It’s that time of year again. New backpacks, sharpened pencils, fresh sneakers — and for families navigating special education, it’s also the season of new teachers, new case managers, and sometimes the same old confusion.

Let me say this clearly: you cannot afford to walk into this school year unprepared.

1. Everyone Needs the Full IEP

If your child has an IEP, every single teacher who works with them — including art, PE, and electives — needs the entire document, not just a one-pager. A “summary” won’t cut it. Instructional goals, accommodations, modifications, and related services must be known and implemented by every educator at that table.

2. Build the “Zach Pack

I call it a Zach Pack:

• One-page overview of your child (with a photo)
• Contact information for you
• A printed copy of the full IEP

Hand this to each teacher before the first week gets too far along. It’s proactive, it’s clear, and it sets the expectation that you are watching and tracking.

3. Pay Attention to the IEP Sections That Get Ignored

Most parents glance past these four sections — but they can change everything:

• Language needs
• Communication needs
• Physical needs
• Assistive technology

If those boxes aren’t thoughtfully completed, the school is skating by. Push for specifics. Push for data. Don’t let “we’ll see what happens” be the plan.

4. Assistive Tech Is Not Optional

The law is clear: if your child needs assistive technology, the district must provide it. Period. Don’t let phrases like “multimodal communicator” become loopholes that excuse real instruction and real tools.

5. Document Everything

This is the year you start with systems in place. Keep a log of services, absences, and communications. When schools know you’re tracking, implementation rates skyrocket.

Back-to-School FAQs for Parents & Advocates

Do elective teachers have to follow the IEP?
Yes. Every teacher — whether it’s art, music, PE, or a core subject — is legally responsible for implementing the accommodations, modifications, and supports in your child’s IEP.

What if the school says they don’t have time to read the full IEP?
That’s not optional. The IEP is a binding document under IDEA. If they can’t “find the time,” they are out of compliance. Hand-deliver copies and get written confirmation that each teacher received it.

Can I ask for an IEP meeting right at the start of school?
Absolutely. If you see red flags (services not starting, accommodations ignored, assistive tech missing), you don’t need to wait. Put the request in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Back-to-School Mindset:
You are not here to make friends. You are here to secure services, instruction, and outcomes for your child. Stay firm. Stay calm. Stay prepared.

Want deeper training on exactly how to do this? Join The Academy, where we break down every page of the IEP and every safeguard under IDEA. You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.

Join The Academy Here

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

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This section is a detailed snapshot of your child’s abilities, needs, and challenges. It’s the cornerstone for the entire IEP. But too often, present levels are vague or missing the details that truly matter. Let me share with you the wisdom I’ve gained from over 20 years of experience.

Craft a Full Picture of Your Child’s School Day

Walk through their typical day, including transportation, meals, transitions, academics, therapies, and behaviors. Identify all the adults and students in each setting. This complete picture is vital!

Come Prepared with Objective Assessment Data

Conduct assessments at home, like a 3-minute reading sample and a writing sample about a favorite topic. Bring this hard data to the table. It’s invaluable.

Fully Describe Needs and Impacts of Disabilities

List all educational eligibilities, but don’t stop there. Paint a 360-degree picture of how disabilities affect learning and life.

Include Relevant Medical and Mental Health Information

Note conditions, medications, allergies, recent tests, doctor appointments, and more.

Get Input from All Educators and Staff Involved

Ensure everyone involved submits feedback on your child’s functioning. Resolve any inconsistencies.

Focus on Functioning, Not Just Test Scores

Standardized test scores don’t always reflect daily life. Push for a robust functional description.

Don’t Move Forward Without Sufficient Present Levels

Without enough detail, the rest of the IEP can’t be calculated. If something’s missing, table the meeting.

Let the Present Levels Guide the Rest of the IEP

Thorough, data-driven present levels set the stage for the entire IEP. Doing it right ensures meaningful access, progress, and better outcomes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

With rock-solid present levels, you’ll feel more confident knowing your child’s needs are documented. That’s the first step toward meaningful progress.

But why stop here? If you’re eager to equip yourself further, The Academy is here for you. Join me and a community of like-minded parents and advocates. Together, we’ll transform the way we approach special education.

Click here to join The Academy and start your journey today. Let’s ensure that every child receives the services they deserve. When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.

The post Mastering the IEP’s Present Levels Section: Guidance for Parents and Advocates appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. As advocates, parents, and educators, it’s crucial to understand what an IEP goal is, the types of IEP goals, and how to construct them effectively.

Special education is not about making a disability disappear. It’s about teaching a child skills or strategies to self-manage their disability. It’s like coaching – and annual IEP goals are the game plan we write when we’re sitting in an IEP meeting.

