Over the past few years, the MA DESE has developed a structured process to improve the implementation of the IEP. The IEP Improvement project’s goal is to improve outcomes for all students with disabilities by:

• Increasing effective and efficient collaboration
• Supporting teachers to know how to respond to the needs of students with disabilities
• Developing student-centered IEPs driven by data and written to ensure that students will gain knowledge and skills to prepare themselves effectively for postsecondary opportunities, career training options, economically viable careers, and healthy, productive lives.
• Supporting families of students with disabilities to understand how their student learns and interacts with the life of the school, as well as what the individualized program and outcomes will be during the course of the school year.
• Promoting student voice and engaging students in their own IEP process.

The IEP Game is a workshop about the new Massachusetts IEP. We will explore the above mindsets and history to place the new IEP in context. Participants will understand why the new IEP elements were developed and what this means for practice. Finally, we will explore the contents of the IEP using an interactive role play game and other activities.

About the Presenter: Dr. Sara Stetson- Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Dedham Public Schools

Dr. Stetson has 30 years of experience in educational leadership. She has worked as a school psychologist, special education department head, special education director, director of pupil services, and assistant superintendent. She has led special education, 504, McKinney-Vento, Title One, ELL, social work, nursing, mental and behavioral health, civil rights and multiple grant projects. Dr. Stetson has been on the faculty of Rivier University for 22 years, teaching courses in assessment, reading, school psychology, learning disabilities, IEP development, and cognition. Dr. Stetson is the recipient of Rivier University’s Benoit Outstanding Educator Award, an AASA award, a national Magna award, a NH DOE parent involvement award, and a national Title One Circle of Excellence award. Most recently, Dr. Stetson’s work in literacy was highlighted in the documentary: Blame it on Gutenberg. Dr. Stetson has a BA in developmental psychology, an M. Ed. in learning disabilities and equivalent coursework-Reading Specialist, a CAGS in school psychology, an Ed. D. in Leadership and Learning, and a graduate certificate in Educational Equity, Racial Understanding, and Organizational Transformation. Dr. Stetson presents at conferences across the US and Canada on topics such as UDL, numerical cognition, leadership, and dyslexia.

Dates & Times: July 26, 2023; 9:00am – 12:00pm

Cost: $100 ACCEPT members/ $125 non-members

Audience: SPED Teachers, General Education Teachers, Team Chairs and anyone involved in the IEP process

Location: via Zoom

Earn: 3 PDPs