Special Education Boss® With Karen Mayer Cunningham podcast

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

تمت الإضافة منذ twenty أسبوع

المحتوى المقدم من Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham, and Special Education boss®. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham, and Special Education boss® أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.

TED Talks Daily

1
Are we cooked? How social media shapes your language | Adam Aleksic 15:16

منذ 14 weeks15:16

التشغيل لاحقا

قوائم

إعجاب

احب

15:16

Gen Z slang is rife with new words like "unalive," "skibidi" and "rizz." Where do these words come from — and how do they get popular so fast? Linguist Adam Aleksic explores how the forces of social media algorithms are reshaping the way people talk and view their very own identities. For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou TEDSports: ted.com/sports TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna TEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham

منزل السلاسل•Feed

The Special Education Boss® Podcast is where advocacy meets action. Join Karen Mayer Cunningham each week as she empowers parents and professionals to understand their rights, navigate the system, and show up strong at the IEP table.

57 حلقات

#Podcasting Education #Karen Mayer Cunningham pThe Special Education Boss® #Karen Mayer Cunningham #Special Education Boss® #Special Education #IEP #504 Plan #Parent Advocacy #Special Needs #FAPE #Ideas #Iep Tips #School Rights #Disability Education #Special Education Laws #Advocate

Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham

updated منذ يومين

منزل السلاسل•Feed

57 حلقات

Semua episode

1
IEP & 504 Q&A: Resource Classes, Behavior Goals, Health Plans, and More 45:17

منذ يومين45:17

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 missing credits. Behavior Goals That Work: Why “weekly data collection” is critical and who should be tracking it. Health Plans in Schools: When an IHP is needed for students with medical conditions, even without school-dispensed medication. Assistive Technology Rights: Using the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 to secure services, minutes, and devices. Failure to Implement: What to do when IEP services aren’t being delivered as written. Karen also shares how parents, teachers, and school staff can get free trial access to The Academy —featuring over 300 hours of training, live coaching, and advocacy resources. 📌 Join The Academy today 📌 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube 📌 Listen to More Episodes on your favorite Podcast platform .. Special Education Boss® Podcast “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
IEP & 504 Q&A: Placement, Accommodations, Modifications, and Advocacy Tips 54:59

منذ 3 أيام54:59

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, actionable strategies so parents, advocates, and educators can navigate and negotiate at the IEP/504 table with confidence. From early childhood through high school, you'll hear practical examples, federal/state requirements, and the advocacy mindset you need to ensure every student receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) . In This Episode: 📚 Why brand-name programs like Barton shouldn’t be written into IEP goals—and how to still secure the instruction your child needs. 🎒 Kindergarten readiness: why holding a child back in preschool can have long-term consequences, and how to use the IEP to prepare instead. 💰 Special education funding—where it comes from and what it can (and can’t) be used for. 🧩 Behavior plans: identifying deficits, teaching replacement skills, and ensuring the right level of in-class support. ✂️ Resource class minutes—when crafts and rewards are okay, and when they cross the line. 🚌 Transportation and field trips—what schools are required to provide and when parent attendance is not required. 📋 Data collection: who’s responsible, how to make it meaningful, and why grades are never IEP goals. 🛠️ Modifications vs. curriculum integrity—how to change learner expectations without violating program requirements. ⚖️ Denied 504 Plans: how to appeal, what to document, and when to push for an IEP evaluation. 🚨 Failing implementation: when to escalate to a state complaint or OCR filing. 🎯 Becoming an advocate: why training matters and how to start today. Karen also dives into high-impact topics like: Teachers providing instruction outside their certification scope. Special education classroom ratios and staffing shortages. Compensatory services for missed speech therapy. OCR complaints for language access violations. How “harmful effect” and “meaningful benefit” factor into Least Restrictive Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

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

منذ 4 أيام35:38

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 a Notice of Procedural Safeguards and what makes it current Why it must be in your native language How divorced or dual-parent rights affect IEP invitations What “Identify, Locate, Evaluate” means under Child Find When and how to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) Part 1 sets the stage for understanding all 13 safeguards, so you can walk into every meeting informed, prepared, and confident. “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
Back-to-School Special Education Q&A: IEP Meetings, Teacher Certification, and Advocacy Tips 58:54

