Choosing IEP Goals: Who Gets to Decide?
Inside: Parents often disagree with their IEP teams when it comes to choosing IEP goals. Who gets to decide what goal goes on an IEP?…
1
Popular Now: Free IEP Data Collection Sheets
Hundreds of posts. Thousands of IEP Goals and IEP accommodations. Tons of advice and tips after attending 100s of IEP meetings.
This is why you’re here, right? You need IEP information or advice.
The IEP process is not for the faint of heart. If your child has an IEP, please heed my advice–as I am a Special Education Advocate having attended hundreds of IEP meetings since 2009.
The ‘IEP Special Education’ category is dedicated to providing information and resources for families and individuals navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
Here, you will find a wealth of resources on understanding the IEP process, from developing the IEP to working with schools to implement it.
Our expert authors share their knowledge and experiences to help you understand your rights and advocate for the best possible education for your child.
Whether you’re just starting the IEP process or looking for tips and tricks to make it smoother, this category has you covered.
Parents must commit to learning and using the IEP process to meet their child’s needs.
And I’m making it easier for you. I have hundreds of articles about IEP topics and common IEP parent questions. I explain things in a language you can understand, and offer solution steps.
Stay informed and equipped with the latest resources on IEP special education.
Inside: Parents often disagree with their IEP teams when it comes to choosing IEP goals. Who gets to decide what goal goes on an IEP?…
Inside: Homework. Just saying the word elicits a lot of feelings. Here are some IEP Accommodations for Homework, including common questions and tips for implementation….
IEP Goals for Handwriting | Handwriting issues can be much more than a fine motor planning issue. It could be dysgraphia, dyslexia, vision issues, or something else entirely.
The Ultimate IEP Goal Bank! A free list of IEP Goals and IEP Objectives separated by category or area of need; includes a PDF of IEP goals.
I will never forget this one day when Kevin was a preschooler. We had an IEP meeting, and one of his proposed goals was to…
Inside: There are 5 times during the IEP process that are conducive to ‘extra’ parent participation. Learn what they are and how to use them…
Inside: Discover IDEA ‘stay put’ rights. Ensure your child’s current special education placement remains during disputes. Learn more about this important IDEA provision. I find…
Nothing disappoints me more than when I hear about a parent not learning the IEP process and maximizing their rights in the process. Look, I’m…
Inside: Private schools can provide special education but are not required to provide FAPE. It gets complicated, so read on to fully understand your rights…
Does your child struggle with Working Memory issues, and you want them added to the IEP? Have you heard parents talk about working memory skills,…
“Mommy, is that Lady Gaga?” When my youngest was a toddler, he LOVED Lady Gaga. I have no idea why or where it came from,…
Inside: Inside: Learning the meaning of IEP and what having an IEP means for your child. For as much time as I spent talking and…
IEP Progress Monitoring and IEP Data Collection are among the most important things about an IEP. And yet tracking IEP goals is one area that…
How to Write an IEP for Special Education, step by step.
Inside: Collecting IEP Data doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can get our free IEP Data Collection Sheets, including templates and reusable forms. A few…
When I was a special educator in Maryland, we provided an IEP Snapshot to all of our general educators who had a student with an…
When a child has math skills and can apply them to every day life, it can be something we take for granted. Many of us…
If you have a struggling reader, it’s likely that you can see how they are working so hard to read. But, in asking for IEP…
If your child has an IEP, and is taking a life skills type of curriculum, you may have heard the term “certificate of completion” mentioned…
This is one area that I’m not often comfortable discussing–restrictive environments in the special education setting. See, I have K in a very restrictive setting….
Inside: If your disabled child is in the 0-3 age range, you may have some questions about IDEA part C and Early Intervention Services. Here’s…
For a long time, as I worked with clients, we fought the battle to get a child an IEP for ADHD rather than just the…
It is estimated that 5-12% of all American kids have some type of ADHD. If you found this Accommodations Guide, chances are you have a…
Presumed competence, in my experience, is a term that gets a lot of buzz. But not a lot of traction, certainly not in IEP meetings….
