SPECIAL EDUCATION INSIGHTS
When You Know More,
You Can Ask Better Questions.
Practical guidance from Maureen Brown on IEPs, special education advocacy, BSEA decisions, therapeutic placement, college transition, and the questions families don't always know to ask.
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Practical guidance on IEPs, advocacy, placement, transition, and the decisions families are facing right now.
Burden of Proof is on Parents in Unilaterial Placements
BSEA #25-10207-5
Unilateral Placement: Why This Parent Did Not Get Reimbursed
In this recent decision, a parent unilaterally placed their child at a private program and sought reimbursement from the district. While concerns were raised about implementation, anxiety, and supports, the hearing officer ultimately found that the district had offered a program reasonably calculated to provide educational benefit—and reimbursement was not awarded.
Key Takeaways for Parents
The student was earning A’s and B’s, which supported the district’s position that progress was being made
The district had accommodations and supports in place, including assistive technology and academic support
The parent did not present strong outside expert evidence to support a different diagnosis or need
The unilateral placement was not proven to be necessary under the legal standard
The case lacked a strong, consistent paper trail demonstrating denial of FAPE
Why Reimbursement Was Denied
No clear evidence that the district’s program was inappropriate
No compelling expert testimony contradicting the school’s evaluations
The parent did not sufficiently prove that the private placement was the only appropriate option
What Parents Need to Know
Before pursuing a unilateral placement, families should:
✔️ Obtain a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation
✔️ Secure a program observation documenting concerns
✔️ Put concerns in writing with specific data and examples
✔️ Give the district a reasonable opportunity to address issues
✔️ Build a clear record showing denial of FAPE over time
Bringing School District Funding to the TableConsultation Services for National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Programs & Private Schools
What Ask the Advocate can help programs with
District Funding Strategy for Therapeutic & Private Schools
Advocacy Consultation for National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs Programs
IEP & FAPE Alignment Review
Family Education on Public Funding Pathways
Case Positioning & Documentation Guidance
District-Facing Communication Strategy
Professional Development & On-Site Training
Ethical Funding Frameworks That Reduce Conflict
MASSACHUSETTS BSEA DECISIONSBSEA Decisions, Without the Legal Jargon.
When a special education dispute in Massachusetts reaches the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, the decisions can tell families a lot about how hearing officers look at evidence, placement, evaluations, stay-put rights, district obligations, and FAPE. Maureen breaks down selected BSEA decisions in plain language so you can understand what happened, why the hearing officer ruled the way they did, and what families can learn from the case.
NEED MORE THAN AN ARTICLE?
Your Child's Situation Isn't Generic.
Your Next Step Shouldn't Be Either.
Articles can help you understand the issue. But your child's records, history, school district, and current situation determine what comes next. If you need help figuring out your next move, start with the level of support you need.
I NEED DIRECTION
Education Strategy Session
A focused 30-minute conversation with Maureen to talk through your situation, understand your options, and decide what to do next.
I NEED MY DOCUMENTS REVIEWED
Document Review + Strategy
Maureen reviews up to two documents before your 30-minute strategy call so you can discuss the records, concerns, and next steps together.
BSEA Decisions from Summer 2026.
How parents can use it to determine how hearing officers make decisions.