School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents

Why do schools need to know when a parent deploys?  Your children spend a large portion of their day in school, so teachers often notice changes or new behaviors. The value of parents and schools partnering to support military-connected children with the stressors of deployment is significant. As you know, having a parent away for Read More

Tips for Communicating as a Member of the IEP Team

A Brief Overview Full Article Whether on Zoom or around a conference table, sitting down with a team of professionals can feel intimidating to families. When a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is on the agenda, emotions can overtake a meeting. Getting defensive or angry does not usually help, however. This article provides tools for Read More

Special Education Process Demystified in 10 Steps

Here is basic guidance about how special education works. For a bit more detail, visit How Special Education Works A 10-Step Guide to the Special Education Process provided by Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Procedural Safeguards protect family and student rights throughout the process.

Attention Students: Lead your own IEP meetings and take charge of your future

A Brief Overview Full Article If you are a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), read this article to find out how you can be a leader on your IEP team. Your future is counting on you! By the time you are 16 years old, the school is required to invite you to your IEP meetings. Read More

Does my child qualify for Assistive Technology (AT) in school?

If your child is eligible for special education or Section 504 accommodations, then the answer is “yes” if the assistive technology (AT) is necessary to achieve a “free and appropriate public education”. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, (IDEA), states “The Individualized Education Program, (IEP), team shall consider whether the child requires assistive technology devices and Read More

Universal Design for Learning

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Currently, the focus of education is to prepare all students to be experts in their chosen fields of study, turning the early learner into a lifelong learner building on individual needs and strengths to accomplish this goal.  Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps educators by providing academically structured Read More

Common Core Standard Initiative

The Common Core Standards (CCS) intent is to ensure all children have access to a high quality education in Math and the English Language Arts throughout the United States. Having common education standards can ensure parents, students, and educators know the academic focus and progress that is made from year to year. Each grade has Read More

What Are Your Rights and Responsibilities to an Appropriate Education for your Child with a Disability?

As the parent of a child who has disabilities, you have the right to: Expect a free, appropriate public education (F.A.P.E.) for your child. Refer your child for an evaluation for a 504 plan and/or for special education. Meet with the school district to decide whether or not to evaluate your child to determine if he Read More

What are Procedural Safeguards?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide the parents/guardians of a student who is eligible for or referred for special education with a notice containing a full explanation of the rights available to them. School districts must provide parents a copy of the Procedural Safeguards: At least once every school year. Read More

My child has behavior problems in school. What should I do?

When the behavior of a student with an IEP gets in the way of his or her learning or that of others, the IEP team must develop behavior goals or a behavior plan. Behavior plans are not punitive. They are positive plans describing how the school will support positive behavior through instruction or changing the Read More

The school wants to use Aversive Intervention, what do I do?

What is aversive intervention? Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Section 392-172A-03120 sets out the following: Aversive interventions means the systematic use of stimuli or other treatment which a student is known to find unpleasant for the purpose of discouraging undesirable behavior on the part of the student. The term does not include the use of reasonable Read More