Ok, so here we go. I used to have IEP reevaluation information in my post about IEP evaluations. But, I’ve since decided that IEP re-evaluations…
Inside: How to Get an IEP for your Child. Whether you’re trying to get an IEP for autism, get an IEP for ADHD or even…
Inside: Learn the key differences between a 504 and an IEP, so you can make the right decision for your child. Quite often, parents in…
Inside: Many schools ask for or demand medical information. Can they do that? Can they require an IEP student to be medicated? We’re answering all…
Inside: What’s the difference between educational autism vs medical autism? Is autism a medical diagnosis? Can schools diagnose autism? Answering all of that and more….
I was in a heated IEP meeting one time, and a teacher angrily blurted out, “What do you want from me? Do you want me…
Inside: Many parents consider paying for Lindamood Bell programs to help their kids read. But, is it worth the money? Several years ago, my cousins…
If your child has negative behaviors at school, they should receive an FBA and a Behavior Plan. Here are behavior goal ideas for your IEP.
Inside: A Manifestation Determination Meeting is one of the most stressful parts of the IEP process. Hopefully you never have to do this. But, here’s…
Inside: I hear from many parents who “don’t even want to bother” with an IEP. It’s a sentiment I understand, but you may want to…
Is it any wonder that Moms cry at IEP Meetings? Pretend I’ve invited you to your child’s school for a meeting. And this meeting will…
Inside: Learn what Universal Design for Learning is and how it might help your child with an IEP. What is Universal Design for Learning? Just…
Inside: They shouldn’t, but appearances matter. Here are tips for what to wear to a Parent Teacher conference or IEP meeting. It matters. I wish…
Inside: Differentiated Instruction is a term that gets a lot of buzz these days. But, while differentiating instruction has a lot of value, it further…
Inside: Can an IEP meeting be held without parents? What does IDEA say about this, and what should you do if the IEP team is…
Inside: Learn the child’s role at an IEP meeting, and why they should work toward full participation and even running their IEP meeting. Should my…
Inside: Your first IEP meeting, or even your 10th IEP meeting, can be stressful and scary. Here is what to expect at an IEP meeting….
Inside: You feel that your child’s needs cannot be met in your local school. You want an out of district placement, so how do you…
Inside: How long does the school have to respond to an IEP meeting request? And, what are the guidelines for an emergency IEP meeting? All…
Inside: Do you feel that your child is in the wrong placement? Parents often misunderstand special education placement and out of district placements. So, I’m…
Inside: How long do IEP meetings last? And what should you do if you feel your IEP meeting is too short or too long? Sharing…
Inside: Answering all your questions about how to request an IEP meeting. Includes letter templates, emergency IEP meeting information (only in California!) and who can…
Inside: Challenging that old urban legend that parents should bring donuts to IEP meetings. I understand you want to be nice. You want to be…
Inside: After the IEP meeting, here is what to expect. Including the after IEP meeting email, and when you should receive the final IEP. It…
Inside: It’s best practice, but not required, to have an IEP Meeting Agenda. Here are some samples and templates for IEP Meeting Agendas for you…
Inside: Learn what Special Education Due Process is, how to initiate the process and many important points to consider before filing for Due Process in…
Inside: Learn my #1 advocacy secret to reducing IEP meeting stress. I was waiting in the lobby. Mom pulled into the parking lot, made her…
Inside: Our list of kindergarten IEP goals including kindergarten math IEP goals, kindergarten reading and writing goals and more. So, there’s a reason why I…
Inside: A list of Functional Money and Functional Math IEP goals, including modern money skills like apps and debit cards. Remember when we were little,…
Inside: Learn what 10 common IEP parent mistakes are, and how you can avoid them. Raise your hand if you just LOVE going to IEP…
Inside: Learn what Letter Recognition OT goals are, why they’re important, and a list of example goals. It’s a familiar sight, dating back many decades….
