The Special Education Advocacy System

1. Start Here: Course Navigation Guide

   1 lesson

   1. Course Navigation Walkthrough

2. Module 1: Welcome & Course Roadmap

   2 lessons

   1. Welcome & Course Overview
   2. The Start-to-Finish Process + How This Course Works

3. Module 2: Key Special Education Laws, Rights & Timelines

   2 lessons

   1. Legal Foundations + Parent Rights (IDEA, FAPE, LRE, Child Find, Procedural Safeguards)
   2. Timelines, Documentation, Prior Written Notice + Resources

4. Module 3: How to Read an IEP Like a Pro (IEP Anatomy)

   2 lessons

   1. Understanding the IEP Document: Structure + Strong Language
   2. Red Flags + Preparing for Your Next Meeting

5. Module 4: Building Your Case File (Organization + Paper Trail)

   2 lessons

   1. Setting Up Your Case File System + Clear Communication
   2. Tracking Services, Meeting Notes + Strategic Follow-Up

6. Module 5: Requesting & Reviewing Educational Records

   1 lesson

   1. Educational Records: How to Request, Review, and Use Them Strategically

7. Module 6: Defining the Educational Problem (Issue Spotting + Strategy)

   2 lessons

   1. Turning Concerns Into Clear Educational Issues
   2. Creating Your Resolution Plan + Priorities

8. Module 7: Assessments & the School Evaluation Process

   2 lessons

   1. Assessment Plans, Timelines, and What the District Should Evaluate
   2. Reviewing Evaluation Reports + Using Results to Strengthen Your Advocacy

9. Module 8: Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

   2 lessons

   1. When an IEE Is Appropriate
   2. Requesting an IEE and Using the Results Strategically

10. Module 9: IEP Meetings (Preparation + Participation)

    2 lessons

    1. Preparing for the Meeting + Advocating During the Meeting
    2. After the Meeting + Documentation + Tools

11. Module 10: Present Levels, Goals & Progress Monitoring

    2 lessons

    1. Present Levels & Baselines: The Foundation of the IEP
    2. Measurable Goals & Progress Monitoring (Making Progress Visible)

12. Module 11: Accommodations, Modifications & Supports

    1 lesson

    1. Accommodations, Modifications & Writing Supports That Actually Get Implemented

13. Module 12: Special Education Services (Specialized Academic Instruction + Related Services)

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Special Education Services (SAI + Service Models)
    2. Related Services + Writing Services Clearly (Enforceable Language)

14. Module 13: Placement & Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Placement & the LRE Framework
    2. Choosing the Right Placement & Advocating Strategically

15. Module 14: Behavior Concerns (Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan + Supports That Work)

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Behavior Supports & School Responsibilities
    2. Building Effective Plans & Advocating for Supports

16. Module 15: Attendance Concerns, Truancy & School Attendance Review Board

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Attendance as a Disability-Related Issue
    2. Responding Strategically: SARB, Supports & Documentation

17. Module 16: School Discipline & Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Protections

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Discipline Rules & IDEA Protections
    2. Responding Strategically: Manifestation Determination Review (MDR), Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) & Protecting Access

18. Module 17: Parent Disagreements, Dissents & Protecting the Record

    2 lessons

    1. Disagreeing Strategically: Dissents & Prior Written Notice
    2. Documenting Refusal, Delay & Building a Strong Paper Trail

19. Module 18: Extended School Year (ESY)

    1 lesson

    1. Extended School Year (ESY): Eligibility, Evidence & Writing Services Clearly

20. Module 19: Transition Services

    1 lesson

    1. Transition Services: From High School to Real Life

21. Module 20: State Testing & IEP Decisions

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding State Testing Requirements
    2. State Testing Decisions in the IEP

22. Module 21: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding ADR + Informal Resolution Options
    2. Preparing, Negotiating, and Getting Enforceable Agreements

23. Module 22: The Due Process Complaint

    2 lessons

    1. When Due Process Is Appropriate (and When It Isn’t)
    2. How to Draft a Clear, Strong Due Process Complaint

24. Module 23: Resolution Session

    2 lessons

    1. What a Resolution Session Is (and Why It Happens)
    2. Preparing and Negotiating Strategically

25. Module 24: Mediation

    2 lessons

    1. What Mediation Is (and How It Works)
    2. Preparing for Mediation and Negotiating Strategically

26. Module 25: Compensatory Education (Services + Reimbursement)

    2 lessons

    1. Understanding Compensatory Education (What It Is + When It Applies)
    2. Calculating + Requesting Compensatory Education (Services + Reimbursement)

27. Module 26: Negotiating a Settlement Agreement

    2 lessons

    1. Settlement Agreements: What to Include + How to Negotiate
    2. Drafting, Reviewing, and Protecting Your Agreement

28. Module 27: Master Resource Library & Final Thoughts

    2 lessons

    1. Your Advocacy Toolkit
    2. Final Thoughts