There are several types of annual goals we can consider. Behavioral goals focus on behaviors that impact the learning of the student or others. Functional goals address abilities like dressing or staying dressed, or not pulling hair when focusing. Academic goals are centered around the five core classes: reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. And let’s not forget about language and communication goals, which are tailored to each child’s unique needs.

But here’s the thing – if a student doesn’t need an academic goal, then don’t write an academic goal. We need to be specific, targeted, and realistic when writing these goals. We need to consider the child’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance. And most importantly, we need to set expectations and rate of progress that are appropriate for each child.

Remember, IEP goals are not about closing the gap. They’re about empowering each child to reach their full potential. So let’s roll up our sleeves, advocates, and write those IEP goals with clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs.

Remember, IEP goals are not about closing the gap. They’re about empowering each child to reach their full potential. So let’s roll up our sleeves, advocates, and write those IEP goals with clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique needs.

Want to learn more? Watch the free webinar on the Special Education Academy YouTube Channel where I delve deeper into the art of writing effective IEP goals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to level up your advocacy skills!

The post Unlocking the Power of IEP Goals: A Deep Dive into Special Education Advocacy appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Why attend? What are the benefits of Special Education Academy’s Webinars? These webinars are your key to unlocking a wealth of special education resources. They’re designed to provide personalized learning for parents of special needs students, all from the comfort of your own home.

The Details:

• June 14th, 7 pm/CST: “Parental Procedural Safeguards” – Know your rights, know your responsibilities and be the advocate your child needs.
• June 19th, 6 pm/CST: “Identifying Correct Eligibility Categories and Areas of Need in your IEP” – Let’s make sure your child’s IEP is as unique as they are.
• June 30th, Noon/CST: “Crafting Appropriate IEP Goals for Your Student” – Goals are dreams with deadlines. Let’s dream big and set achievable goals for your child.

These webinars are free but require registration. To register, visit the Special Education Academy Webinar Series page.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become the advocate your child needs.

Register today and let’s get it right for your child!

The post Unlock Your Child’s Potential: The Benefits of Special Education Academy’s Summer Webinar Series appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

The school year is winding down, and summer break is right around the corner. It’s a time when our children settle into their summer routines, but it’s also an opportunity for us to level up as advocates and educators at the IEP/504 table. That’s why I wanted to share – the Special Education Academy has just unveiled its summer training schedule.

Equip Yourself for Success

Now is the perfect time to enhance our skills and knowledge, whether we’re parents looking to brush up on our advocacy skills or professional advocates aiming to expand our expertise. These training sessions offer invaluable resources to empower us in supporting our children and the families we represent. After all, when we’re equipped with the right tools and knowledge, we can create successful outcomes for our students.

Here are just a few highlights from the schedule:

1. Live Streams with Karen Mayer Cunningham: Join Karen, our Special Education Boss, for weekly live sessions on various social media platforms. Get your burning questions about IEPs and more answered directly. Make sure to follow, like, and subscribe to be notified of Karen’s next live stream – you won’t want to miss it!
2. In-Person and Virtual Intensive Training: Ready to take your advocacy skills to the next level? Our comprehensive In-Person Intensive Training program is designed to provide a deep dive into the intricacies of special education advocacy. Become an even more effective advocate for your child or the families you represent. Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with virtual sessions via Zoom.
3. On-Demand Training: Busy schedule? No problem! Our recorded on-demand sessions allow you to access training materials at your convenience. Learn at your own pace and fit the training into your busy summer schedule.
4. Exclusive Members Only Calls: As a member of the Special Education Academy, you’ll have access to weekly live calls with Karen Mayer Cunningham. These calls are a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, receive additional training, and benefit from dedicated support. Join The Academy and be a part of this exclusive community.

Are you ready to equip yourself for success and make a real difference in the lives of our children? Visit our website to explore the complete training schedule and discover the perfect sessions for your needs. Keep in mind that we’re constantly adding new training options, so make sure to check back frequently.

Remember, the better equipped we are as advocates, the greater the chances of creating positive outcomes for our children. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we continue to expand our training offerings.

Here at the Special Education Academy, we’re dedicated to serving you and helping you become the best advocate you can be. Join us this summer and let’s make it a season of growth, learning, and empowering our children!