Inside: Learn what phonemic awareness is and how to assess for it. Plus some IEP goals for Phonemic Awareness. The other day, my 13-year-old sports…
Inside: Learn the IDEA wording about scheduling IEP meetings and parental participation. Whew, can we please put this issue to bed, once and for all?…
Inside: Learn what Orton Gillingham is, how it helps kids learn to read, and I’m answering important questions about OG IEP Goals. (yikes!) If your…
Inside: Learn how to build a robust, meaningful Autism IEP, including goals, accommodations and even a sample. For almost 10 years, readers have been asking…
You’re sitting in your IEP meeting. Things seem to be going well. Everyone is pleasant and there’s a constructive conversation. But your gut is telling…
In the first quarter of 2020, we had no idea how much our lives were going to change. Not just for the next couple of…
I receive a surprising amount of criticism for catering to women on this blog. Or, writing about them and to them. Sure, much of it…
Inside: When you hate having an IEP it can be tough to stay positive. Here are tips for staying positive, even when dealing with unprofessional…
Email. How did we live without it? IEPs are relatively new, not even 50 years old. Obviously, e-mail is even newer. And, as technology changes,…
Inside: How to Request an IEP Evaluation and be the best advocate you can be, for your child, during the process. You will definitely want…
Inside: Get 25 free IEP letter templates, including my e-book “How to Ask your IEP Team for just about Anything.” If you’re in this for…
A Parents’ Guide to Functional Behavior Assessments FBAs in Education, Behavior Plans, and more; including how and when to request an FBA.
Inside: Learn what IEP testing is, and what IEP tests you should (or could) ask for. Different variations of questions come up about IEP evaluations…
Inside: Learn the timelines of the IEP Evaluation Process, including how to interpret some of the IEP assessments and get ready for your IEP eligibility…
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in getting our kids’ needs met, we forget to address a Student’s Strengths. What are your child’s strengths? Grabe these ideas for your IEP.
As an advocate, I have attended literally hundreds of IEP meetings. I know you, Moms. You’re stressed and anxious. This IEP meeting checklist is one…
Inside: Learn how to STOP STRESSING out over IEP meetings, and be your child’s best advocate. A Special Education Advocate who has attended hundreds of…
Inside: Learn what an IEP meeting is, and what is the purpose of an IEP meeting. And, how to be your child’s best advocate at…
Parent-Teacher conferences can look different for Special Education and IEP students. Here’s what to ask and what to know.
IEP goals for focus and attention can be tailored to address specific needs of students, such as reducing distractions or increasing sustained attention.
Inside: Learn what IDEA says about the required components of an IEP. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan that outlines the unique…
As a parent I love AR, Accelerated Reader. As an IEP advocate, I think it’s a bad idea for monitoring progress. Pros and Cons of AR Books, Reading Levels.
What are we doing to our kids that so many of them are either a) having breakdowns and mom has to be called to come get them b) melting down after school to the point it interferes with normal household activities or c) refusing to go to school.
Inside: How do you know if your child’s inclusion classroom is truly an inclusive environment? Let’s break it down so you know what to look for.
If parents (and teachers!) have a better understanding of the four functions of behavior, the history behind the philosophy, and the many flaws, you can be a better advocate for a child exhibiting behaviors.
ADHD overwhelm can be a daily struggle for those affected. Learn about coping strategies, self-care techniques, and seeking support to manage symptoms.
Inside: Learn how to write effective IEP goals with this step-by-step guide. Discover the formula for writing measurable goals and objectives tailored to your student’s…
Inside: Discover how setting Work Completion IEP goals can help students with disabilities improve their academic performance and achieve success in school and beyond. Includes…
Inside: Task Avoidance Behavior (lack of task initiation skills) is often associated with Autism and ADHD. Here are some IEP goals and strategies to assist…
Inside: Learn how to understand and troubleshoot an IEP if the child is repeatedly not meeting IEP goals. And, Proving IEP Goals Were not Developed…
The After School Meltdown, we’ve all seen it. Here’s what to know about after school restraint collapse, and getting your IEP team on board to support your child.
Learn what an IEP provides and what a 504 provides, and why it’s not a case of “more is better. Your child should not need both.
Inside: Yes, an IEP is a legally binding document. Understand the framework and laws behind IEPs and what to do if you have a legal…
What Qualifies a Child for an IEP? What is an IEP student? Is it only for learning disabilities, and what are they? All explained by a Special Education Advocate.
A discrepancy model may be used to determine IEP eligibility. Some states still use the RTI model. Learn what the difference is and how it applies to your child.
How do you calculate IEP minutes or IEP service minutes? When do IEP minutes have to be made up? How are IEP minutes determined?
How long is a benchmark goal on an IEP? And what is the difference between IEP goal benchmarks and IEP goal objectives?
What is a Paraprofessional? Understand hiring requirements, salary and what they can offer your child.
