ABCs for Life Success

02/07/2026

A great duo with a great podcast!

💪 Learning the Power of "No"

Setting boundaries is one of the most important skills we can teach our daughters. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Rice and Dr. Margaux Brown discuss how and when to say "no."
Perfect for moms who want to empower their daughters to protect their time, energy, and wellbeing.

Listen now: https://monkeylink.co/4895a8

02/05/2026

Don’t miss this great opportunity at the conference! It’s in the DC area this year!

Advanced Due Process: A Strategic Walk Through the Handling of a Due Process Complaint to Judgment
Presenters: Mark Martin & Jonathan A. Zimring

Brief Session Description:
Advance Due Process (DP) is a one-day session for attorneys or advanced advocates who are bringing or defending IDEA due process claims in an administrative proceeding. The potential 5-6 month process is divided into a step-by-step or stage-by-stage review of the IDEA due process hearing under 20 U.S.C. § 1415(i)(2004), discussing securing evaluations, bringing the complaint, settlement, IEEs, and potential remedies along the way.

For additional information and to register now, please visit our website. www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-register



ALT - Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

02/02/2026

Don’t miss this great COPAA conference opportunity!

08/25/2025

Advocate with Michelle presents "All about IEEs: Independent Educational Evaluations https://lnkd.in/ehicjwJk

Parents sometimes disagree with a school's assessment in the special education process. Parents sometimes want a totally independent assessment from someone outside the school system. IEEs can be at public or private expense.

PS: will you hop on over to my YouTube and subscribe, like, share? My goal is to create a live call-in Advocate On Demand service for parents. Thanks for watching!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

08/22/2025

08/21/2025

Hello everyone! Evaluations and assessments are the foundation of a special education program. What can parents do when they disagree with the results of the school's evaluations? How can parents obtain an independent evaluation? How does the IEP team receive and respond to an independent evaluation? What if the school brings the parents to a hearing to uphold its evaluations? All about IEEs by Advocate with Michelle free, Friday at noon! Below is the zoom information and topics. See you Friday! Advocate with Michelle and fill your advocacy toolbox for the year!

What is an IEE? Independent Educational Evaluation
Any area-psychology, education/academic, speech language, functional behavior, occupational therapy, assistive technology-assessment conducted by someone outside the school district (AKA private assessment).
If parent pays for a private assessment and sends it to the school, the school must consider the information.
Parents right to request a second opinion assessment after the school district conducts an assessment. IEE AT PUBLIC EXPENSE. The process…The IEE at public expense process
https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/08/Independent%20Educational%20Evaluation%20flowchart%20and%20reference%20document%20July%202024.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

IEE at Public Expense Flow Chart

2 Flowcharts at links developed by Arizona State Department of Education and Connecticut State Department of Education

*PEA=public education agency, same as LEA=local education agency. It’s the agency responsible for providing free appropriate public education FAPE.

At Public Expense vs. At Parent Expense

•LEA's Options After an IEE at public expense Request
•• Provide the IEE at public expense.
•• OR file a due-process complaint to defend the appropriateness of its evaluation.
•Sample Judge’s decision in Maryland. Parent did not have an attorney and the school district easily prevailed, convincing the Judge that it’s evaluations were proper MSDE-MONT-OT-23-11976
•State Variations (Examples)
Arizona publishes an IEE flowchart and state-specific guidance (2024).
https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/08/Independent%20Educational%20Evaluation%20flowchart%20and%20reference%20document%20July%202024.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

•If the District Files a Due-Process Hearing (parents need attorneys in Maryland)
•• District may file to defend its evaluation instead of paying for IEE.
•• Parents have procedural rights (resolution meeting, timelines, hearing officer decision).
•• Parents without attorneys should be aware of timelines and procedural steps — request help from your state parent center or disability-rights office.

Topic: All about IEEs Independent Educational Evaluations by Advocate with Michelle
Time: Aug 22, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81105897532?pwd=8g1wtDxBXKd3HZ4DPAcsGEKXtnd8XN.1

Meeting ID: 811 0589 7532
Passcode: 632849

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+13052241968,,81105897532 #,,,,*632849 # US
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08/15/2025

IEPs and Back to School! https://youtu.be/WkV8e64rjrM Please will you share, subscribe, comment, tell a story and like! Advocate with Michelle! Parents whose child has a disability feel the range of feelings of going back to school, like any other parent. But these parents have an extra worry-how do I effectively prepare for the school year? Practical tips include: using your child's IEP language to communicate with teachers, avoid powering through tantrums during homework, learn how the teachers will communicate and most importantly, set shared expectations for data collection and progress monitoring. Enjoy the video and please! Like, subscribe, comment and share your success stories! How did you successfully start the school year with your child's school?

Parents whose child has a disability feel the range of feelings of going back to school, like any other parent. But these parents have an extra worry-how do ...

08/13/2025

Hello everyone! A friendly reminder about IEPs and Back to School-a free session for parents, advocates, educators and anyone who is supporting a child with a disability back to school! Friday 8/15 at noon. No registration required. Bring your child's IEP and fill your advocacy toolbox! Also, a sneak peek for Free Friday 8/22 at noon: So you disagree with the school's assessment? All about Independent (second opinion) evaluations. How to request the school district pays, pros and cons of requesting an Independent Educational Evaluation at Public Expense.

Topic: IEPs and Back to School
Time: Aug 15, 2025 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87115708025?pwd=pnFYZiyQMSoizT5yt5Bi7gEaw4brDW.1

Meeting ID: 871 1570 8025
Passcode: 797711

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+13052241968,,87115708025 #,,,,*797711 # US
+13017158592,,87115708025 #,,,,*797711 # US (Washington DC)

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01/07/2025

After watching my neighbor unsuccessfully drive out of the driveway this morning, I’m predicting schools will be closed all week! That’s lots of rescheduled IEP meetings! Stay safe all! I’ve been hearing from clients his children both enjoy the snow and are afraid of it. What’s your child’s experience?

12/31/2024

Parents in Maryland-is the school or are you thinking that a different placement is what your child needs? All About LRE

Fill your advocacy toolbox, so you're ready for the special education process. Empower. Educate. Advocate.

12/30/2024

All About LRE

Fill your advocacy toolbox, so you're ready for the special education process. Empower. Educate. Advocate.