kept growing, but doing it with someone helps. I don't know if there truly is a way to keep it from coming home.

Melissa - posted on 10/13/2009

I am also a special education teacher. Last year I was self-proclamed obsessed with my class. When I left on maternity leave I actually started crying to my principal because I knew things were going to change. My husband isn't home very often (he's in the military and a firefighter) so often it's just me. I have had to realize something has to take the back burner and it wasn't my daughter. I know its horrible and you hate to do it but somethings got to give!!!

Liz - posted on 10/11/2009

Hi Kathy, I was a special needs teacher for teenagers and then worked in community services with adults with special needs and I now have my own business and consult. I find with the paperwork that it has to be done as a matter of compliance and it also your accountability. I have a rule - only deal with a piece of paper once. Don't shuffle it around on your desk, simply prioitise and get it done. It does get me down sometimes but I take the long view. By completing that assessment/report I am making a difference. If I don't complete an assessment - a client wait longer for their needs to be met. Keep up the great work!

Margaret - posted on 10/11/2009

Kathy,

I am a special education specialist too. I know the paperwork can get overwhelmimg. I am lucky my IEP's are on line and the information can be edited easily . The tracking is hard and the individual planning for differentiated learning can be a challenge . I love working with children with special needs . They need our assistance more than most.

I keeep trying to reinvent the wheel each month to try to make it easier and I haven't found a system that works perfectly. I will keep trying until I find it . I keep getting more students and I focus on building a program to fit their needs and I add this to the mix.