I know, it seems silly that I would have a favorite word for an IEP goal. I often tease the teams I work saying, "You know I would like you to add my favorite word here…" But why is consecutive my favorite word?

As a teacher, I can't tell you how frustrating it is to suspect a child has a learning disability just to have the school refuse to test them. Fixing this issue has become a passion for me. But the question remains for many parents, 'when should I ask for my child to be evaluated?'

Most of my readers are already in the throws of an IEP, so this process is behind them. However, if you are reading this and that describes you, please leave your experience below for others to read and learn from. Two of my three children have been evaluated. My youngest has been through 6 evaluations (2 through the school and four private.) Our experiences have been vastly different, but there are some constants, so I will speak to those. But please know no two experiences are the same.

Yay! You did it. You successfully advocated for your child to be tested for a learning disability. Congratulations! You have jumped the first hurdle of many.

My child has been diagnosed, but the school said that doesn’t matter.” This statement is one of the most common frustrations I hear from parents.

Okay, this might sound cheesy, but the best "gift" I ever gave my dyslexic child was access to Learning Ally.

Embracing a growth mindset through discomfort can be challenging, but it is an important part of your child's personal development.

I think the easiest way to tackle this topic is to go with the old-fashioned, who, what, where, when, why?

Why is it so hard to identify dyslexia? I often tell my clients it is because dyslexia is found in the subtests. But what does that mean? It means if you only look at composite scores on psychological and educational evaluations, you may not see evidence of dyslexia.

If you didn't know, I was a teacher. I have taught many grades in many different states. I love teaching, I love shaping lives, and I love making each kid feel like they belong, even though they are unique.

This has been a hot topic in the reading round for several years. If you’re in the know, you will know that this hot topic is “the science of reading .” Although new to many, the science of reading has been around for decades, and researchers have compiled literally thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. These studies have been put together, peer-reviewed, and widely accepted as evidence to inform how proficient readers learn to read and write. In addition, we have learned through this research why some readers have difficulty learning to read and what remediation can be implemented to mitigate those struggles.

Unless you are brand new to the IEP arena, the term SMART goals are probably not new to you. However, a refresher on a SMART goal and how to help craft them with the IEP team is never a bad idea.

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, attending an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting is essential to ensure that your child’s individual needs are being met. However, one crucial step, often forgotten, is writing a parent concerns letter before meeting with the IEP team. This letter serves as an opportunity for you to voice any issues or concerns about your child’s education and to be part of the decision-making process. In addition, writing a parent concerns letter allows you to be an active participant in the IEP meeting and ensures that your child’s needs are taken into consideration.

Inclusion is essential in the classroom because it allows students with disabilities the same access to education as their peers. This learning environment creates a more inclusive and welcoming community. In an inclusive classroom, all students can learn and grow together, regardless of individual differences. Inclusion also helps to reduce stigma and stereotypes about disabilities. When non-disabled students are exposed to students with disabilities, they are less likely to exhibit negative attitudes toward them. Furthermore, when students with disabilities are included in the classroom, they are more likely to experience an increased sense of belonging, self-esteem, and connection to the school community.

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan, a legal document that details your child's educational present levels and current needs. Then it includes goals and objectives to support those needs. It covers all areas of education--including special education services--and consists of the regular education curriculum. The IEP also includes behavior intervention plans if necessary. The most important thing a parent should know about an IEP is that it is INDIVIDUALIZED for YOUR CHILD. Just because they do or do not support another child in a certain way does not mean they have to support your child the same way.

As a parent or guardian of a special education student, it's essential to be aware of the procedural safeguards protecting your child's rights. These safeguards ensure that children with disabilities and their families receive the necessary support and accommodations to help them succeed in their education. This blog post will summarize the key procedural safeguards you should know to advocate for your child's needs effectively.