Alternative Facts, Intentional Ignorance, or Misrepresentation

As a Board-Certified Education Advocate, I often work with parents who are understandably frustrated after attending numerous meetings with their child's school that seem to go nowhere. All parents want for their child is to receive the appropriate supports and services to succeed, yet far too often schools provide misleading or false information to avoid responsibility.

A recent case that came across my desk is a perfect...

Not Just Another Job

Effective Advocacy More Than Theory and Law

We recognize the need to shift the role of education advocates into Servant Leaders. This comes from understanding a bigger mission and the gifts advocates can offer. Education advocates learn to make decisions and discern the important and different roles that they play in each challenging situation. This is a field full of conflict that needs to be diffused and redirected.  As leaders, advocates must honor all...

WHO DEVELOPS THE IEP?

The IEP is developed by a team. This team includes school personnel and the child’s parents and as appropriate the child. This team meets AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY, but at least once a year.

Parents and Child

• the parents of the child with a disability are vital members of the IEP team
• they are their child’s best advocates and have significant expertise that no one else has
• Be prepared for the IEP meeting or your child will not get what they need.
• Review the IEP...

For parents, advocates, and teachers IEP meetings can be overwhelming and even create fear. But, when provided with the right supports these fears can be alleviated.

Elenore Rosevelt said, "Do one thing every day that scares you." 

Well, parents of children with special needs go far beyond the call with that one! 

STRUGGLING WITH IEPs?

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS HARD!!

You are right, handling an IEP meeting should not induce high anxiety, demand pharmaceutical...