ASK Resource Center

01/13/2026

📅 So many ways to connect, learn, and get support!

The ASK Resource Center has a full lineup of upcoming events and virtual support groups designed to support families, caregivers, and professionals navigating disability, special education, and advocacy.

From ASK an Expert webinars to virtual support groups that create space for connection and shared learning, there’s something for everyone — no matter where you are in your journey.

💻 All events are easy to access and family-friendly, with topics that focus on real-life questions, practical strategies, and empowering information.

👉 View upcoming events and register here:
https://www.askresource.org/events

✨ Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or just know you’re not alone, we’d love to have you join us.

ASK Resource Center hosts numerous events that serve as a way for families of children with disabilities in Iowa to connect and share.

01/13/2026

📊 How do schools know if an IEP is actually working?

In this recorded ASK an Expert webinar from ASK Resource Center, Progress Monitoring: What Is the Data Telling Us?, Megan Allen, Special Education Director for Waterloo Community School District, explains how schools track student growth and use data to guide instruction.

Progress monitoring is a required part of every IEP, but the data isn’t always easy for families to understand. This session walks through how progress monitoring works, what the data means, and how families can stay informed and involved.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In this recording, you’ll learn how to:

Understand what progress monitoring is and how it measures progress toward IEP goals

See how data is collected, reviewed, and used to adjust instruction

Read and interpret IEP Goal Progress Reports

Use the ACHIEVE Family Portal to stay up to date on your child’s progress

✨ This on-demand webinar offers clear explanations and practical takeaways to help families better support their child’s success.

▶️ Watch the recording: https://youtu.be/0UPllkmVmXM

Join ASK Resource Center’s ASK an Expert Webinar on Progress Monitoring: What Is the Data Telling Us? featuring Megan Allen, Special Education Director for W...

01/13/2026

🌟 Medical and Educational Models in Supporting Students 🌟

When a child receives a medical or psychological evaluation, doctors and therapists often provide recommendations to benefit the child. Sometimes these include suggestions for school support, like requesting a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

It’s important for families to remember: schools must consider information from outside providers, but they are not required to follow those recommendations. Understanding this helps parents collaborate effectively with educators while advocating for their child’s needs. 💛

https://www.askresource.org/resources/medical-vs-educational-model

01/12/2026

🌟 Iowa’s Initial Special Education Evaluation Process 🌟

In Iowa, the process to determine eligibility for special education begins when a disability is suspected or when a parent requests an evaluation.

Once a concern is identified, the team:
✔ Seeks informed parent consent
✔ Plans a full and individual initial evaluation
✔ Collects and documents data on the student’s progress, discrepancies, needs, and exclusionary factors

At the end of the evaluation, the team—including the parents—meets to determine if the student is eligible for special education services. Collaboration ensures the best decisions for every learner. 💛

https://iowaideainformation.org/special-education/evaluations-eligibility/child-find-process-for-special-education/

Home» Special Education» Evaluations & Eligibility» Child Find Process for Special...» CHILD FIND PROCESS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION Overview Defining Disability Step 1: Suspecting a Disability Step 2: Consent and Initial Evaluation Planning Step 3: Completing an Initial Evaluation Step 4: Documentin...

01/09/2026

🌟 A Comprehensive Special Education Evaluation 🌟

A comprehensive evaluation looks at all areas that might be affected by a disability, ensuring that every aspect of a student’s needs is considered.

To be truly comprehensive, the evaluation:
📌 Identifies all special education and related service needs
📌 Assesses every area connected to the disability or concern, also called performance domains

This thorough approach helps create a complete picture of a student’s strengths and needs, guiding the team to provide the right supports and services. 💛

https://www.askresource.org/resources/a-comprehensive-special-education-evaluation

01/08/2026

🌟 Understanding Your Right to Consent in Special Education 🌟

One of the most important rights parents have is the right to give—or not give—consent for certain actions taken by the school or AEA regarding their child with a disability.

Schools and AEAs must ensure that parents (and students who have reached the age of majority) fully understand what they are being asked to consent to. This includes providing an interpreter when needed—whether for families who are deaf or whose native language is not English.

Informed consent empowers families to make decisions that best support their child’s education. 💛

https://iowaideainformation.org/special-education/procedural-safeguards/parent-consents/

Home» Special Education» Procedural Safeguards» Parent Consent» PARENT CONSENT Understanding Parent Consent Types of Consent Parent’s Right to Revoke Consent Special Circumstances Regarding Consent Consent Resources   Let us know about your experience on our site. Use the link below to submit...

