North Thurston Public Schools Board Public Comment advocacy north thurston public schools paraeducator shortage paraeducators systemic change washignton state Oct 02, 2024

North Thurston Public Schools had their Board of Directors meeting on October 1, 2024. I've noticed some problematic special education practices, and so I addressed the Board. Specifically, the district seems to have no formal procedure for determining a child's need for a paraeducator. Yet, OSPI...

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OSPI TAP #6: Request for Info on Paraeducators iep teams ospi paraeducators special education technical assistance washington state Sep 26, 2024

I sent an email to OSPI on September 17, 2024, requesting information. No word yet. I would rally like these templates, as they will help many families across the state participate meaningfully with the IEP team in determining the need for a paraeducator. 

My Request to OSPI

Hello! I...
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Paraeducators: How does the IEP Team Decide? iep team paraeducator shortage paraeducators washington state Sep 19, 2024

I’ve been in several IEP team meetings lately where the team refuses to consider the need for a paraeducator. It general follows that that teachers are quiet and administrators are participating in the conversation around paraeducators, making the decision for the team. This worries me, as...

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Clover Park School District Board Public Comment clover park school district parent participation washington state Sep 09, 2024

Clover Park School District is a district near Tacoma, Washington that serves 12,000 children. It is near, and has schools on, the Joint Base Lewis McChord. More than a third of children are military dependents, and thus highly mobile. The district updated their Strategic Plan with...

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Ever Wonder About Special Education in YOUR District? iep advocates special ecucation washignton state Aug 31, 2024

Advocacy Unlocked LLC is super excited to open in-person locations serving. As part of this effort, we have done significant research into the educational landscape in these areas. At first, we considered this a standard process of determining if families needed IEP advocates and support with...

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Maintaining Your IEP Binder: Tips for Long-Term Success iep iep binder iep process Aug 12, 2024

An IEP binder is not just a one-time project; it is a dynamic tool that evolves with your child's educational journey. Keeping your IEP binder up-to-date and relevant is crucial for effective advocacy. A well-maintained binder ensures that you have the most current information at your fingertips,...

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The Physical IEP Binder: Your Best Friend for Effective Advocacy iep iep binder iep process Aug 12, 2024

 In the world of special education advocacy, preparation is key. One of the most effective tools at your disposal is a physical IEP binder. Unlike digital files that can be misplaced or forgotten, a physical binder serves as a tangible resource you can bring to every meeting, ensuring that...

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Overcoming the Overwhelm: How an IEP Binder Can Simplify Your Advocacy iep binder iep process Aug 09, 2024

Navigating the world of special education can be daunting for any parent. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, in particular, involves a significant amount of paperwork, meetings, and decisions that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. With evaluations, progress reports, medical...

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Digital vs. Physical: Choosing the Right IEP Binder for Your Needs iep iep binder iep process Aug 06, 2024

As a parent navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, you need to organize and access important documents. One of the decisions you'll face is choosing between a digital and physical IEP binder. Each option has its own set of advantages and challenges, and selecting the right...

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Creating an Effective IEP Binder: Step-by-Step Guide iep iep binder iep process Aug 06, 2024

Building an IEP binder from scratch is a giant step in organizing your child's educational documents and ensuring you are prepared for meetings. A well-organized binder can serve as a advocacy tool, allowing you to access important information quickly and efficiently. This guide will walk you...

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What are my rights if I disagree with the school's proposals for the IEP? ask an advocate dispute iep iep process Jun 16, 2024

When you disagree with the school's proposals for your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), the first step is to request an IEP team meeting to discuss your concerns. As a parent, you are the first member of the IEP team, and your input is invaluable. Here's a guide to working through...

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10 Tips: How can I measure my child's progress? iep progress monitoring Jun 09, 2024

Measuring your child's progress in special education is necessary for understanding their growth. It also helps everyone understand if your child is receiving the support they need. By actively monitoring their development, you can identify areas of strength and areas that may require additional...

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