When writing a profile of the student's strengths, think about the child as a whole. She enjoys working with peers, enjoys class discussion on variety of reading materials and completes tasks on time. But as Mary Falvey points out in her book Believe in My Child with Special Needs!,taking a problem-focused approach defeats your goal of high expectations and creative problem-solving. Examples include being well-liked, cooperative, a problem solver, making friends easily, socializing at appropriate times during the day, having a friend pool to draw from for support, and communicating with others well. Logic skills: A child with strong logic skills is often able to see the connections between things. Strengths-based ieps allow teachers and parents to identify student strengths and use them as a tool for success. Finally, setting realistic goals and having a positive attitude towards learning can go a long way in helping students achieve their academic goals. Weave strengths into IEP goals. To do this, IEP teams often need to gather more information. Goals should also be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound). These kinds of student self-assessments can help IEP teams develop a strengths-based IEP. 481 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<67C5935B9099344ABEDAEEEBF4E20F8C>]/Index[447 65]/Info 446 0 R/Length 154/Prev 193707/Root 448 0 R/Size 512/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Lying is what I did to survive. A child with strong short-term memory skills is often able to remember things for a short period of time, such as a list of items or a set of instructions. Impatience 5. This student strength list is a tool for you to use when creating student success goals that the student can accomplish. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This is especially true to students who will be graduating soon, and will be integrating into the community. Give students a leadership role in IEP meetings. !3 K>q@Uu 2} We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Lastly, students may want to consider seeking professional help from counselors or therapists if they feel their weaknesses are impacting. Having a supportive family and community will absolutely affect student growth. 2. Student success is paramount in todays competitive academic landscape. View: List IEP Goals: Strengths and Weaknesses Questionnaire by SPED Helpline 5.0 (1) $3.00 PDF This questionnaire must be completed by the teacher of the student. If there are student strengths examples that you would like to include for your student, make sure you add them on your own. When you have a structure to help you, developing a student strength statement and weaknesses statement is not difficult. Individualized education programs that focus on learnercompetencies enhance student growth and increase parental involvement. One of the things that I've /really/ tried to emphasize as a Special Ed teacher is that we're trying to capitalize on a student's strengths to address their needs/areas for growth. This kind of IEP gives much more weight to a students strengths, interests and preferences. Taking a look at specific student strengths in the classroom is a great place to start. Its time for the language used in PLAAFPs and IEPs/ISPs to reflect this understanding. Hopefully, I have covered all of these areas and categories. For example, a student's academic excellence may make her a strong reader, but it might not be something that is of importance to her. Taking that question into consideration can help a student make goals or develop skills based on personal strengths and achievements. (ii)the concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child; (iii)the results of the initial evaluation or most recent evaluation of the child; and. A disability is never ones fault; its how they were born. Give this a try instead: flip those immobilizing weakness statements into specific strengths and needs statements that point the way toward solutions. A strengths test not only tells the IEP team about kids abilities. A student's strengths can fit into different categories or domains. Student struggles are not ignoredrather, they are reframed with a strengths-based lens for actionable IEP goals addressing specific student performance expectations. Yes, looking at the schedule modification section of the IEP, it states that the student requires a longer day and a longer year. The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice. Todays tips are for: All members of IEP teams for students in grades K-12, The challenge: Starting the process of figuring out how to support a students learning. For starters, you can get answers to common questions about having your child attend IEP meetings. Copyright 2023. The strengths should be identified, either through evaluations or anecdotal information from parents and teachers. Both of these questions lead to academic and behavioral success in the classroom. Examples of Student Weaknesses 1. 