SLD Specific Learning Disability is one of the IDEA eligibility categories. Here’s what you need to know about characteristics of SLD, examples and definitions.
What to know about getting a 1:1 aide or para on your child’s IEP. From what qualifies a child for a 1:1 aide to getting the para on the IEP.
Is your head spinning at IEP meetings because of all the acronyms? Here are some of the most commonly used Disability and Special Education Acronyms. Free printable!
100 Examples of Low Tech Assistive Technology in the classroom; suggestions for reading, writing, autism, dyslexia and much more.
What is OHI on the IEP? A thorough explanation of the Other Health Impairments eligibility category, including ADHD and its listing under OHI Eligibility.
Inside: Take a deep dive into learning about AT Assistive Technology, and how it differs from AAC. And 15 IEP goals for assistive technology.
A printable list of Accommodations for Anxiety for an IEP or 504 Plan, to get you on the path to a more peaceful and calm day for your child at school.
Inside: Browse, print, and use this comprehensive list of 504 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.
Uncovering the Two Types of IEP Violations: Are Your Child’s Rights Being Upheld?
Does your IEP team call you “Mom” at IEP meetings? Are you comfortable with that? Let’s explore the pros and cons to this common gesture, and ways to change it if you wish.
What to do if you are denied an IEP because “his grades are fine!”
If your child has juvenile arthritis, they may require a 504 plan and 504 accommodations to be successful at school. Here are some juvenile arthritis accommodations.
Professional, accurate, written communication is essential to the IEP and Special Education Process. Tips to get you on the path to having your concerns heard.
What does IDEA say about required members of an IEP team? And what are their roles and responsibilities? All explained by an Special Education Advocate.
I have a friend and there are 18 school staff people at her IEP meetings. I’ve mentioned many times before how large Kevin’s IEP team…
IEP Goals for Math Word Problems For many of us, reminiscing about our school days and doing word problems does not bring happy memories. Finally,…
I will never forget this one day when Kevin was a preschooler. We had an IEP meeting, and one of his proposed goals was to…
Social Skills IEP Goals It’s no secret that many kids with disabilities struggle socially and struggle to build and maintain friendships. When Brian tells me…
Can the School Remove Supports and Services from the IEP? This is probably the number one reason that parents dread IEP meetings. Right? For the…
When Your School Calls CPS Sometimes I hear the stories and think “How, how did we get here?” And, many times I’ve seen a parent…
IEP Laws and Regulations Several years ago, I was at a fundraiser. It was for an agency that assists disabled people. So, naturally, they had…
Inside: Learn everything you need to know to start setting SMART goals, including the SMART goals acronym, smart goal examples and smart goal worksheets. Goals…
Tell me if you’ve heard of a scenario like this. It’s the perfect example of a child who lacks proprioceptive skills. Students are in a…
“That’s a Child Find issue.You need to report them for Child Find!” If your child has an IEP, chances are you have heard these phrases.
Many students struggle with Impulse Control Disorders, secondary to other learning disabilities. Here are goal and accommodation ideas to add to an IEP or 504 plan.
If your IEP meeting is tomorrow, you don’t have much time. Read these sanity-saving tips so that you’re ready, but not overwhelmed.
Some studies show that autistic people may struggle with the perception of time. Remember, time can be abstract, so it is our responsibility to give…
Does your child’s IEP transfer from state to state? Can you remain in the same school if you move? Here’s what you need to know about transferring an IEP.
6 Principles of Special Education I have to open this post with a shout-out to blog reader Mike T. He emailed me a link to…
Many of our learning-disabled kids struggle to communicate. The causes vary, from expressive or receptive language disorder to hyperlexia, processing, or even dyslexia. If you…
I remember the first time I was gaslighted at an IEP meeting. It probably wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time that…
I looked at the mom/client sitting next to me at truancy court and gave her hand a squeeze. She looked up and gave me a…
FAPE This trend is really bothersome to me. I have recently had conversations with several different parents who are unfamiliar with the term FAPE or…
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive…
IEP for Dysgraphia “Dysgraphia? What’s is dysgraphia? I’ve never heard of it!” This is a scenario that has come up many times to parents in…
When the ESEA was enacted over 50 years ago, one concept borne out of that was Title 1 and Title 1 schools. Despite being around…
IEP or 504 for Trauma or PTSD It’s amazing how we go through life, just doing what we do, not knowing what we don’t know….
