As students move into middle school, their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) often shift to match new academic and behavioral demands. One area that causes confusion for many parents is Specially Designed Instruction, or SDI. What exactly does it mean, and how does it differ from accommodatio...
Middle school IEP meetings can feel different from the ones you attended in elementary school. The team may be larger, the schedule more rigid, and the conversations more complex. Preparing the right questions ahead of time helps ensure your child’s needs don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Whether this...
Middle school demands more from students. academically, socially, and organizationally. For students with executive functioning (EF) challenges, these demands often highlight skills they’re still developing, such as task initiation, time management, and organization. When these skills are weak, stud...
Moving from elementary to middle school marks a major shift for students, especially those with IEPs. The familiar routines of one classroom, one teacher, and daily check-ins are replaced by complex schedules, multiple instructors, and increased expectations for independence.
This transition can im...
The transition to middle school brings big changes. New buildings, multiple teachers, locker combinations, and rotating schedules can overwhelm any student. For children with IEPs, 504 Plans, or suspected learning differences, these changes often require thoughtful preparation and support. Middle sc...
Preparation is power. Show up ready—and watch how the tone of the meeting changes.
If you've ever walked into an IEP meeting feeling anxious and unsure of what to expect, you're not alone. Many parents attend these meetings hoping for clarity and support, only to leave feeling confused, dismissed, ...
By donning your advocate’s superhero cape, you improve your advocacy, gain school district respect and make positive, systemic change. Read more in IDEAs on Education in The Jolt.
On January 9, I was super excited to be invited to present to the Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA. I spoke on special education community complaints, which is what WSC are called in Washington. The presentation is also on my YouTube channel. I hope it is helpful to you!
This month, I’m all about written state complaints. I’m publishing a series of articles on state complaints in my weekly column, IDEAs on Education, on the Jolt. I’m also providing free training for the Benton-Frankly Special Education PTA on state complaints, and I have a 3 part workshop on complai...
It’s that time of year again! The gifts have been given, the family has gathered, houses are still glowing with the joy that only twinkling lights can bring, and parents are blowing up my phone demanding to file for due process. Â
Stop. Breathe. Take a walk. Breathe some more.Â
Due process is alwa...
Lots of exciting new activities at Advocacy Unlocked!
I am offering a series of workshops and a workgroup, Mastering Written State Complaints this month, as well as focusing on complaints in my weekly column, IDEAs on Education. I’m also writing a book on the topic, so I have read - seriously, read...
Once upon a time, individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities had no choice but to endure these limitations. It didn’t matter if they spoke up; no one listened. Â
Life was just like that, until … Read more in IDEAs on Education in The Jolt.
