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Week 28

 



Week 28 — Flexible Plans and Lasting Impact


Monday began the start of a beautiful week — and thankfully without the headache I had been dealing with all weekend! I was at full throttle and ready to jump in. I had a couple items on my to-do list, but as always, those depend on students actually being in class. IEP testing had to wait because the student with the upcoming meeting was sick, so I moved to Plan B.


This is exactly why it is optimal to have a couple weeks’ notice for an IEP — testing students and collecting meaningful data takes time before the big day. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year as a support facilitator is that I may walk into a classroom with my agenda, but the teacher may need support introducing a lesson or practicing a skill students are struggling with. My plan is optional — unless it’s IEP testing.


Tuesday, the same student was still absent, so testing again had to wait. I stayed productive by completing testing for other upcoming IEPs. I also began prepping additional small-group materials from the Scholastic Book Room since many teachers were working with leveled readers. The book room is fantastic — short articles and chapter books organized by reading level, each with a guided reading teacher guide.


I also downloaded Grade 4 and 5 standards-based questions to create my own chapter quizzes based on FAST-style questions students will see on state testing.


In the afternoon, something simple left a lasting impact on me. During a fifth-grade small group, three administrators walked through the classroom. It was actually the perfect moment — three centers were running smoothly and every student was engaged. Afterward, I congratulated the teacher on a job well done. It reminded me of a vital lesson: we must always celebrate one another’s successes.


Wednesday was a shorter day, but after school we had a Science of Reading training. I learned more about the critical questions educators ask when planning instruction, and I enjoyed the camaraderie among colleagues. I met with my mentee to review training logistics, and we also took time to support a colleague going through a difficult season. Part of this job is feeling all the emotions and being there for each other.


Thursday I was finally able to finish IEP testing with the student — six tests completed! Later, while working with a fourth grader I see three days a week for fluency, I realized how much she has improved since we began. SIPPS Challenge truly is next-level for decoding multisyllabic words and building fluency through trade books. I felt proud to be part of her journey.


Friday was another day of IEP writing and testing. After every meeting, I update the accommodation log, daily schedule, student profile sheet, and IEP data sheets, then send updated information to teachers. When you have 8–10 meetings in a month, it can be a lot.


But I still wouldn’t choose anything else.


I love working with students and making a difference in as many lives as possible. Yes, I’m learning every day how to build relationships and navigate adult dynamics — but my greatest reward and responsibility will always be helping students with exceptionalities flourish.

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