3. These areas of strength are part of the students environment, and impact overall functional performance of the student. Being creative means being able to come at a problem from different and unusual perspectives. Get detailed teacher input regarding students on your IEP caseload. Indiscipline 15. This deficit-based approach to setting goals, determining benchmarks, and deciding on programs and services downplays the unique contributions and capabilities of students, focuses on limitations and labels, may promote a negative understanding of the student and their potential, and ultimately discourages parental input and student participation in the IEP process. Some of the most common student weaknesses include: Being impatient means you find it hard to wait your turn or let others have their say. The team not only identifies strengths, but leverages them to help address weaknesses. Tell us in the comments! When working towards an IEP goal, he is curious about new material and is open to new ideas. Students can also help the team think about how to use these strengths to develop strategies for success. It is merely a representation or guideline to get you thinking on the right track. When working towards an IEP goal, she will ask for help when needed and accept help when offered. When working in the classroom, he will accept help when offered if it is done quietly. I hope that this student strengths for iep examples guide has been helpful. Others may prefer quieter activities such as reading or playing board games with friends. I like to look at their special interests and include a few; if they share their love of Spiderman or Minecraft, and integrate it into their school day appropriately, that may be worth noting. . We believe that adopting strength-based IEP writing practices is vital to reconstructing students with disabilities as capable contributors to their inclusive classrooms. Greater Good in Education. Understood is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax identification number 83-2365235). Strategies to encourage and help students practice honesty. The virtues are broader characteristics that have been valued in philosophical and spiritual traditions across time and place, while the character strengths function as components of or pathways to the virtues. In order to provide a wide range of options, some general strengths and along with some that are more specific to occupational therapy will be highlighted. ), creativity, writing, critical thinking, study skills, problem-solving, and reading. Family participation is an essential part of a successful IEP process, but persistent barriers can often derail family involvement. Although that student strength might not directly relate to academic success, it may contribute to the student's participation in class. For example, some students may display a natural ability for competitive sports such as running, jumping, or throwing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Incorporating your childs strengths into SMART goals can make the goals even stronger. 5 Examples of Academic Weaknesses 1. 30 Best Students Strengths And Weaknesses List & Examples List of Student Strengths For IEP Writing - The OT Toolbox All information on The OT Toolbox Website, its content of all types, including newsletter and social media is presented as informational only and is not a replacement for therapy assessment, diagnosis, intervention, or medical advice. Older students are more likely to participate in or lead more parts of the IEP meeting. Proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate rest are also important components of academic success. Strengths-based IEPs arent widely used yet. The stigma often felt by students with exceptionalities, along with the inference that these students are less-than, is further exacerbated through a traditional IEP, which is rooted in a deficit-based framework. Another way to think about it is, what outside help does this student have to help them achieve their goals? I prettied it up a little if you want to share it:) Iep Strengths And Weakness Teaching Resources | TPT - TeachersPayTeachers Copyright 2023 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. pursue an inclusive education for their child, from preschool to high school and beyond, collaborate with educators on their childs IEP, promote their childs access to the general curriculum, support their child as he or she develops friendships. One student may be particularly strong in curiosity, love of learning, and perseverance, while another may be strongest in kindness, humility, and fairness; yet another could have zest, social-emotional intelligence, and teamwork as top strengths. You may put off studying or procrastinate, creating chaos in the process. "Statements that focus on the student's weakness often result in IEPs of low or no expectations. Students explore what forgiveness is and what it is not. The teacher can use this form to assess what the child's strengths and deficits are during social behaviors during the school day. Physical strengths: These include a students athleticism, motor planning, coordination, and physical fitness. IEP Goals for Reading: What They Look Like | Understood As always, if you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. Students should also reach out to mentors or tutors for guidance and advice when needed. The idea of desirable character traits has existed since ancient times, but research on them is more recent, spurred by the rise of positive psychologya movement that endeavors to use the tools of psychology not only to identify and fix problems, but also to recognize and foster positive qualities and flourishing. The list of student strengths for IEP writing can be endless! The common goals and the strengths-based goals set the same expectation for student progress. Is honest and trustworthy (already addressed this above), Is caring, kind, and empathetic (its very rare to find a child who truly does not care or empathize with others; they often lack the traditional ways to show it), Helps others (do they have the skill sets to help others, to explain things, and be of assistance? Child Strengths and Weaknesses Examples, Social Skills