01/07/2026

🌟 Understanding Iowa’s Initial Special Education Evaluation Process 🌟

In Iowa, the journey toward determining eligibility for special education begins when a disability is suspected or when a parent requests an evaluation.

Once concerns are identified, a team of educators seeks informed parent consent and begins planning a full and individual Initial Evaluation. During this comprehensive process, the team:
📊 Gathers data on the student’s progress and needs
👀 Compares the student’s performance to classmates or same-aged peers
📝 Documents strengths, challenges, and areas requiring support

At the conclusion of the evaluation, the team meets with parents to review the findings and decide whether the student is eligible for special education services.

Families and educators working together create the strongest foundation for student success. 💛

https://www.askresource.org/resources/sample-letter-requesting-an-evaluation

01/06/2026

🌟 Requesting a Special Education Evaluation: What Families Should Know 🌟

If parents suspect that a disability may be contributing to their child's challenges in school, there are clear steps they can take to request a Special Education evaluation.

💬 Parents and guardians can make this request at any time—you don’t have to wait for a school to bring it up.

It’s also important to remember that many children benefit from interventions in the general education setting, and in some cases, additional special education support may not be needed.

Empowered families help create the best paths for learners. 💛

https://www.askresource.org/resources/requesting-an-evaluation-for-special-education

01/05/2026

Collaboration is key! 🌟 The school team is responsible for identifying suspected disabilities and ensuring that every learner gets the support they need. It’s all about understanding the law and interpreting performance data to make informed decisions. Together, we can make a difference! 🌟 Suspecting a Disability: What Families and Educators Should Know 🌟

When concerns arise about a learner’s development or educational progress, a team-based decision is essential to determine whether a disability is suspected.

In Iowa, this team includes—at minimum—the AEA, or the AEA working collaboratively with the local school district. The team must include professionals who:
✔ Understand IDEA, Iowa law, and Special Education Eligibility & Evaluation Standards
✔ Know the learner directly
✔ Can interpret the student’s performance data accurately

This collaborative, knowledgeable approach ensures that every learner receives the support and evaluation they deserve. 💛

https://iowaideainformation.org/special-education/evaluations-eligibility/child-find-process-for-special-education/suspecting-a-disability/

Home» Special Education» Evaluations & Eligibility» Child Find Process for Special...» Suspecting a Disability» STEP 1: SUSPECTING A DISABILITY Team Involved when a Disability is Suspected Information Used to Suspect a Disability Four Conditions for Suspecting a Disability Parent Request for Ev...

01/02/2026

✨ New Virtual Support Groups Available! ✨

We’ve added several new ASK Each Other virtual support groups, and families from anywhere in Iowa can join us online.

Each month, our conversations are guided by ASK-created infographics to help families learn, share, and connect around important topics:

📌 January Topic:
What Is the Purpose of an Appropriate Evaluation?

📌 February Topic:
IEP Road Map

These facilitated groups are a chance to connect with other parents and caregivers, ask questions, and talk through real-life experiences in a supportive space.

👉 You can view upcoming dates and register for any or all support groups here:
www.askresource.org/events

We hope you’ll join us — whether it’s your first time or you’ve attended before. 💙

ASK Resource Center hosts numerous events that serve as a way for families of children with disabilities in Iowa to connect and share.

01/02/2026

🌟 What Does “Special Education” Really Mean? 🌟

Federal law defines Special Education as specially designed instruction—provided at no cost to parents—created to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.

This support can take place in many settings, including:
🏫 General education classrooms
👩‍🏫 Special education environments
🏠 The child’s home
🏥 Hospitals or institutions
📍 Other settings that best meet the child’s needs

No matter where instruction happens, it must also include physical education as part of a well-rounded learning experience.

Want to learn more?
➡️ Visit the ASK Resource webpage for trusted information and family-friendly guidance: https://www.askresource.org/resources/what-is-special-education

01/01/2026

🧾 Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs)

In Iowa, special education evaluations are typically completed by Area Education Agency (AEA) staff in collaboration with your child’s school.

However, if parents believe the Educational Evaluation Report (EER) is incorrect or incomplete, they have the right to seek an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) from a qualified professional outside the school system.

IEEs can provide additional insight and help ensure that a child’s needs are fully understood.

👉 Learn more about Independent Educational Evaluations:
https://www.askresource.org/resources/independent-educational-evaluations