Teachers often have valuable insights that can help foster a positive and collaborative relationship between special education parents and educators. Here are some key things that teachers may want special education parents to know:

1. We Are Partners in Your Child’s Success

Teachers want parents to know that they see themselves as partners in their child’s education. Open communication and collaboration are essential to ensure that the child’s needs are met both at school and at home.

2. Your Input Is Valuable

Parents know their children best, and teachers appreciate when parents share insights, concerns, and observations about their child's strengths, challenges, and progress. This information helps teachers tailor instruction and support to meet the child's needs.

3. Consistency Matters

Consistency between home and school routines, expectations, and reinforcement strategies can significantly benefit the child. When parents and teachers work together to maintain consistent approaches, the child is more likely to experience success.

4. Progress Takes Time

Every child learns at their own pace, and progress may be slow or uneven at times. Teachers work hard to provide individualized support, but it’s important to be patient and celebrate small victories along the way.

5. We Advocate for Your Child Too

Teachers are often strong advocates for their students within the school system. They work to ensure that students receive the necessary services, accommodations, and modifications to thrive in the classroom.

6. Behavior Is Communication

When a child exhibits challenging behavior, it’s often a form of communication. Teachers work to understand the underlying causes and address them rather than just focusing on the behavior itself. They appreciate when parents share insights into what might be triggering certain behaviors.

7. We Have Limited Resources

While teachers strive to provide the best possible education, they sometimes face limitations in terms of time, resources, and support. Understanding these challenges can help set realistic expectations and encourage a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

8. IEP Meetings Are Collaborative

IEP meetings are not just formalities; they are opportunities to collaboratively develop and refine the plan for the child's education. Teachers value parent input during these meetings and want to ensure that the IEP reflects the child's unique needs.

9. Homework May Look Different

Homework assignments for students with special needs may be modified or reduced compared to their peers. Teachers appreciate when parents support these modifications at home, focusing on reinforcing skills rather than quantity.

10. We Care Deeply About Your Child’s Well-Being

Teachers genuinely care about their students' academic and emotional well-being. They work hard to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every child can succeed.

By understanding these perspectives, parents and teachers can work together more effectively to support the child's growth and development.

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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a critical document in special education, tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Crafting a truly individualized IEP involves several key components, which ensure that the educational experience is customized and effective. Below are the essential elements that contribute to the development of a truly individualized IEP.

Students that are needing accommodations and support in College should reach out to their disability services office for help.

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By recognizing that special education law is primarily governed by federal statutes such as IDEA, ADA, and Section 504, individuals can navigate the system more effectively and ensure that students receive the support and accommodations they need to thrive academically and socially. Remember, when in doubt, rely on federal law as the ultimate authority in matters of special education.

Building a team around your child is the key for their success and the foundational principles as to why Ask the Advocate is so successful. Ask the Advocate brings in professionals to help support the areas your child needs to make progress.

In 2002 when I completed my training at the Federation for Children with Special Needs, I went on enroll in several Wrightslaw trainings that I found extremely valuable and would highly recommend to any parent or advocate looking to gain more understanding of special education law. Here is some advice that has stuck with me over the years

Laws regarding bullying and special education in the United States primarily fall under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws provide protections and resources for students with disabilities, including those who may be vulnerable to bullying.

“Alone, we may make ripples, but together, we create waves. Let us stand as a united front, unwavering in our commitment to prompt change in the lives of students with disabilities and shape a better future for all.”

Special Education Advocacy in Massachusetts

Why are things still such a struggle to get students the supports and services they are entitled to? FAPE seem to be a thing that is not obtainable.

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Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities, Suggestions from Maureen Brown, Ask the Advocate

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Come to our training on Assistive Technology and how it can be written into your child’s IEP for no cost to you.

Parents are trying to do what they can to get their children with learning challenges the support they require to make progress.

Here are some ways AI can help.

Discover the ins and outs of 'Prior Written Notice,' ensuring you navigate school district decisions with confidence. Learn to decode proposals, understand rejected options, and empower yourself with essential knowledge for your child's educational journey.

Students have a fundamental right to learn to read, In massachusetts in some of the more affluent towns parents are getting push back to get schools to do what is needed and what their children are entitled to.