We don’t do that here. I got two inquiries recently that are very similar. Both parents asked for something on their child’s IEP and were…
IEP Goals for Writing Parents can certainly assist the IEP team with developing goals. One IEP area that I find parents and teachers struggle with…
IEP Meeting Questions Over the past decade, I have attended hundreds of IEP meetings and met with hundreds of families. And, with the large chat…
504 Plans for Food Allergies On this website, you will find many articles that discuss the overuse of 504 plans. They were never intended to…
Executive Functions IEP Goals Executive function is an umbrella term for cognitive processes such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, verbal reasoning, inhibition, mental…
If your child is struggling with executive function disorder, here are some accommodation and strategies to add to your IEP or 504 plan.
Which IEP Tests will look for Executive Functioning Deficits? Executive functioning skills have been quite a buzzword and trend in special education over the past…
How to Find Out if a Teacher or Therapist is Certified “How do I check if a teacher or therapist is qualified?” “I bet she’s…
Emotional self-regulation is a necessary executive functioning skill that all kids need to develop. Some will require direct instruction.
I’d be willing to be my house and my car that 99% of all IEP parents have experienced the “Let’s just wait and see.” It’s…
Refused IEP Evaluations Let me be blunt. If your child’s IEP evaluations suck, the rest of your IEP will be garbage. Without good evaluations, the…
How do I know if the IEP is working? Your child getting an IEP is not the final step in your IEP journey. It is…
Who or what is the LEA in Special Education? What does it stand for? Can I exclude them from my IEP meeting?
Looking for that perfect meme to describe how you feel about IEPs and IEP meetings? Here you go–everything from Hey Girl to Escape Room to RBF.
Now that quarantine is over, many school districts are still providing many evaluations and support virtually. Here’s what parents need to know.
Emotional Disturbance on your IEP: Understand the criteria for this category, plus a list of IEP goals, accommodations, and teaching strategies.
Everything you need for Reading and Reading Comprehension and your IEP: IEP goals, strategies, evaluations, and more.
Does your child keep getting sent home from school? Is the school constantly calling you to come pick them up due to behaviors? That’s an informal suspension.
Parents, you need to take ownership of the IEP transition goals and process for your child. Here’s how to start.
You think your child needs an IEP. The school offered a 504, RTII or MTSS. So, what’s the difference, and what are your options? Next steps for parents.
IEP Present Levels Ask almost any Special Education Advocate, and they’ll tell you that Present Levels is the most important section of the IEP. Present…
Do IEP Teams have to honor Doctors’ Notes? I won’t ever forget the interaction I had with one of Kevin’s neurologists. We had a regular…
14 Categories of Disabilities in IDEA There are 14 categories of disabilities listed in IDEA. Autism Deaf-blindness Deafness Developmental delay (DD) Emotional disturbance (ED) Hearing…
High School IEP Surprisingly, I am asked the question about IEPs in High School quite often. More than I am comfortable with, but more on…
Can you Win a Due Process Hearing without a lawyer? We’d do anything for our kids. Anything. And since some of us have been dealt…
IEP Transition Goals for Postsecondary or Job I was leery of how I could use the word “postsecondary” and not create any confusion. To be…
Sexual Relationship IEP Goals Sexual relationships are a part of every adult’s life. Whether or not we want to think about it or talk about…
Personal Safety and Community Participation Originally, I had this giant article with a list of over 300 independent living skills. Many of you, teachers and…
Personal Hygiene IEP Goals Personal hygiene skills is something that many of us take for granted. If you do not pick up on social cues,…
Shopping and Banking Independent Living Skills Originally, I had this giant article with a list of over 300 independent living skills. Many of you, teachers…
Transition IEP Goals We all want our kids to live as independently as possible. Sometimes when I think about it, I kinda can’t believe that…
Independent Functioning IEP Goals for Life Skills Before I get started with this list of Life Skills Functional Goals for an IEP, I want to…
Life Skills Classroom | Special Education Resource Room I really hate the term life skills. I mean, after all, we ALL need life skills. It’s…
