{"id":6154,"date":"2025-04-23T16:28:14","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T20:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/?post_type=insights&#038;p=6154"},"modified":"2025-04-23T16:37:28","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T20:37:28","slug":"jenny-kendall-on-how-to-build-ieps-that-truly-support-every-student","status":"publish","type":"insights","link":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/insights\/jenny-kendall-on-how-to-build-ieps-that-truly-support-every-student\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build IEPs That Truly Support Every Student"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #2127c3;color:#2D2D2D;\" class=\"section custom-section position-relative is-full-width align pt-0 pb-0 wp-block-acf-section\" data-desktop-bg=\"\" data-mobile-bg=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns gap-2 gap-md-5 p-md-0 p-3 is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ep. 177: Jenny Kendall on How to Build IEPs That Truly Support Every Student\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XQp6FOh2eQg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top p-md-5 p-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34f31e076d356377dd8c6801fe6bcb3a\">For students with special needs, school can feel impossible. But in virtual classrooms, some learners are finally feeling seen and supported.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5c4f377546e0e269ed6014bb8a08b1a\">How do we build a system where every student thrives?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c04eba08566e650abe5b87de822f4557\">Jenny Kendall, senior director of special programs at Stride, Inc., joins Kevin in this episode to discuss the importance of special education and how it works in the virtual setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-217ed9b64a156f1f4e6c8301da01c3ce\"><strong>Listen to the Full Audio<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<audio class=\"w-75\" controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/dts.podtrac.com\/redirect.mp3\/media.blubrry.com\/1470463\/traffic.libsyn.com\/whatiwanttoknow\/full_episode_-_20min_audio.mp3\"><\/audio>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"external-link pt-4 has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4023c564f3b8b7496b3689d4df636d80\">Listen on: <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/what-i-want-to-know-with-kevin-p-chavous\/id1561682450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"color: white;\"><strong>Apple Podcast<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/5KkzBkzDhmQB8VNrDtP3BF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" style=\"color: white;\"><strong>Spotify<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-dark-orange-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:80px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF;color:#2D2D2D;\" class=\"section custom-section position-relative  align pb-0 wp-block-acf-section\" data-desktop-bg=\"\" data-mobile-bg=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"title-wrap mobile-leftalign font__primary-bold align lh-base wp-elements-58500b4ab16d86979113d37b92061c48 wp-block-acf-advanced-heading has-text-color has-secondary-blue-color\">\n\t<h4 class=\"\" style=\"color:#2a72cb\">Transcript<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> If everybody puts their heart and soul into ensuring that this will be successful for a student with special needs, then it\u2019s going to be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> For students with special needs, school can feel impossible, but in virtual classrooms, some of them are finally being seen and supported in ways that work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns more-content is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Jenny Kendall Lee, special programs at Stride Incorporated. How do we build a system where every student thrives? This is what I want to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Jenny, I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here. I always tell you, you\u2019re one of my favorite people and I also enjoy the work you\u2019re doing. Let\u2019s jump right in. We know virtual education works for so many kids, but Jenny, some people don\u2019t understand or see how it could work in the area of special needs. So talk first of all a little bit about that, and the work you\u2019re doing at Stride in that regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Sure, sure. You know, that still is a question today, and I think it became more prevalent during times of Covid when we had brick-and-mortar districts that had to jump in quickly and pivot to online learning. The benefit of working for Stride is we\u2019ve been doing this for 25 years. So we have some of the framework embedded and already in place for our students with exceptional needs or special needs. I always say to people that I have been doing this for a long time, 20-plus years. If the entire team encompassing a student\u2014whether that be the parent, the learning coach, the speech therapist, the special education teacher, the general education teacher, the school administration\u2014if everybody puts their heart and soul into ensuring that this will be successful for a student with special needs, then it\u2019s going to be successful for that student. Again, that varies by student\u2014who the support staff are, what frequency, intensity, and duration they provide. But it\u2019s individualized for each student, provided through varying online platforms using forms of assistive technology to ensure our students have what they need to be successful, productive, and graduate as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> We know that virtual education works for some students. For some, it doesn\u2019t. And we know the same may apply to students with special\u2014or as you said\u2014exceptional needs. When does it work and when doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Yeah, great question. I\u2019m going to speak in broad terms because I do believe it can work for really all students, again, if all parties are committed and devoted to what may be extensive or extra work to drive success. We\u2019ve seen students transition exceptionally well from brick-and-mortar environments when they had environmental challenges. It could be something as simple as fluorescent lights distracting a student with autism, changing classes, hallway noise, or navigating stairs. Removing those distractions in a home environment eliminates many barriers. Even students with ADHD\u2014if they need to move or play with fidget toys\u2014they can do that at home without being a distraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> You said any child could succeed in virtual education if everyone is committed. What exactly does that mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> The heaviest weight is on the educational system\u2014administrators, teachers, and support staff. As a special education director across a network of schools, I have to ensure that we layer on what each student needs. That could mean one-on-one instruction, daily reminders to log in, or sending assistive technology. We work with students with severe physical disabilities, sending adaptive tools so their computers work for them. Parents also play a role by accepting and supporting these resources in the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Can students with special needs get the same comprehensive services online as in person?