and Social-Emotional Strengths, Executive Functioning and Processing Strengths, children who chronically lie or are liars, Advertise with Us | Newsletter Sponsorships, Understanding IDEA and Your Parental Rights, Disability Acceptance, Advocacy and Activism, Section 504 Plans and 504 Plan Accommodations. And these insights can be a guiding force throughout the IEP meeting. Statement of academic needs/weaknesses 4. Accessibility | Nondiscrimination | Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Credits, Develop students intellectual humility through concept mapping, PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, College. PDF Present Levels of Academic Achievement & Functional Performance (PLAAFPs) For example, student strengths such as "spontaneous" and "good listener" may not be as effective for student success goals because they are broad student strengths. Remember so these are just examples, and your child's strong and weaknesses may be distinct. A Quick Guide to Roles and Responsibilities. Student strengths in the classroom are important to understanding the student as a whole! Focusing is an important strength because it means you can work independently and dont need constant supervision to get a task done whether it be school work, writing skills or social skills. Jonah is a 9-year old fourth grade student with average ability, whose achievement testing shows relative strength in reading and weakness in math. All Rights Reserved. ), Shows loyalty (I dont even know what this means, for students, loyal? Sam will learn the class vocabulary words with 90% accuracy in three out of four weekly opportunities. IEP QuickTips: Reframing Weaknesses as Strengths and Needs The information provided on the Website is provided as is without any representations or warranties, express or implied. With dedication and commitment, any student can become a successful academic. (Gratitude for Tweens and Teens Lesson 1), Students reach out to trusted adults to ask what they think are students strengths and talents. Given fourth-grade level (4.0) reading material on nonfiction topics, Nura will deploy her love of learning and her interest in science and history to write three details from the passage in her own words with 85% accuracy on three out of four consecutive assignments. IDEA is pretty clear about a students strengths being considered as part of IEP development. How useful was this post? But under stress, we draw a blank. Many parents encourage kids to attend at least the first part of the IEP meeting. Media inquiries:[emailprotected](preferred) or646-757-3100. Student strengths are the qualities, talents or capabilities that a student has. How to Focus on Strengths at an IEP Meeting - Speech Room News The student's team might include student weaknesses as a part of the student's iep, but they should not be included in the student strength list. Strengths and Weaknesses | Find out what is yours! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Emotional strengths: These include a students. His positive work habits show that he follows rules and routines, can ignore distractions, and is a self starter in classroom activities. Procrastination Every student's academic career is affected by procrastination. List the conditions in which the student may excel (e.g., time of day, content area, seating placement), and build upon these conditions throughout the school day to provide scaffolding for areas of weakness. Learners' strengths can be very diverse based on the specific situation. Not some resource list you found on the internet. Instructional strategies. But here are some common elements and approaches. Sustained attention: A child who can sustain their attention is able to focus on a task for a long period of time. Motivation/Work Ethic. Maybe youre getting ready for an IEP meeting, and thinking, What are my childs strengths? or How do I know my childs strengths? Parents, you know your kids best! He likes to read and he also enjoys science activities. THANK YOU for focusing the conversation on strengths and needs vs. weaknesses and deficits!!!! Though people may value different strengths to different extents, in general, parents and educators across cultures value these qualities and try to cultivate them in children and youth. Additionally, they can work on improving their weaknesses by seeking out resources or support from teachers, counselors, or mentors. PreK/Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School. Strengths tests and self-assessments can help deepen the discussion about strengths. Students will identify their personal biases and consider how those biases influence their ability to treat others fairly. This blueprint, however, tends to fall short in considering a students strengths and competencies, and more often than not focuses on what a student cannot do. Strengths-based IEPs aim to start with a strength for each of the skill sets discussed in this section. (You can also try a fun hands-on activity to help identify your childs strengths.). Make your narratives shine with a student strength lists guide! The Many Benefits of Strengths-Based IEPs - Edutopia Good academic performance is the result of consistent hard work and dedication to ones studies. Each student has a unique profile of strengths, with some strengths being more developed and others less so, regardless of how they compare to other students. Create Strengths-based IEPs Special Ed | Frontline Education Write it down! 511 0 obj <>stream Strengths-based IEPs are Essential Everyone knows the IEP meeting is taking place because the student has a