منذ 5 أيام58:54

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 reasons to call an IEP meeting (and avoid wasting time) Make sure accommodations start the first day of school Handle uncertified or unqualified staff in special ed classrooms Track down teacher and para credentials in your state Understand comparable service plans and timelines Advocate effectively when meetings get postponed Learn the rules on no-phone policies in schools (including Texas HB 1481) Start your journey as a special education advocate Plus — tips for first-time paras, how to prune IEP accommodations, and why delayed special ed is still denied special ed . 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 📲 Download the Special Education Academy App 🎓 Join The Academy 📅 Register for the 2-Day Virtual Special Education Advocacy Intensive (Sept 27–28, 2025) 📧 Email the Team: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
504 vs. IEP: Why the Difference Changes Everything 10:02

منذ 9 أيام10:02

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 can set them up for failure instead of success. You’ll learn: Why a 504 is not an education plan—and what that means for your child What an IEP actually provides (data, instruction, and measurable progress) How schools blur the lines between the two—and why Texas is #1 in IEP denial The truth about how school staff “gaslight” parents into giving up Karen’s mindset tools for staying firm, focused, and unshaken by school resistance The 3Ws of advocacy: “We don’t waffle, waver, or water it down.” 💥 “You’re either setting a child up for destiny or destruction. There is no in-between.” This is a must-listen for parents, educators, and advocates who want to understand why the IEP is essential—and how to keep pushing until every child gets what they need. 📲 Join The Academy 🎧 Listen to more episodes on Buzzsprout or YouTube 💬 Follow, like, share, and subscribe for weekly trainings! — “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
Back to School, Back to the IEP Table: Rapid-Fire Q&A for 2025-2026 51:58

منذ 10 أيام51:58

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, navigating an out-of-place placement, wondering about compensatory services, or trying to understand cell phone exemptions in Texas, this episode covers it all, with a little humor and a whole lot of clarity. 🟡 Topics Covered: ✅ What to request before your IEP meeting (and how) ✅ Why promotion language does not belong in the IEP ✅ Tips for advocating for a child with cerebral palsy ✅ How to write strong IEP goals for developmental gaps ✅ The purpose of a “Zac Pack” for Kindergarten transitions ✅ Clarifying inclusion responsibilities + para roles ✅ Graduation, electives, and accommodations: what’s legal? ✅ IDEA violations, denials of FAPE, and when to demand comp ed ✅ Charter schools, self-contained myths, and why public school can work— if we get it right ✅ Should a parent work as a para for their own child? Why that’s a red flag ✅ What to do if your school is sending your child home for behavior ✅ How to start a career as an advocate (without a college degree) ✅ Push-in vs. pull-out supports, IEP meeting prep, and so much more 🟣 Karen also covers: The new Texas cell phone law and what counts as an IEP/504 exception What really makes a school “good” for students with disabilities Advice for brand-new SPED teachers stepping into messy programs What to do when you’re ghosted by the school Why special education advocacy is a calling—and why it matters now more than ever 🎧 Whether you're a parent, teacher, para, or aspiring advocate, this is your weekly dose of clarity, confidence, and community at the IEP table. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned: 📲 Download the Special Education Academy App — FREE in your app store! 🎓 Join The Academy 📚 Visit the Book Shelf (IEP Goal Writing Resource by Dr. Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

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

منذ 11 يومًا1:03:00

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, breaking down each required component and the common mistakes families face. You’ll learn: The difference between formal and informal evaluations (and when to push back) What MUST be included in a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) Why skipping sections like sociological, pragmatic language, or adaptive behavior can derail eligibility The truth about counseling as a related service—and what schools often get wrong How to prepare parents to share personal or sensitive details without public discomfort When and how to ask for psych services, assistive tech, occupational therapy, and more The problem with “screeners” and how to request full evaluations in every area of suspected disability Karen delivers powerful advocacy strategies, real-life examples, and her signature truth bombs—helping you know what to ask for, what to document, and how to ensure no student gets overlooked. “You don’t have to prove your child needs an evaluation. The law doesn’t require proof—it requires suspicion of a disability.” Join The Academy Listen to more episodes on Buzzsprout or YouTube Follow, like, share, and subscribe for weekly trainings! “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to Know 32:51