Once a child has been identified as a student with a learning disability, it can be tough for the IEP team to come to agreement…
How to get a 504 Plan Before I get to the steps of how to ask for a 504 plan for your child, I feel…
IEP Issues Hurdles slow you down. If you know they are there, you can run faster than if you don’t know they are there. But…
Auditory Processing Disorder The other day, my younger son and I were on my tablet. We were choosing team gear to purchase for his new…
Autism and Elopement One concept or behavior that you may be exposed to as an IEP parent is elopement. Unfortunately, I am not talking about…
Middle School and High School IEPs Before we get started on things to think about for your middle school IEP or high school IEP, there…
When was IDEA passed? IDEA was first passed in 1975 as Federal legislation. However, its history began much before that. The history of special education…
FBAs and Behavior Plans FBAs and Behavior Plans are a common component of IEPs. And, after 12 years of advocacy, I’m seeing the same issues…
Special Education Terms Look, since this is a monster of an article, I’ll be brief. I’ve been sitting on this for literally years–years ago someone…
IEP Attorney For many families, there comes a time in your IEP journey that you and the school reach an impasse. You’ve gone back and…
When you hear most special ed parents discussing “transition,” most of the time they are talking about the older transition when the child is either…
Pros and Cons of Homeschooling In recent years, many of us were thrown into some version of homeschooling that we never planned on. Those experiences…
Why your IEP needs a Vision Statement It’s called the Black Hole of 21. Once you are comfortably settled into the IEP world and get…
Can a School Demand Medical Information? I can’t believe that I am even doing a blog post on this topic. But it’s only Tuesday and…
IRLP Individual Remote Learning Plan Yesterday a blog reader asked if I could further explain IRLP. IRLP stands for Individual Remote Learning Plan. It’s a…
Sex Ed and the Disabled Child Yep! I’m going there! This topic makes some people uncomfortable and I know it’s difficult to even think of…
AngelSense My friend and fellow advocate Susan loves to tell this story. One morning she woke up and her son was gone. He is autistic…
Fine Motor Skills on your IEP Remember this? Did you know that way back when…when Tupperware invented this toy, that you were using fine motor…
Seizure Action Plan I could handle the not talking. I could handle the stimming. I could handle the developmental delays. And the picky eating, and…
Retaking Tests Accommodation Allowing a student to retake a test is a very common IEP accommodation. And, at first glance, it seems like a reasonable…
Online and Virtual Learning Accommodations Some kids really struggle with online distance learning, and need some accommodation ideas. Particularly those with attention, sensory, and other…
Extended Time on Tests Back when I was in high school (and no, not leaning on my cane and wagging my finger) we did not…
Modified School Days and IEPs If your child has an IEP or 504, can they get a shortened school day or modified school schedule as…
Compensatory Education and Compensatory Services If your school district does not give your child the special education services they are supposed to, you may be…
Is there a Dyscalculia Test? This is a scenario that has been coming up more frequently lately. As parents become more informed, we are better…
Social Awareness You know how when we were little, and you wanted a sleepover with a friend, and one of our parents would come home,…
Watching a School’s CCTV of your Child If you ask the average American, they will tell you that their activities are captured by a video…
IEP Advocate “$2000?!?!” my husband exclaimed. “Do we really need this for him?” “Become an IEP/Special Education Advocate!” the flyer said. We were looking at…
Specially Designed Instruction Specially Designed Instruction, or SDIs, is actually one of my favorite things to talk about when it comes to IEPs. The name…
Communication Plan for Parents I remember I was working with this client one time. We had held an IEP meeting, and we were wrapping up…
OSEP Dear Colleague Letters Parents, here is another great tool for your advocacy toolkit. And yes, another issue that was brought to my attention in…
Delaying your Child’s Kindergarten One popular theme among parents is redshirting your kindergartener. That is, the practice of not enrolling them in kindergarten the year…
Self-Advocacy IEP Goals We do so much for our kids, and we mean well. But time marches on whether we want it to or not….
