The Importance of State Testing: What Parents Need to Know
State testing season can be a stressful time for both students and parents, especially for children with IEPs. While standardized tests are meant to measure academic progress, they often place extra pressure on students with disabilities who rely on specific supports and accommodations to succeed. As a parent, it’s important to understand your child’s rights during state testing and to advocate for the full implementation of their IEP accommodations — even during testing weeks. This blog will walk you through why state testing matters, how to ensure your child’s accommodations are followed, and how to support your child before, during, and after testing.
IEP Progress Isn’t Enough—Closing the Gap Is the Goal
One of the biggest misconceptions I see in special education is the idea that if a child is making progress, their IEP is working. While progress is important, the true goal of an IEP is to close the gap between a student's current achievement levels and grade-level standards. If a child continues to fall further behind year after year, despite having an IEP, that is not a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
STOP: Don’t Withdraw from School Before Reading This
As a parent, you may reach a point where the public school system feels like it’s failing your child. Despite your best efforts to secure support, services, and accommodations, nothing seems to change. It’s frustrating, overwhelming, and you might feel like your only option is to withdraw your child from school. But before you make that decision, it’s crucial to pause and understand the steps you need to take to protect your child’s rights and your ability to seek additional support—whether that’s through private school tuition or therapies.
New Year, New Strategies: Fresh IEP Tips for Parents in 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time for reflection and setting goals, especially when it comes to supporting your child’s education. As parents, you’ve likely faced a range of challenges in advocating for your child’s needs, but with a new year comes new opportunities to refresh your approach. Whether your child is just starting their IEP journey or you’re looking for ways to make this year even more successful, we at IEP Partner are here to provide practical tips to help you and your child thrive in 2025.
What Makes a Great Advocate?
When it comes to ensuring that your child receives the support and services they need, finding the right advocate can make all the difference. A great advocate not only helps you navigate the complexities of the special education system but also empowers you and your child throughout the process. But what exactly makes an advocate great? And how can the wrong advocate cause harm?
Does My Child Need an IEP? Signs to Look for and What to Do Next
As a parent, it’s only natural to want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their education. But what happens when your child struggles, and no matter how much extra help or tutoring you try, they just can’t seem to catch up?
Why I am a Special Education Advocate
Before I became a special education advocate, I was an educator for over 20 years, working directly with the very children I now fight for. My experiences in the classroom taught me that learning and functioning differently is not a deficit—it’s a gift. My passion for advocating for children with autism, trauma-based behaviors, dyslexia, and more grew from this realization.