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.
Find guidance based on what you're working through right now.
LATEST FROM THE BLOG
Recent Insights From Maureen
Practical guidance on IEPs, advocacy, placement, transition, and the decisions families are facing right now.
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
In Re: Evan & Belmont Public Schools (BSEA #25-11078) — Decision 8/19/2025
📢 BSEA Decision Update
In Evan v. Belmont Public Schools (BSEA #25-11078), the Hearing Officer ruled that Belmont’s IEPs for 2024–25 and 2025–26 were reasonably calculated to provide FAPE in the least restrictive environment. Parents’ request for reimbursement for unilateral placement at Carroll School was denied. The case highlights how progress data and “snapshot in time” standards weigh heavily in FAPE determinations.
#SpecialEducation #BSEA #FAPE #Dyslexia #ParentAdvocacy
What the “Fifth Grade Reading Level” Comment in a BSEA Case Reveals About Denial of FAPE
In this breakdown of the pivotal BSEA case In Re: Desmond & Dracut Public Schools, we examine how the district’s dismissal of dyslexia needs—highlighted by a staff member’s claim that students only need to read at a “4th or 5th-grade level”—led to a ruling in favor of private placement. Learn how parents can identify denial of FAPE, gather the right data, and push for out-of-district placement when public schools fall short.
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.