Team, Special Education Academy™

The post Exciting Summer Training Opportunities at Special Education Academy! appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

1. Find Your Passion: Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. If your current job doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to consider a change. Karen emphasized the importance of pursuing a career that you love.
2. Diverse Backgrounds Welcome: Our trainees come from all walks of life, including investors, nurses, school district employees, stay-at-home moms, and police officers. All you need is a passion for helping others.
3. The Need for Advocates: There is a significant need for special education advocates. In the US alone, there are about 7.5 million children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and countless more with a 504 plan.
4. Becoming an Advocate: There’s no specific criteria or certification needed to become an advocate. What you need is a passion for helping others and a willingness to learn.
5. Payment: This is a career where you can charge based on your experience, expertise, and time in the field.
6. Starting Your Advocacy Journey: In this digital age, you can leverage social media platforms to kickstart your advocacy business.
7. Training and Support: Consider joining the Special Education Academy for structured training. We offer 8 hours of training per month, providing templates, documents, articles, and other resources.
8. Intensive Training and Mastermind Sessions: For those who want to dive deeper, we offer two-day intensive training sessions and 10-week mastermind sessions.
9. Serving the Community: The ultimate goal of becoming a special education advocate is to serve the community. The need is endless, and these children need support and services now.
10. Most Frequently Asked Question: The qualifications needed to become a special education advocate are simple: you need a heartbeat. 

Becoming a special education advocate is a rewarding journey. If you have a heartbeat, a love for children, and a desire to make a difference, you’re already on your way to becoming a special education advocate.

Stay tuned for our next webinar for more insights from Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss™, Parental Procedural Safeguards.

The post Missed Our Webinar? Here’s a Recap on Becoming a Special Education Advocate with Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss™ appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

If you have not read the bill, please take a moment to read and understand the possible damage this bill could have on the ability of parents to advocate for their children with disabilities. 

It is crucial that we understand the implications of this bill and take action to stop it.

Whether it’s through a phone call or an email, reach out to the members of the House of Public Education Committee and urge them to vote against this harmful bill, your voice counts in this fight.

Let’s stand together to protect the rights of our children with disabilities and ensure that they receive the education they deserve. 

Please take a moment to read about H.B. No. 2125, understand the implications, and speak out against it. Be the change. 

#specialeducation #advocacy #HB2125 #disabilitiesrights #bethechange

The post Don’t Let Your Voice Be Silenced: Speak Up for Special Education in Texas appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

ESY services encompass additional educational and related services provided to students with disabilities during breaks in the regular school year. Summer break is just around the corner and now is the time to establish if these services are appropriate, and if your student qualifies, not every student will qualify. However, for those who do, ESY services can significantly impact their educational journey.

The pivotal question: How can a student qualify for ESY? The answer lies in the collaborative efforts of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. To establish a student’s eligibility, the team will examine the following criteria:

1. Regression and Recoupment: Will the student lose critical skills during a break, and how long will it take them to regain those skills once school resumes?
2. Degree of Progress: Is the student making progress toward their IEP goals at a satisfactory rate?
3. Emerging Skills: Is the student on the verge of mastering a critical skill, such as reading or self-care, where an interruption in learning could impede their progress?
4. Nature and Severity of Disability: Does the student’s disability necessitate continuous support to prevent significant regression?
5. Special Circumstances: Are there any unique factors or situations that may justify ESY services for the student?

Armed with this knowledge, it’s essential to prepare for the next phase – building a compelling case. Documentation is the backbone of this process. Keep a record of your child’s progress, regression, and recoupment time. Collect work samples, progress reports, and any relevant information to support your case. Remember that collaboration is vital. Engage with your child’s IEP team and maintain open lines of communication.

By diligently gathering evidence and fostering cooperation, we can ensure that ESY services are available to those who need them most. Together, we can guarantee that every child has the opportunity to maintain their progress, even during extended school breaks.

As always, stay committed, and remember … When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.  Continue advocating for the best interests of our children.

If you didn’t get a chance to join our live webinar on April 12, 2023, it’s not too late to catch up. Watch the replay and gain invaluable insights that can help determine if ESY services are the right fit for your child. Click the link below to access the webinar replay ⏯️

Webinar Replay

#ESY #SpecialEducation #WebinarReplay #Advocacy 

The post Demystifying Extended School Year Services: Guidance for Special Education Advocates and Parents appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Masterminds have become an essential tool for professionals seeking personal and professional growth. They provide a nurturing environment where individuals with similar interests and goals come together to exchange knowledge, ideas, and resources. For special education advocates, joining a mastermind like the Special Education Academy™ Mastermind can be a transformative experience.

Let’s dive into the top five benefits of joining a mastermind group.

1. Networking Opportunities: Masterminds offer a unique platform for professionals to connect and collaborate with others in their field. These connections can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships that foster personal and professional development.
2. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Participants in masterminds benefit from the collective knowledge, experiences, and insights shared among group members. This collaborative learning environment can spark breakthroughs and inspire innovative problem-solving.
3. Accountability: Mastermind groups provide a space for professionals to hold one another accountable for their goals and actions. This sense of responsibility can serve as a powerful motivator, helping members stay focused and achieve success.
4. Support System: Masterminds offer a built-in support system composed of individuals who understand the unique challenges of your profession. This supportive network can help you navigate obstacles and celebrate victories together.
5. Expert Guidance: Masterminds often feature guest speakers and subject matter experts, ensuring that you stay informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.