disability that adversely affects their education. I have another article about children who chronically lie or are liars. Being easily distracted means that you can find it hard to focus on the task at hand. Creative strengths: Creative students have the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas, as well as their artistic and musical abilities. blog, website, Facebook); uses appropriately, Has several his/her own favorite movies or TV shows that he/she likes to talk about and can do so without manipulating the conversation, Loves learning new things; will seek out knowledge. I just needed better coping mechanisms, which no one taught me. My lying was treated as a character flaw, and it took me many years to realize that I am a good person. Having students actively participate in parts of the IEP meeting can help in many ways. A students strengths can fit into different categories or domains. Inside: Learn how to use Student Strengths or Child Strengths on an IEP, and the importance of doing so. None of us are perfect, and this means its likely that we will have at least some weakness to work on. Trending: Become a Special Education Advocate, Start IEP and Special Education Knowledge. Procrastination is the deliberate postponing of one's assignments until the last possible moment. It was self-preservation, and Im an enabler (raised by alcoholics). Has a strong number sense, like knowing which is larger and which is smaller, Sees and understands patterns in nature and in numbers, Puts effort into making friends and keeping them, Accepts personal responsibility for actions (good and bad). Is not a superficial look at strengths.Strengths & abilities are thoughtfully integrated into IEP goals & objectives. Jenny is helpful in class and eager to learn new concepts. Here are more childs strengths for an IEP, not categorized. Many students also have difficulty staying organized, studying efficiently or managing their emotions effectively. This is the complete list of articles we have written about academic weaknesses. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Abilities Coding Collaboration Consensus Building Education IT Skills Language Leadership Learning Listening Prioritization Public Speaking Research Self-Discipline Strengths Study Skills Talents Time Management Visual Communication Your child's IEP should have goals for each area of weakness in reading skills. Specific conditions. Read on to see examples. Students learn about forgiveness from book characters. For students with exceptionalities, their educational program, supports, and related services are largely determined by an individualized education program (IEP) or individual services plan (ISP) that pulls information from their present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP). This is when the team discusses a students strengths, interests and preferences. Starting with character strengths begins to paint a picture of how the student positively impacts the learning environment. From student work habits (work independently) to academics (reading comprehension), every area of a child's development can be highlighted using this easy to use, step-by-step guide. Fear of Failure 2. All Rights Reserved. But by shifting the focus and putting a big emphasis on strengths, this new kind of IEP helps adultsand kidssee that theres more to these students than their weaknesses. PDF. Take an inventory of the students strengths, interests, and preferences. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Get to know yourself better with our list of Students Strengths and Weaknesses for Students. And, we dont typically look for lists of weaknesses to put on an IEP. In this post I will provide a few examples of items to add to your list of student strengths for IEP writing, to help you get the ball rolling. Make sure your child and adolescent strengths are included as part of your parent concerns. This is the time to gloat about your student. 3 Steps to Impress, Strengths Based Interview Questions: Top Example Questions, ESFP Strengths and Weaknesses: Top 5 List of ESFP Strengths, 16 Strengths and Weaknesses Examples Job Interview List, Accounting Strengths and Weaknesses: Top 5 Poll Results 2023. These helpful sentence starters can be best used with the assistance of the student and parents. A: Strategies students can use to improve upon their weaknesses include setting achievable goals, breaking projects down into smaller tasks, developing better study habits and using online tools or resources to help them stay organized and motivated. Use this framework to help guide the writing process: __________ has a strong character, is _______________, and is _______________. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. Examples of Special Qualities to list on the IEP. When student strengths are utilized, students will become more active and enthusiastic participants in their educations. Selective attention: A child with selective attention skills is able to filter out distractions and focus on one task. Stubborn 10. Student strengths such as "helps partner with school work," "remembers to raise hand in class," and "tries to stay on task" are student strengths that can be observed and measured. The OT Toolbox assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions that may appear in the Website. Weakness: Separating yourself from the rest of your team, being too judgmental, micromanagement, no integrity, etc. Thanks, Alexa! Well, no more! It involves setting goals, developing a plan for achieving them, and striving for excellence. It also tells the kids about their