A private residential school accepted a student knowing his full history. They built his IEP around his specific challenges. They readmitted him after two other placements failed. And then they tried to terminate him — citing behaviors that had been present since day one.

The Bureau of Special Education Appeals said no.

This is a pattern I've seen too many times in my practice. A family finally secures a placement, exhales for the first time in years, and then the calls start. Staff are concerned. Things are escalating. And before long, an emergency termination letter arrives — sometimes without any warning at all.

What families need to know is this: a private special education school cannot accept a student for the very behaviors that define their disability and then use those same behaviors to push them out. The law requires more than that. A lot more.

A decision issued just this week out of Massachusetts makes that crystal clear.

The full breakdown is on the blog. If you're watching this unfold with your own child right now, you don't have to figure it out alone. #asktheadvocate #stayput

Option 2: Bold + Opinion (your voice)

Here we go again… changing labels instead of fixing the real problem.

A new bill would make dyslexia its own category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Yes, dyslexia needs attention—but let’s be honest:

👉 Kids aren’t struggling because of the category
👉 They’re struggling because they’re not getting the right support

Focus on services. Always.

In AJT v. Osseo Area Schools, the U.S. Supreme Court addressed an important question about the rights of students with disabilities and the legal standards families must meet when seeking remedies under federal disability laws. The case centers on whether families pursuing claims under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must prove a higher level of wrongdoing—such as bad faith or gross misjudgment—beyond what is required under IDEA.

The outcome has significant implications for parents seeking accountability when a school fails to provide appropriate supports. At its core, the case highlights the ongoing tension between procedural compliance and meaningful access to education, and it may clarify how difficult it is for families to obtain relief when schools fall short of their obligations.

https://boldjourney.com/meet-maureen-brown/

Bold Journey Magazine Interviews Owner and Founder Maureen Brown, Ask the Advocate about here perspective on special education, and advice for parents and professionals.

"He just looked at me and said, 'Those people, the costs. Why don't they die?'" Fred said.

://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/fred-trump-disabled-people-1.7288890

🎯 Feeling overwhelmed tracking your child's IEP progress?
There’s a smarter way—and it’s not more binders or sticky notes.

In my latest blog, I’m sharing how parents of children with special needs can use AI tools to stay organized, spot patterns, and take control of the paper trail that comes with IEPs, therapies, and school communication.

From auto-summarizing long evaluations to tracking behavior data and even transcribing IEP meetings, AI can help you become a more effective advocate—without the burnout.

✨ You don’t have to be tech-savvy—just willing to try.
📥 I even list the exact tools I use (many are free or low-cost)!

🔗 asktheadvocate.org
📩 DM me “AI Toolkit” if you’d like a free copy of my progress tracking starter guide.

#SpecialEducation #IEPParent #SpecialNeedsParenting #AIforParents #ProgressTracking #AskTheAdvocate