منذ 12 يومًا32:51

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 medical, therapeutic, and educational models Navigate eligibility categories, comorbidities, and eligibility order Decode the true meaning of a 504 vs. an IEP—and why “he’s doing great” isn’t good enough Advocate for comprehensive evaluations, including cognitive (all 7 Gs), adaptive, achievement, psychological, and language Use your role to tell the child’s full story , not just comply with checkboxes Avoid common traps in eligibility and evaluation—and how to ask for Prior Written Notice when needed Why “we’re not in the pool” and “we consider it” are red flags—and what to say instead How to ensure your advocacy is rooted in excellence, integrity, and long-term outcomes Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode is a masterclass in IDEA advocacy and strategic decision-making at every stage of the special education process. “This is why we don’t waffle, waver, or water it down.” Listen now and equip yourself with the language, mindset, and legal literacy to lead IEP teams and advocate for what every child deserves. Ready to go deeper? Join The Academy Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
Divorce, Disability & IEPs: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Mary Ann Hughes 27:01

منذ 16 يومًا27:01

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 building lifelong support plans, Mary Ann shares practical tools, real-life insights, and hope for parents walking a complex path. This conversation is a must-listen for advocates, educators, and families facing tough transitions. 🎧 Join The Academy 🌐 Learn more about Mary Ann "When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody." Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
From Special Ed Teacher to Advocate: Rachel Mottern’s Story of Bold, Brave Transition 34:14

منذ 17 يومًا34:14

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 struggling with dyslexia as a child to becoming a teacher, earning her master's at Vanderbilt (yes, the #1 program in the nation), and eventually realizing she could serve students better outside the system. What started with a two-day training inside the Special Education Academy turned into a career pivot that changed everything. You'll hear: What it was like being a student with dyslexia and a “quiet struggler” Why she took the 2-Day Intensive and Mastermind—and how it gave her permission to act. Behind-the-scenes stories of systemic pushback, evaluation roadblocks, and how Rachel refused to be hushed. How she built her advocacy practice with courage, community, and Karen’s mentorship. This episode is for every educator, advocate, and parent who knows something isn’t right—and is ready to do something about it. Rachel now serves families nationwide and is living proof that when you combine training, lived experience, and boldness, you can make real change. Connect with Rachel Mottern: Website : www.MotternIEPHelp.com Email: rachel@motternadvocacy.com Partner Page: Inside Special Education Academy Want the same training that helped Rachel launch a new career? Join us inside The Academy Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

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

منذ 18 يومًا1:02:18

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 every parent, educator, and advocate needs to know about requesting and navigating special education evaluations. 📚 We’re covering: ✅ How to request an FIE (Full Individual Evaluation) ✅ IDEA timelines and eligibility basics ✅ 504 vs. IEP: Which one applies—and when? ✅ What goes into a proper evaluation (academic, speech, OT, behavior, etc.) ✅ How to prepare for the results and advocate for appropriate supports ✅ Writing goals based on data—not feelings ✅ Behavior plans, assistive tech, and related services ✅ Real Q&A from parents and educators just like you Whether you're new to this journey or knee-deep in evaluations, this training gives you clarity, confidence, and action steps to move forward. 🧠 Want more support? Join The Academy . New training sessions weekly, 250+ hours available now. 📲 Download the free SEA app for access, updates, and community. “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” —Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
Writing Measurable, Meaningful IEP Goals 1:29:43

