Best IEE Podcasts (2025)

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What Every Parent Needs to Know About IEEs, LRE, and IEP Minutes | Ask the Advocate 57:06

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4h ago57:06

57:06

f your child’s IEP feels incomplete, confusing, or delayed—you are not alone. In this episode of Ask the Advocate, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles rapid-fire questions from parents, educators, and advocates facing real-world special education challenges. ✨ Inside this episode: What makes present levels “pristine, prescriptive, and puffy” (and why mo…

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Child Find Explained: How Schools Must Identify & Test Students Under IDEA 7:44

10h ago7:44

7:44

How do you know if your child is entitled to a special education evaluation? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the Child Find mandate under IDEA (34 CFR §300.111) and what it means for families. 👉 If your child is struggling—academically, emotionally, behaviorally, or with memory, communication, or at…

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Ask the Advocate: Cell Phones, Resource Minutes, ESY, STAR Test & Tough IEP Questions 49:35

4d ago49:35

49:35

What happens when a school tries to take away a diabetic student’s cell phone used for monitoring? Or when IEP goals are written at only the 20th percentile? Or when districts “table” evaluation requests for months? In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—answers rapid-fire questions from parents and tea…

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Raising Confident Girls with Dr. Tiff Watson: Your Unique FIZEEK! 13:44

4d ago13:44

13:44

What if girls learned early that their identity sits on an unshakeable foundation—not a number on a scale or a grade on a test? In this conversation, Karen sits down with Dr. Tiff Watson—performance coach, sports psych pro, and author of Your Unique FIZEEK! A Girl’s Guide to Faith, Fuel, and Finding Your Superpowers—to talk food–mood connections, c…

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SDI = Special Education: The 3 Elements & Questions to Use in IEPs 37:33

5d ago37:33

37:33

SDI isn’t a buzzword—it’s the heart of special education. In this episode, Karen breaks down why special education = specially designed instruction (SDI), how SDI is different from accommodations, and the exact questions to ask in your IEP meeting to reveal what’s really being taught, how, by whom, and when. You’ll learn: Why SDI is instruction (no…

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Related Services 101: Physical Therapy, Psych Services, Counseling, Nursing & Social Work in IEPs 27:37

6d ago27:37

27:37

In this Related Services session, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down what IDEA really says about services that support a student’s access to FAPE—and how schools should write and deliver them. What we cover: Physical Therapy in schools vs medical/therapeutic models (what PT is and isn’t in an IEP; realistic frequency and access needs) Psychological…

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Ask the Advocate: The Epic IEP™ Playbook Every Parent & Educator Needs 51:06

7d ago51:06

51:06

Karen Mayer Cunningham’s new book, The Epic IEP™: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates Navigating the Special Education Process, is here! 📚 This episode of Ask the Advocate is dedicated to unpacking why this book is a game-changer, how it equips parents, teachers, and advocates to sit confidently at the IEP/504 table, and what …

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Ask the Advocate: Dyslexia Progress, Music Therapy, 504 vs IEP, FAPE, and Tough School Scenarios 1:00:54

11d ago1:00:54

1:00:54

In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—answers your most pressing special education questions with clarity, humor, and straight-to-the-point strategies you can take to the IEP or 504 table. From dyslexia progress monitoring to behavior plans and field trip access, Karen reminds us: parents don’t have to…

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OSEP Letters, Part 2: The Truth About IEEs (Independent Educational Evaluations) 17:37

12d ago17:37

17:37

In Session 2 of our OSEP Letters series, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—breaks down Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): what they are, when to request one, who chooses the evaluator, how districts must respond, and how to use OSEP guidance to keep your team compliant. Using the February 20, 2004 OSEP letter to Dr. Parker…

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Ask the Advocate: Recess Rights & Tough IEP Questions 59:09

13d ago59:09

59:09

Happy Monday, Advocates! In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—tackles another round of rapid-fire questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country. From recess rights to PCS plans, and from tardy notes to 1:1 aides, Karen brings clarity, humor, and real strategies you can use in the …

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OSEP Letters, Part 1: Twice-Exceptional Students, SLD Eligibility & the End of “Severe Discrepancy” 26:01

14d ago26:01

26:01

Karen kicks off a multi-part series on must-know guidance letters from the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Today’s focus: the Dec 20, 2013 letter about twice-exceptional (2e) students and how states may—and may not—determine Specific Learning Disability (SLD) eligibility under IDEA. What you’ll learn: Why high cognition does not d…