What can I do about missed therapy hours at school? I hear this question a lot. And this is an area where there is a…
Yes, your IEP can Have Academic and Non-Academic Goals. Today, I had heard this phrase three times before 6 am. Yes, really. See, every morning…
I’ve attended more IEP meetings than I can count. Or even care to count. I get it–parents only call in a Special Education Advocate when…
Written Expression Writing is not a simple task. It involves a complex process of using and coordinating various cognitive processes. Thus, a lot of students,…
Important items that must be on your child’s IEP. “I got a call to pick up my daughter today because she put a child in…
IEP Vocational Assessment “She likes to braid hair.” Several years ago, I was an Educational Surrogate for a teen in a neighboring county. That sentence…
Receptive vs Expressive Language If your child is being evaluated for Early Intervention or Special Education Services, you may be introduced to the terms ‘receptive…
Twice-exceptional or 2E kids have both exceptional abilities and disabilities. In some ways, they are gifted. However, they may also face developmental or learning challenges….
ESY Extended School Year What is ESY? ESY (extended school year) is anything that extends beyond the normal six hours a day, 180 days a…
When your Aide or Para is Absent This issue has me really ticked off lately. Mostly because of how often it is happening. “I’m so…
What happens if I don’t sign the IEP? Short answer: Nothing. In most cases. Only 2-3 states require a parent’s signature on the IEP to…
RTI Response to Intervention | MTSS What is RTI at school? Who determines what RTI looks like for a kid? Can a parent refuse RTI?…
Can you Suspend a Student with an IEP? It happened again. You were at work, in the middle of…working. And the phone rings again. You…
Maximum Length of School Bus Ride Did you know that some school students, particularly those in rural areas such as Reservations, may ride the school…
When does an IEP end? When does an IEP end? How do you end an IEP? What is the IEP age range?I know what you’re…
What are IEP Related Services? According to IDEA, these are the related services in Special Education. audiology counseling services early identification family training-counseling and home…
IEP Timelines How long does a school have to: respond to IEP email? schedule an IEP meeting? evaluate my child? begin services in a new…
Confusing Legal IEP Terms There are some words in the IEP process that seem to create more chaos than cooperation. And darnit parents, there are…
Functional Communication Goals One of the biggest obstacles that some IEP students have is lack of appropriate, functional communication. A lack of functional communication is…
Organization/Study Skills IEP Goals I’m a good learner, but I’m terrible at studying. Always have been. Other than re-reading chapters and notes and rote memorization,…
Special Education Classroom Observation “Can I observe my child’s classroom?” I’ve been hearing this one a lot lately. And unfortunately, this issue often brings out…
Toilet Training an Older Child I am wildly passionate about kids being toilet trained if it is a possibility. I never dreamed I would be…
Cost of IEP Advocates/Attorneys Your child is struggling. As a mom, you’re stressed and you’re frustrated. You want to hire an IEP advocate. Everyone keeps…
Bullying at School Bullying at school. I hate it. It’s gross and happens everywhere-on the bus, at school. My standard disclaimer is that I am…
Special Education Transportation “It’s the bus. It’s always the bus!” My former supervisor used to say that so often. So many issues around a school…
IEP Cover Page Imagine for a moment that you are a teacher and it’s the first day of class. Every child is wearing a baseball…
Can an IEP be changed without parental consent? For the purposes of this post, it assumes that you (parent) already have an initial IEP in…
Parent Counseling and Training on an IEP One little-known feature of IDEA is the section on parent training. Parents are often unaware that they can…
IEP in College? No, there are no IEPs in college. That’s a statement of fear that I hear from a lot of parents. And, it’s…
CBI on your IEP Since my son has had CBI on his IEP for almost a decade, I can always spot the CBI trips when…
Should your Child Have Counseling IEP Goals? Student counseling is listed as a Related Service in IDEA. Actually, Parent Counseling and Training is too. But…
How to Write IEP Parent Concerns. I’m going to wag my finger at you–from this day forward, you do a Parent Concerns Letter for your…
Homebound Placement during the Pandemic Normally, I’m against homebound IEP placement for most students. After all, it is one of the most restrictive placement options….