Joining a mastermind can be a life-changing experience for any professional, particularly for special education advocates who face unique challenges in their field.

My next Special Education Academy™ 10-week Mastermind begins on March 27, 2023. For 10 weeks (2 hours per session), you’ll have the opportunity to learn and develop the critical skills needed to become a successful and effective special education advocate, all while forming lasting connections with like-minded professionals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your advocacy career and make a profound impact on the lives of children.

It’s time to experience the power of a Mastermind!

The post Unlock Your Potential: The Power of Masterminds for Success appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

CLICK IMAGE TO HERE NEWS REPORT

 REPOSTED

by Kelly Dean | Published: October 11, 2022 at 3:51 PM MDT

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – The Warren County Public School District is under federal investigation following a complaint of alleged discrimination against a special education student.

“Addie is your typical eight-year-old. She loves to play with her sisters, she sings, she dances,” said Brandi LeMay. “The only difference that we have is just that sometimes things for her take longer to learn than others.”

It sometimes takes Addie Ray LeMay a little longer because she has down syndrome.

“We got here, we started our oldest in school, we started our middle school, everything was great. They have had wonderful education and opportunities. And then Addison started school, and it was like our world got turned upside down,” expressed LeMay.

In 1975, a federal law was implemented known as an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a written education plan designed to meet a child’s learning needs. The plan is created by a group of parents, educators, and/or advocates.

“It’s a business meeting for educating Addie,” explained Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Advocate.

Addie’s mom, Brandi, claims that a school in Warren County is not following her child’s IEP.

“We had work coming home that did not follow her IEP, was not modified,” she said. “She was expected to do all these words and all of this reading, and we were struggling. I knew something wasn’t right.”

After months of meetings, Brandi hired Karen Mayer Cunningham, who is a special education advocate from Texas. Cunningham represents families nationwide.

“Currently, this district doesn’t care much about this special ed student. It’s unacceptable to me, and I will not tolerate it. I have lots of families all over the United States, and they deserve a voice. Their kids have the same opportunity to learn as every other student in the campus,” said Cunningham.

The claims led to Cunningham filing a federal complaint with the Office for Civil Rights through the U.S. Department of Education in May.

The complaint states, “the student has been discriminated against based on her disability. The district has failed to collect data on academic IEP goals.”

“I had no intention of filing. I just assumed when given more information and clarification about the document that the school would choose to implement it. And instead, they chose to push back even further, which, unfortunately, is what advocates see nationally,” expressed Cunningham.

Two months after the complaint was filed, Cunningham received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education stating they had opened the case to investigate the merit of the allegations.

“They found merit to open it, which means that the same day that they opened it, the school district was notified that they were part of a federal complaint,” said Cunningham.

We reached out to Warren County Public Schools and they sent a statement that reads, “The Warren County Public Schools district is aware of the complaint filed with the Office for Civil Rights. Our district looks forward to working with all parties to develop an acceptable resolution.”

“I look at my three children. And I can say that they all have a right to an education, they all have a right to learn to the best of their ability,” said Brandi. “The goal is to see change throughout the state throughout the school systems. And not just for my child, but for every child that comes after her.”

Brandi is not only a mother but also a teacher in another school district and says while she sits here in a unique position, there’s one thing she won’t do.

“I’m not going to sit here and be silent anymore. I also see the struggles inside the classroom; I see the teachers who work hard, I work hard, teachers work hard. But we’re not given the support, the special education teachers are not given the support. Children with IEPs are not being they’re not being taught the way that they should, and the laws are not being upheld. And schools need to be trained,” said Brandi.

As for eight-year-old Addie Ray, she’ll continue attending the same school, doing her homework, and playing with her sisters while the family waits for the investigation findings.

“What Addie will never get back is time that we’re wasting posturing and being right instead of saying, ‘Hey, we can all do better.’ I’m just all for moving forward,” said Cunningham.

Brandi and Karen aren’t just tackling what they call an issue in Warren County, but they’re taking their concerns statewide.

Last week, they stood before the Kentucky Department of Education and asked for radical reform at the state level for better special education training and funding.

“It’s our commitment to go to every Capital because I would love to tell you that this is a unique case. It’s not. We’re fighting for kids to get a baseline that they receive funding for, not more,” said Cunningham.

 this news story in its entirety as well as a copy of the letter that Cunningham received from the Office of Civil Rights about investigating the allegation can be found at WBKO. 

Karen Mayer Cunningham, special education advocate is actively educating, training, empowering, and advocating on behalf of children.  To watch, read, or find out more check out the Special Education Boss™ World Tour page or follow her on social media.  To contact Karen Mayer Cunningham or the a member of the Special Education Team™ please send an email.

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