Blog
Check back here for consistent content focused on the special education system from IEPs to information about the ways school districts are misusing funds and much more.
How Do I Get My Child Evaluated for Special Education Services?
Many parents ask us, “how do I get my child evaluated for special education?” A parent or another person involved with the student and their education can request an initial evaluation for special education if they suspect the child might have a disability that is...
What is included in an Individualized Education Plan?
Parents who are participating in their child’s first Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may not know what all of the components of an IEP are, or how the areas of an IEP work together to form a comprehensive individualized education plan for their child. When...
The Participants That Make Up An IEP Team
The IEP team members are dictated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The IEP teammembers must include the following persons. The parents of the child At least one regular education teacher At least one special education teacher A representative of the...
Parental Consent: What are my rights as a parent?
When a parent first becomes aware of the possibility that their child might be a student in need of special education services, it can be very concerning and confusing. There are a few ways in which parents can be alerted to their child having special needs. Some...
What is an Eligibility Category?
For a student to qualify for special education services, they must exhibit a disability that falls within one of the available thirteen (13) disability categories as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These thirteen IEP eligibility categories...
Non-Public Schools
We get asked a lot by parents whether we can get their child into a private school. This it absolutely understandable. For many parents, the path in special education has not been easy. Schools can be unsupportive in the face of their child’s struggles and in some...
Don’t Settle for a 504 Plan
“The school said they would not qualify for an IEP, but they would for a 504 plan.” This is one of the most common statements we hear from parents. Our first question is generally, “Did the district assess?” 504 Plans are not IEPs but are commonly used in schools to...
Am I Entitled to Assessment Data?
Recently a parent told us they had asked for the data taken when the district conducted a triennial assessment on their child. They were informed by the district that their policy is to shred all protocols and data after the assessment has been completed. Nope! Can’t...
What is FAPE?
We hear it all the time at IEP meetings, so what exactly is a FAPE? A FAPE stands for Free Appropriate Public Education. The acronym comes for the from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), a federal law that guarantees the right to special...