own abilities. Strengths-based IEPs are rooted in the belief that all students have strengths and that students motivation increases when the adults around them point out those strengths. endstream endobj startxref 0 But again, we often go into IEP meetings with the mindset that the school is going to tell us no and we forget to address strengths or assets. But only the strengths-based goals use the students abilities and interests to help chart a path to progress. Its important for IEP goals to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented and Time-bound). Even if the student strengths seem silly or out of place, they may be meaningful for some students. Whos at the IEP Table? A child with a great memory is often able to remember instructions, peoples names, and previous learning experiences easily. Collaborative [IEP] teams must make a commitment to solve problems rather than admire them, reinvent them, or conclude that there are no solutions., (Like that quote? 3 Step How-To Answer Guide, What Are Your Strengths? She/He enjoys __________ and __________ . Here are a few examples of how a strengths-based IEP goal could differ from a SMART goal that isnt strengths-based: By May 15, Elana will know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers with 90% accuracy in four out of five tries. With that in mind, why not check out our guide to the most common strengths and weaknesses of students below to see if any resonate with you. Strengths: Emotional intelligence is a term used to describe a person's ability, strong communication and presentation abilities verbally, strong analytic abilities, fairness, etc. You can also learn more about how to develop SMART IEP goals, and then help steer the IEP team to include strengths in at least a few of your childs goals. Students brainstorm ideas for coping with anger as a first step to forgiveness. Being organized is all about properly managing your resources including time, supplies, and even effort. What if instead we leverage students strengths and competencies to improve areas of growth? Recognizing these strengths in students is key to helping them reach their full potential. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.. Being cooperative is a vital aspect of any successful educational experience because it allows you to work in pairs and groups, as well as do what you are asked by the person that is leading the activity. really? Additionally, if there are any special interests of the student that are community-based, this may be a great opportunity to highlight that. Many teachers, especially new ones, find it challenging to, IEP writing strengths and weaknesses examples. This form includes a checklist (teachers love this option because we are SO busy), and also areas for teachers to note student strengths/weaknesses, current grades, observed skill deficits, and much more. 3.1 Reflection: Student Strengths and Weakness and their IEP Its the ability to recall knowledge and use it appropriately. As a student, knowing yourself, including the things you are best at, and the skills that could do with a little more work can be invaluable. willingness to forgive and give people second chances, Persistent in reaching his desired outcome, He has an excellent memory and excels in completing tasks when given clear lists or flowcharts, Is curious about the world around him/her, Fun fashion sense as a means of expression, Sensory/tactile learner, multi-sensory learner, Eager to learn when refocused consistently, When regulated M is a sweet considerate child, Thinks out-of-the-box to find unconventional and creative solutions, exercises great emotional restraint when pushed to his limits, Is empathetic toward the needs of others even if he cannot express, Consistently processes information and responds, even though it is a delayed response, ability to verbalize when he is upset or dysregulated, may appear disinterested in class or not paying attention, but when questioned can regurgitate back the information that was just presented, May be impulsive, but once regulated can usually identify the situation and trigger with great accuracy, Can solve equations in his head, but may show frustration at having to show work, Can adapt to changes in daily schedule with proper warning and notification and explanation, strong desire to do well and please others, is able to set realistic, achievable goals for herself, Is able to and will ask for help when needed, will raise a hand and wait patiently to be called on, recognizes and respects the personal space of others, can do 4/5/6 volleys in a 2-way conversation, can verbalize when being teased/bullied and respond appropriately, will accept unsolicited adult assistance/help without resistance, Learns material best when moving around, gross motor movement, Likes to ride his/her bike, skateboard, and/or other self-powered personal vehicles, Likes to exercise and will initiate independently, Can follow instructions/rules for games such as (give examples), participates in (community activity/sports) and elaborate, Is aware and will be safe in the following setting (elaborate) and will respond appropriately, Can act appropriately around a baby or younger child, Enjoys working independently or in groups, is persistent in carrying out assignments or activities, Understands sarcasm, enjoys telling jokes, Possesses a sense of personal responsibility, Has strong opinions about controversial topics and is able to verbalize them, Marches to the beat of a different drummer, Handles stressful events well (e.g.
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