Middle school is a time when students are expected to be more independent—but independence doesn’t mean doing it alone. It means knowing how to ask for help, express needs clearly, and use supports effectively. 

These are self-advocacy skills, and they’re just as important as academic ones.

Studen...

If your child has an IEP, you’ve probably collected piles of paperwork over the years. In elementary school, you might have managed fine without much organization. But in middle school, that changes. Multiple teachers, faster pacing, and complex service delivery make an IEP binder essential.

A well...

Getting ready for middle school involves more than a backpack and a new outfit. For students with IEPs, 504 Plans, or undiagnosed needs, preparation means paperwork, coordination, and systems that support success from day one. The earlier you start, the smoother the transition can be.

Here’s a pare...

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.

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...