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Ask the Advocate: Transportation, Dyslexia, MDRs & IEP Meeting Notes 25:53

20d ago25:53

25:53

Are your IEP meeting notes inaccurate? Has your child been placed on a 504 when you know an IEP is needed? Are you being told your student can’t get transportation or that grades prevent eligibility? You don’t know what you don’t know—but you need to. In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, answers rea…

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Ask the Advocate: FAPE, Discipline, Transition, and Tough IEP Questions Answered 59:21

21d ago59:21

59:21

Are you sitting at the IEP or 504 table feeling unprepared, overwhelmed, or unsure of your rights? You don’t know what you don’t know—but you need to. In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, tackles your most pressing questions with clarity, humor, and no-nonsense advocacy strategies. From discipline l…

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Paraprofessional Roles & Boundaries in Special Education: What Federal Law Requires 1:04:48

25d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Paraprofessionals change lives—but confusion about their role can lead to serious violations. In this training, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, explains exactly what federal law requires so teams can support students properly and protect FAPE. What you’ll learn: Why paras must work under the direct supervision of a certified te…

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Preparing for a Powerful IEP/504 Year: Your “Why,” Outcomes, and What Actually Works 34:47

26d ago34:47

34:47

New school year, clean slate. Before the meetings start, let’s get crystal clear on your reason (your “why”), your expected outcomes, and how you’ll get there—so your child actually receives an educational benefit (the standard in IDEA), not just more paperwork. In this episode, Karen walks you through the four anchors for preparing an effective sc…

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IEP Eligibility, Evaluations, and Parent Rights: Your Questions Answered 43:41

27d ago43:41

43:41

Do you know your rights? In this Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen tackles the most common—and confusing—special education questions parents face, from eligibility and evaluations to services, placement, and what to do when the school says “no.” In this episode: OHI vs. SLD — what they mean, how they’re determined, and why it’s not “either/or.” ADHD — 50…

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Ask the Advocate: IEP Signatures, ESY Services, Compensatory Time & More 52:44

28d ago52:44

52:44

Feeling lost in the maze of special education? In this Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers rapid-fire questions about IEP signatures, extended school year (ESY), RTI, para support, compensatory time, evaluations, and more. Get clear, direct, and empowering guidance every parent and advocate needs. Inside this episode: ✅ Why the…

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What Is Specially Designed Instruction? | Part 1 34:07

1M ago34:07

34:07

What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) — and why is it the foundation of special education? In this brand-new series, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down one of the most misunderstood (and misused) concepts in IDEA: special education is specially designed instruction. In Part 1, we cover: ✅ Why SDI is different fr…

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Your Top Special Education Questions Answered | Rapid Fire with the Special Education Boss® 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

It’s one of our most popular formats—rapid-fire Q&A straight from TikTok Live! In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest special education questions with her signature mix of clarity, humor, and straight talk. We cover everything from: ✅ Do you need a meeting to add accommodations to an IEP? ✅ Can dy…

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Demystifying Prior Written Notice (PWN) in Special Education: What Parents Must Know 14:27

1M ago14:27

14:27

In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most overlooked yet powerful safeguards in special education: Prior Written Notice (PWN). Most parents don’t realize that a PWN is not optional—it’s federally required. And it’s the school’s responsibility to complete it whenever they propose or refuse changes to …

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Ask the Advocate: School Shenanigans, Paraprofessionals, and IEP Questions Answered 52:46

1M ago52:46

52:46

It’s a Marvelous, Amazing Monday with Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, back with another Ask the Advocate episode! This week’s Q&A is packed with real parent and teacher questions covering IEP services, paraprofessionals, afterschool programs, behavioral supports, and yes—school shenanigans. Here’s what Karen answers: ✅ What eva…

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Ask the Advocate: Dexcom Denials, Aides, Accommodations & LRE Truths 48:15

1M ago48:15

48:15

This week’s Ask the Advocate is packed with real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country—and straight answers you won’t hear anywhere else. From Denton ISD removing a child’s Dexcom, to confusion around aides, accommodations, and placement, Karen dives into the hard truths with humor, clarity, and strategy. You’ll hear po…

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Unpacking the Supreme Court Decision: A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools with Dr. Mitchell Yell 57:42

1M ago57:42

57:42

he U.S. Supreme Court has spoken—A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools is now a landmark decision shaping the future of special education rights. In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Dr. Mitchell Yell, one of the nation’s leading voices on special education law, to break down what this case really means…

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Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) in Special Education 28:57

