How AI is Fixing Special Ed IEPs (and Saving Teachers Hours) ft. Dr. Paul McDonald Accelerating Education Podcast Paul McDonald, Ed.D. Education Consultant with host Richard Capone Episode P2E4, July 16, 2026

Summary: Tired of endless IEP paperwork taking over your week? In this episode, 35-year education veteran Dr. Paul McDonald reveals how combining diagnostic data with smart AI tools is revolutionizing special education. Learn how one Nevada school district successfully cut documentation time, guaranteed rock-solid compliance, and created personalized learning plans that actually boost student achievement. Whether you're a special educator, school administrator, or EdTech leader, discover how to leverage AI as a powerful assistant—giving teachers their time back so they can focus on what matters most: empowering students.

Key Topics: —The shift from compliance focus to quality instructional data in IEP development —The significance of diagnostic assessments versus traditional grade-level data —How district staff with varied backgrounds, including new teachers and ESL educators, implement AI tools —Using AI loosely to support writing clear, individualized present levels for IEPs —Customizing AI prompts and checklists based on federal, state, and district regulations —The role of ongoing professional development in adapting to AI-supported systems —Developing an AI-powered compliance checklist that integrates with existing IEP forms —Strategies for district-level implementation, approval workflows, and quality control —Future directions: AI-driven IEP review and potential for reducing legal and procedural errors —The importance of trusting data-driven processes and maintaining individualization in special education

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to AI in IEP Development 02:25 - Diagnostic Data vs. Traditional Assessments 04:19 - How to Write IEP "Present Levels" Using AI 07:06 - Automating Goal Setting & Data Interpretation 08:29 - Built-In Compliance: Custom AI Checklists 13:34 - Slashing Paperwork & Reclaiming Teacher Time 14:34 - Addressing AI Concerns & Preserving Individualization 18:15 - Automated Compliance & Quality Assurance Tools 25:45 - Legal Safety, Privacy, & De-Identification Processes 30:35 - The Future of AI & Equity in Special Education

#SpecialEducation #SPED #TeacherBurnout #IEP #EdTech #AIinEducation #TeacherEmpowerment #SpecialEdTeacher #LetsGoLearn

Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

The Future of Special Ed: AI & Empowerment, with Chad Rummel Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE Executive Director of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) with host Richard Capone

Episode P2E3, Apr 13, 2026 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

About the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) - https://exceptionalchildren.org/ Connect with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): The CEC is the largest professional organization in the world for special educators, offering 18 specialized divisions and chapters in nearly every state.

Summary

In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Chad Rummel, Executive Director of CEC, about re-imagining support for special education teachers, the role of AI, and the future of the industry. They discuss innovative tools like the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit, challenges in workload, and strategies to empower educators. As IEPs grow from 4 pages to nearly 30, the "compliance trap" is causing record-breaking burnout. Chad explains how the CEC is fighting back with the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit (TET)—a new CEC member benefit resource designed to slash administrative workload and put the focus back on student instruction.

Key Topics

— Support for special education teachers — The role of AI in education — The Teacher Empowerment Toolkit and technology modernization — Workload reduction and workload management — Future trends and leadership in special education

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction to Chad Rummel & CEC 1:18 - Moving from Compliance to Empowerment 1:58 - Launching the Teacher Empowerment Toolkit 4:41 - The Role of AI in Special Education 6:00 - AI in Special Education: Opportunities and Concerns 7:54 - How Administrators Can Support Staff 8:37 - Addressing Educator Shortages and Future Trajectories 9:10 - Solving the Educator Shortage in the Next 5 Years 11:51 - CEC's Evolving Leadership and Support for Teachers 12:32 - A Message to Overwhelmed Teachers 13:15 - How Do You Support Teachers Today? 14:43 - Rapid Fire: The Future is Positive 17:15 - The Importance of Supporting Teachers, Not Replacing Them 17:43 - What Gives Chad the Most Hope Today?

#SpecialEducation #SPED #TeacherBurnout #IEP #EdTech #AIinEducation #CEC #TeacherEmpowerment #SpecialEdTeacher #LetsGoLearn

The "Closed" AI Model in Special Education, with Dr. Angie Balsley Accelerating Education Podcast 🎙️ Guest: Angie Balsley, Ed.D. CEO of Unified Leadership UnifiedLeadership.org with host Richard Capone

Episode P2E2, Feb 19, 2026 Sponsored by Let's Go Learn https://www.letsgolearn.com

Summary

In this episode of Accelerating Education, Richard Capone interviews Dr. Angie Balsley, CEO of Unified Leadership, discussing her extensive background in special education and the challenges faced in the field. They explore the importance of relationships and systems in special education, the innovative FAPE Compass tool designed to assist educators, and the future of special education leadership. Dr. Balsley shares insights on the impact of AI in education and the positive feedback from districts using FAPE Compass.

Takeaways

— Dr. Balsley's background in special education is deeply personal and rooted in inclusive practices. — Strong relationships are foundational to effective special education leadership. — The educator shortage is a significant challenge in special education. — FAPE Compass is an AI tool designed to provide instant answers to special education questions. — The tool enhances legal literacy for educators in real-time. — FAPE Compass is tailored to district-specific needs and procedures. — AI can help reduce the cognitive load on special education directors. — Feedback from districts indicates increased confidence and efficiency with FAPE Compass. — The tool aims to empower staff, reducing the need for directors to attend every meeting. — The future of special education may see more streamlined systems through tools like FAPE Compass.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Angie Balsley 01:06 Shaping Philosophy in Special Education 02:54 Challenges in Special Education Systems 04:35 Innovations in Special Education Leadership 06:21 Introducing FAPE Compass 10:00 The Future of FAPE Compass in Special Education 12:32 Feedback and Success Stories from Districts

#SpecialEducation, #LetsGoLearn, #AIinEducation, #EdTech, #FAPE