منذ 19 يومًا1:29:43

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 support real student progress. Together, they cover: Why SMART goals fall short A simple 3-step formula for writing measurable goals How to align goals to present levels (not just state standards) What the Endrew F. case says about student progress How to fix goals that are vague, invisible, or rolled over year to year When to change instruction (not just lower expectations) This is essential listening for parents, educators, and advocates who want to get IEPs right. 🎧 Listen in and train with us weekly inside The Academy. 👉 Join The Academy : 📺 Watch more : https://www.youtube.com/@SpecialEducationBoss 🎤 Follow Karen: @SpecialEducationBoss “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
OCR Complaints Part 3: Mediation, Rebuttal, and Resolution Explained 55:35

منذ 23 يومًا55:35

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 resolutions. This episode covers: ✅ What the OCR looks for when opening an investigation ✅ Why mediation is always voluntary—but often powerful ✅ Real examples of how compensatory services and training were negotiated ✅ What to include in your rebuttal if a district disputes your claims ✅ Why every complaint needs clear documentation, timelines, and expectations ✅ What to say (and not say) when engaging with investigators ✅ How to respond when your case is transferred to a new investigator ✅ What "resolution" really means—and how to make it work for your child Whether you're a parent, advocate, or professional supporting students with disabilities, this deep dive gives you the language, tools, and mindset to stay in the fight for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). 📌 Related trainings mentioned: ➡️ Part 1: How to File an OCR Complaint ➡️ Part 2: What Happens After You File 📚 Get 50% off the 2-Day Intensive On-Demand Training until the end of JULY: Use code JULY at checkout 🔗 Join The Academy “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

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

منذ 24 يومًا1:03:42

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 education—straight from the front lines. No fluff. No legal jargon. Just real answers to real problems. Topics we cover in this episode: ✅ Are all paras qualified to serve students with disabilities? ✅ Can you be hired without certification? (Short answer: Yes. Long answer: You better listen.) ✅ Can a child be denied VO-Tech or transition services? ✅ What if the principal ignores IEP violations? ✅ When should compensatory services be offered—and what if they’re never delivered? ✅ Can a parent request a one-to-one aide? ✅ What’s legal when it comes to substitutes in inclusion classrooms? ✅ How do students access their phones if there’s a safety plan or doctor’s note? ✅ What’s the deal with Level 1, 2, or 3 autism labels in schools? ✅ Can a school make a placement decision without a meeting? 💡 BONUS: Karen shares what federal law actually says about paraprofessionals and IEP implementation—plus how to get her most requested resource: Working with Paraprofessionals: A Resource for Educators of Students with Disabilities. Request it: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Download the Special Education Academy App: Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Just search Special Education Academy and look for the lightbulb with the grad cap! 🎓 TRAININGS: ✔️ 2-Day Intensive (On-Demand) — 50% off with code JULY ✔️ Mastermind Cohort — Starts July 27, 2025 ✔️ Weekly Training in The Academy — Every Monday @ 8 PM CST 📚 Join The Academy “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

1
IEP or 504? Budget Excuses, OT Battles, and Why Data Always Wins | Ask the Advocate 45:50

منذ 25 يومًا45:50

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 on budget to how to respond when accommodations “aren’t being implemented,” Karen gives straight answers with humor, heart, and strategy. Topics Covered: How to request special education testing (what to say + how to say it) IEP vs. 504 — and why that matters more than ever Can good grades cancel an IEP? Why schools push for life skills programs — and how to push back What to do when raw data is missing (or obviously fake) How to advocate for one-to-one support, ESY, or out-of-district placement When to file a complaint, skip mediation, or request an IEE Plus: Karen dishes out solid gold on how YOU can become an advocate—and why the system needs you now more than ever. 🎧 Listen, laugh, learn—and leave ready to advocate with confidence. 👇 Dive deeper with us: Join The Academy Explore the 2-Day Intensive (on-demand ) Want to become an advocate? Email us: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with your team, your friends, or anyone sitting at the IEP table. “When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham Support the show ✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨ 👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss® Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week! 🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources 🔗 Learn more at The Academy 📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com 📱 Follow Karen on: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game? Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence. 📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl ( As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. ) ...…

مرحبًا بك في مشغل أف ام!

يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.