1M ago28:57

28:57

What exactly is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE), and when should you request one? In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the facts about IEEs under IDEA and why they matter for parents, advocates, and educators. We’ll cover: The legal foundation of IEEs (IDEA §300.502) What an IEE is — and what it…

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Falsified Service Logs, Shortened Days, and IEP Complaints Explained | Special Education Boss® 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

This week on Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles tough parent and teacher questions that expose what really happens inside IEP and 504 meetings. From falsified service logs to shortened school days, denials of services, and lack of staff training—Karen breaks down exactly what you can do, what the law says, and how to respond wi…

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IEP & 504 Q&A: Resource Classes, Behavior Goals, Health Plans, and More 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

In this Special Education Boss® episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your top special education questions—cutting through the confusion with clear, direct answers on IEPs, 504s, data collection, medical needs, and more. 🔥 Highlights include: College & Resource Classes: Does being in a resource setting impact college admissions—and how to make up…

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IEP & 504 Q&A: Placement, Accommodations, Modifications, and Advocacy Tips 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

In this powerful IEP & 504 Q&A episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham, we tackle YOUR real-world special education questions—straight from the comments—about eligibility, accommodations, modifications, evaluations, placement, behavior, related services, and more. Karen breaks down complicated situations into clear, actionabl…

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Parents’ Procedural Rights – Part 1: Procedural Safeguards & Child Find 35:38

2M ago35:38

35:38

Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, kicks off a new series on Parents’ Procedural Rights under IDEA. In this episode, she explains what procedural safeguards really are, why the Child Find mandate is the foundation of special education, and how to protect your rights at the IEP/504 table. You’ll learn: When schools must provide you…

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Back-to-School Special Education Q&A: IEP Meetings, Teacher Certification, and Advocacy Tips 58:54

2M ago58:54

58:54

It’s August, it’s hot, and it’s time to talk about starting the school year strong! In this special Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen Mayer Cunningham — the Special Education Boss® — answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates on everything from calling IEP meetings to checking teacher credentials. You’ll hear how to: Identify real reas…

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504 vs. IEP: Why the Difference Changes Everything 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

What’s the real difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP? According to Karen Mayer Cunningham, the answer is simple: everything. In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen unpacks the critical distinctions between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—and why settling for a 504 when your child needs an IEP…

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Back to School, Back to the IEP Table: Rapid-Fire Q&A for 2025-2026 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

It's August 2025, and we’re back to school and back to the IEP and 504 tables! In this episode of Ask the Advocate, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, takes questions live and delivers rapid-fire answers, real-talk strategies, and expert insight to get your year started right. Whether you're prepping for a first IEP meeting, navig…

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Understanding Evaluations: What Every Parent and Advocate Needs to Know 1:03:00

2M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Evaluations are the foundation of every IEP, and most parents, advocates, and even school staff don’t realize how many sections are involved, what’s legally required, or how much can go wrong when pieces are skipped. In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through the full scope of educational evaluations, break…

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Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to Know 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

Welcome back to Special Education Boss®! In this power-packed training episode from Day 1 of “How to Advocate for Anyone,” Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most misunderstood areas in special education: the difference between medical diagnosis and educational need, and why it matters at the IEP table. Key takeaways: Differentiate between m…

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Divorce, Disability & IEPs: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Mary Ann Hughes 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

What happens when a parent of two children with autism faces divorce during IEP transition years? In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, sits down with Mary Ann Hughes, Certified Special Needs Divorce Coach and founder of Special Family Transitions. From navigating divorce while parenting children with disabilities to…

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From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave Transition 34:14

2M ago34:14

34:14

From the classroom to the conference table—today’s episode is one of full-circle purpose. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, is joined by the amazing Rachel Mottern, a former special education teacher turned full-time national advocate, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation you won’t forget. Rachel shares her journey from stru…

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How to Request and Navigate Special Education Testing & Evaluations 1:02:18

2M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

How to Request Special Education Testing + What Happens Next Special Education Boss® Podcast | Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham Confused about how to get your child tested for special education services? You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. In this powerhouse episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, breaks down what …

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Writing Measurable, Meaningful IEP Goals 1:29:43

2M ago1:29:43

1:29:43

How to Ditch SMART Goals, Align with Present Levels, and Meet the Endrew F. Standard Most IEP goals aren’t measurable—and that’s a big problem. In this episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham is joined by Dr. Mitchell Yell, special education expert, professor, and hearing officer, to break down how to write IEP goals that actually meet legal standards and …