IEP Goals How many goals should an IEP have? Who writes IEP goals? Can parents submit IEP goal ideas? What if my child doesn’t meet…
What is LRE Least Restrictive Environment? Students must be educated in the least restrictive environment to the maximum extent possible, and cannot use budget issues…
Recording School IEP Meetings Can you (audio) record your IEP meeting? It’s a question that I’ve seen parents and advocates discuss quite a bit. And…
HIPAA vs FERPA It’s exhausting. This comes up so often in the group and it’s exhausting. Every few weeks, a teacher will say something, or…
Special Education Procedural Safeguards Ok, finger-wagging time. Because I know that a very large percentage of parents are not reading your IEP Procedural Safeguards. I can…
Student 504 Plan 504 Plans certainly have their place in our education system. After all, they guarantee access to a student’s education, when a disability…
IEP Unilateral Placements One of the greatest IDEA misunderstandings among parents is the concept of Unilateral Placements. There is a lot of misinformation about them,…
IEP for Dyslexia Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that is a language-based disorder characterized by problems learning to read or interpret words, letters…
IEP Eligibility Your child has an IEP. Or they do not. Perhaps they were found ineligible. Maybe you were offered a 504 or RTI instead…
What to Ask for on your IEP “I don’t know what to ask for on my IEP!” That question comes up often in our Facebook…
IEE Independent Education Evaluations IEE stands for Independent Education Evaluation. It is a provision of IDEA, listed in the Parents’ Rights Booklet, or Procedural Safeguards….
Should you move to a more IEP friendly school district? It’s not a very popular trend, but this does happen occasionally. Families who move from…
Section 504 and Extracurricular Activities The short answer is yes. “Participation in extracurricular athletics can be a critical part of a student’s overall educational experience….
IEPs and Divorce Sometimes the ‘happily ever after’ just isn’t. Things change and you find yourself divorcing, and rebuilding a life you thought was forever….
IEP Behavior Plans: Not Working This is coming up more frequently in the Facebook group. Your child had an FBA, they have a behavior plan…
OCR Complaint I know, we complain too much. What can I say, it’s a complaints-based system. One of the remedies that parents have in special…
Facilitated IEP Meetings My very first experience with a facilitated IEP meeting was not a good one. Things were very tense between the parents and…
IEP Parent Participation This is a concept that I really need parents to grab on to and internalize. I hope that this brings you that…
Neuropsych Evaluations If your child has an IEP, and you’ve been immersed in the world of special education, at some point you have probably heard…
Can you walk at graduation without graduating from high school? As one of my attorney friends put it, “This question seems to come up every…
Special Education Accommodations Special Education Accommodations, Modifications and Supports/Services: All three of those are a huge concern for parents. I know this because it’s often…
Special Factors in the IEP Most of the questions that we receive as educational advocates are about the implementation of the IEP. Let’s face it….
IEP No-Meet Amendments In making changes to a child’s IEP after the annual IEP Team meeting for a school year, the parent of a child…
It doesn’t happen as often as it used to, but this Special Education Stigma scenario still happens. It goes like this: Parent recognizes that their…
Not Following 504 Plan Ok, your child has a 504 Plan. You provided the necessary documentation and they drew it up. You think it’s pretty…
Charter Schools and IEPs-Special Education Charter Schools and IEPs or Special Education is a very misunderstood concept, even though the law is pretty clear. Some…
Taking Away Recess as Punishment ‘Can the school take away my child’s recess?’ ‘They withhold his recess as punishment!’ If you found yourself saying these…
Fixing your Child’s IEP Plan. I get it-school IEP plans are confusing, cumbersome and overwhelming. Most parents come to me with nothing more than a…
Effects of Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools I will never forget that mom’s face. Never before have I seen a woman be carrying so much…
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools “Every child deserves to be treated with dignity, be free from abuse, and treated as a unique individual with individual…
Job Coach for Special Education The statistics are abysmal. Last I checked, the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is around 70-80%. That is, fewer…
Can an IEP be removed? One of the, ahem, benefits of this job is that I get to talk to all kinds of parents. That…
School Educational Records We were seated around a huge U-shaped setup. I was directly across from the school district’s attorney, though we were a good…
Draft IEP Timelines “Well, Mrs. Lightner, we are not going to be making any changes to this IEP today. Oh lordy. Do I remember that…
Excluding Students from Field Trips Imagine this–your school is planning a field trip. But, they call you and say “Oh, I’m sorry, your child cannot…
Wanna hear the Worst IEP Advice? The worst IEP advice I’ve ever heard: “Make sure you cry at the IEP meeting, it shows them how…
Special Education Mediation Mediation, meee–deee-aayyy-shun! I’m singing that in the Cat in the Hat tune. Have you seen that episode where he sings about hibernation?…
My school is not following the IEP! It̵