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Yes, with a few exceptions. I began as a speech-language pathologist, and sometimes face-to-face interaction is needed\u2014like using a tongue depressor for speech formation. But 95% of services can be delivered online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> What about kids struggling with technology?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> That\u2019s where assistive technology experts come in\u2014whether they need text read aloud, speech-to-text, a different mouse, enlarged screens, or color adjustments. It\u2019s about meeting students where they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Let\u2019s talk about IEPs. They\u2019re key to mapping out strong educational experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Absolutely. We follow IDEA guidelines. The goals in IEPs stay the same whether online or in-person. We often transition IEPs from brick-and-mortar with minor adjustments\u2014for example, removing supports like hallway transitions that aren\u2019t needed online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> How do you monitor progress?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Through multiple layers of assessments\u2014school-wide and specialized tools for IEP goals. Teachers have what they need to ensure progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> What\u2019s a day in the life like for a special needs student online?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> It varies by student. They might start with a general education class, followed by one-on-one sessions with special education teachers. There\u2019s flexibility\u2014students can move around if needed. The online setting allows for personalized schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> How do you manage teacher shortages?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> We\u2019ve built a team of special education teachers licensed in multiple states. They can step in remotely when needed, ensuring continuity of service regardless of location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Autism support seems to be a strong point. Why is that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> The home environment removes sensory overload\u2014no humming lights, loud bells, or peer misunderstandings. One parent told me school became the easiest part of her son\u2019s life after joining us. That\u2019s what we aim for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> How will AI and tech advances impact your work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Technology is ahead of regulations. Adaptive learning tools notify teachers live when a student struggles, but current IEP frameworks aren\u2019t built for that. We need to evolve compliance to match where technology is leading\u2014toward real-time, personalized intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Do you see regulations changing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Not yet, but it\u2019s something I hope to push forward, just like we shifted the mindset from special education being a place to being a service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> If Jenny Kendall says it\u2019ll happen, it will. Thanks for everything you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenny Kendall:<\/strong> Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate your support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kevin P. Chavous:<\/strong> Thanks for listening to <em>What I Want to Know<\/em>. Be sure to follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Join the conversation using #WIWTK. For more on Stride and online education, visit stridelearning.com. I\u2019m Kevin P. Chavous\u2014thanks for joining.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"javascript:void(0);\" class=\"toggle-link\">Read more<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-light-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-light-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide mb-5 mt-5\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"title-wrap mobile-leftalign font__primary-bold align lh-base mb-3 wp-elements-1856fbdff540c15d0c7139676282ea1c wp-block-acf-advanced-heading has-text-color has-secondary-blue-color\">\n\t<h4 class=\"\" style=\"color:#2a72cb\">Meet the Experts<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"title-wrap mobile-leftalign font__primary-bold align lh-base wp-block-acf-advanced-heading\">\n\t<h5 class=\"\" style=\"color:#000000\">Meet Jenny<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Jenny Kendall is the senior director of special programs at Stride, Inc. She\u2019s spent more than 20 years working within the company\u2019s educational community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:15%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jenny Kendall, senior director of special programs at Stride, Inc., joins Kevin in this episode to discuss the importance of special education and how it works in the virtual setting. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":6156,"template":"","insights_category":[12],"insights_tag":[17],"insights_keyword":[75,77,72,78,73,76],"class_list":["post-6154","insights","type-insights","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","insights_category-education-policy-advocacy","insights_tag-podcast","insights_keyword-education","insights_keyword-equity","insights_keyword-podcasts","insights_keyword-policy","insights_keyword-student","insights_keyword-teacher"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights\/6154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/insights"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"insights_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights_category?post=6154"},{"taxonomy":"insights_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights_tag?post=6154"},{"taxonomy":"insights_keyword","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stridelearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights_keyword?post=6154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}