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OCR Complaints Part 3: Mediation, Rebuttal, and Resolution Explained 55:35

2M ago55:35

55:35

What happens after you file an OCR complaint? In Part 3 of our special series on how to file effective OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaints, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, walks you through everything that happens once your complaint is opened for investigation—including mediation options, rebuttal strategies, and meaningful r…

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Ask the Advocate: Paras, Placements, Phones & IEP Problems—Answered 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

What do you do when the IEP isn’t followed? When a para is left unsupervised? When your child is denied services due to a “lack of staff”? Or when a cell phone ban interferes with their support plan? In this rapid-fire Q&A episode of Ask the Advocate, Special Education Boss® Karen Mayer Cunningham tackles your most pressing questions about special …

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IEP or 504? Budget Excuses, OT Battles, and Why Data Always Wins | Ask the Advocate 45:50

2M ago45:50

45:50

What’s the real difference between an IEP and a 504? Spoiler: one of them is a “waste of good paper”… and Karen does not hold back. In this rapid-fire Ask the Advocate episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers the most pressing questions from parents, teachers, and advocates navigating special education. From whether schools can deny services based o…

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OCR Part 2: Next Steps Unveiled — Navigating Post-Complaint Procedures with OCR 1:04:05

2M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

So you filed an OCR complaint… now what? In Part 2 of our 3-part training series, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through exactly what happens after you hit "submit" on an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint—because filing is just the beginning. This training picks up where we left off in Part 1 (go back and listen if you haven’t yet!). We’re …

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Rapid-Fire Q&A: IEP Services, Transition Plans, 504 Misconceptions & Parent Advocacy 51:50

2M ago51:50

51:50

Have a question about IEPs, special education rights, or how to advocate for your child? In this rapid-fire episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers YOUR burning questions from parents, teachers, and advocates across the country. ✨ From transition services at age 16 (or earlier!) to paraprofessional-only classrooms, rel…

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What Schools Get Wrong: Q&A on One-to-One Support, Service Minutes, and Your Parent Rights 1:00:34

3M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Do you know your rights when it comes to makeup services, one-to-one support, and placement decisions? In this powerful, unfiltered Q&A session, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, breaks down REAL questions from parents and educators navigating the IEP table. We’re covering everything from: Can a school deliver compensatory minutes be…

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How to File an Effective OCR Complaint (Part 1): Know Your Rights and Get It Right 42:29

3M ago42:29

42:29

Do you know your rights when it comes to filing a federal complaint for disability discrimination? In this powerful Part 1 of our 3-part training, Karen Mayer Cunningham—The Special Education Boss®—walks you through how to effectively file an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “S…

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The Testing Talk: How to Get Your Child Fully Evaluated for Special Education 30:49

3M ago30:49

30:49

Is your child struggling in school, and you're wondering if special education testing is the next step? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the entire process of requesting and navigating special education testing—from suspected needs to formal evaluations. If you've ever been told "your child doe…

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How to Make a Formal Special Education Request (Say This Exactly) 3:48

3M ago3:48

3:48

Parents: If you think you’ve made a request for special education testing, but it wasn’t written, clean, concise, and clear… you didn’t. In this short but powerful episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, walks you through exactlywhat a formal request is — and what it isn’t. No more: 🚫 "Hey Bob, can you check on that for me?" 🚫…

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AI, Authenticity, and Saving 10 Hours a Week: A Conversation with Matt Fornito 43:37

3M ago43:37

43:37

Are you using AI... or is it using you? In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with keynote speaker, organizational psychologist, and AI strategist Matt Fornito to unpack what’s really happening in the world of artificial intelligence—and why it matters for educators, advocates, and business owners ali…

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Hot Topics + Hot Deals: July Q&A with the Special Education Boss® 58:03

3M ago58:03

58:03

July is heating up—and so is the conversation! In this live Q&A episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, answers your biggest questions on IEPs, 504s, eligibility, state complaints, ABA therapy, inclusion, and more. Plus, she announces exciting news: 📕 Karen’s long-awaited special education book is finally done—and pre-orders w…

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Dispute Resolution in Special Education: What Are Your Rights 29:03

3M ago29:03

29:03

If you're facing a disagreement with your child’s school over special education services, this episode is for you. Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, breaks down the four state-level dispute resolution options every parent, guardian, and advocate must know: ✅ IEP Facilitation ✅ Mediation ✅ State Complaint ✅ Due Process Hearing Thi…