Is My Child Learning uses an online educational platform designed with an emphasis on special education students, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and diverse learning needs.

We serve special education students by providing granular diagnostic assessments, personalized SDI, and robust tools for IEP development and progress monitoring. Our adaptive technology, time-saving features, and alignment with IDEA and FAPE requirements make it a valuable resource for educators, ensuring that students with disabilities receive equitable, data-driven instruction tailored to their unique needs. The platform’s focus on SEL, professional development, and collaboration further enhances its impact.

Our program endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). This endorsement underscores its reliability and effectiveness in supporting students with disabilities, reinforcing its alignment with best practices in special education.

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Below is a detailed explanation of how we serve special education students, based on its offerings and features.

girl and mother practicing reading

Granular Diagnostic Assessments

We provide adaptive, diagnostic assessments in reading and mathematics, such as the Diagnostic Online Reading Assessment (DORA) and Adaptive Diagnostic Assessment of Mathematics (ADAM). These assessments are tailored to identify a student’s precise instructional level, or Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), which is critical for special education. Key features include:

  • Pinpointing Learning Gaps: The assessments break down standards into specific skills and concepts, identifying strengths and weaknesses, even if they are several years above or below grade level. This granularity ensures that educators can address individual learning deficits effectively.
  • Accommodations Flexibility: Unlike high-stakes tests, our assessments allow accommodations (e.g., calculator use for math) based on teacher or school discretion, aligning with IEP requirements.
  • Support for Diverse Needs: Assessments like DORA Phonemic Awareness, DORA Spanish/EDELL, and DORA Dyslexia Screener cater to students with specific needs, including English language learners and those with dyslexia.

Personalized Learning Paths and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)

We use assessment data to create customized learning paths that deliver Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), a legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes:

  • Automated Instructional Assignments: The platform’s LGL Edge series (Math Edge and ELA Edge) provides online lessons that target specific skill gaps, using engaging elements like music, animations, and voice intonation to maintain student interest.
  • Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): Instruction is aligned with each student’s ZPD, ensuring that tasks are appropriately challenging yet achievable, which is particularly beneficial for students with disabilities.
  • Real-Time Adjustments: The platform updates instructional content based on ongoing student performance, ensuring that interventions remain relevant.
young child studying
young child studying with father

IEP Development and Compliance

We streamline the IEP process, saving educators significant time while ensuring compliance with IDEA and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) requirements:

  • Data-Driven IEP Goals: The platform’s detailed diagnostic data supports the creation of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
  • AI-Powered Tools: In beta, Weoffers AI-assisted drafting of PLAAFPs and SMART goals, which teachers can review and finalize.
  • Progress Monitoring: Automated progress monitoring tools, including pre-built quizzes and formative assessments, track student growth in real time.
  • Time-Saving for Educators The platform significantly reduces the time special education teachers spend on assessment and IEP development.
    1. Core System Efficiency: Our core system is reported to save teachers 50% or more time compared to traditional IEP processes by automating data collection and analysis.
  • Actionable Reports: Educators receive clear, data-driven reports that highlight student strengths, gaps, and progress, enabling quick adjustments to instruction.
  • Remote Learning Framework: The platform supports Tiers 1, 2, and 3 interventions, ensuring that students with IEPs receive SDI remotely. It also facilitates FAPE compliance by providing robust diagnostic data and progress monitoring.
  • Accessibility: Features like bookmarking allow students to pause assessments and resume later, accommodating those who may struggle with sustained focus or have other disabilities.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration

We incorporate SEL principles to support the emotional and behavioral needs of special education students:

  • Engaging Content: Lessons are designed to boost motivation and confidence through interactive elements, fostering a positive learning experience.
  • Behavior Planning: While behavior tracking tools are still in development, the platform emphasizes creating a supportive classroom culture by focusing on student strengths, which aligns with SEL goals.
young child studying with parents

Professional Development and Collaboration

e offer targeted professional development (PD) to equip educators with the skills needed to support special education students:

  • Customizable PD: Topics include special education equity, IEP processes, and data-driven instruction, tailored to district needs.
  • Collaboration Tools: The platform encourages collaboration among special education teachers, related service providers (e.g., speech therapists), and parents, ensuring a cohesive approach to student support.

Challenges and Considerations

While highly effective, some considerations include:

  • Technology Dependence: Students with certain disabilities may struggle with online platforms, requiring additional support for access (e.g., difficulty logging in or focusing on screens).
  • Implementation Variability: The platform’s success depends on proper training and consistent use by educators, which may vary by district.
  • Beta Features: Some advanced tools, like AI-assisted IEP drafting and behavior tracking, are still in development and may not be fully available.
child frustrated with homework