Parent: “We should be able to trust the system to do what’s right for our kids.” In theory, this sounds good. But when you are dealing with a child with disabilities, there will always be disagreements. You simply will not get agreement from the number of participants who are required to be in these team meetings. Schools are in the decision-making process for the short-term. As a parent, you are in it for the long-term. Eventually, your child will leave the public school system. If he/she is does not receive an appropriate education, will the teacher, the school principal or director [...]

During IEP season the stakes are high. Parents and teachers alike go into those meetings full of emotions and ideas. Sometimes I am surprised that what is unsaid seems just as loud as what is actually said. In the past, I’ve made the mistake of going into an IEP angry. I did not get the best results for my son at that meeting. So I’ve been trying different tactics over the years, and I’ve made a conscious effort to learn the art of diplomacy in my words and actions. Diplomacy is the art of prioritizing alliances over battles. It has cost [...]

Negotiating solutions to disputes and/or claims saves time and money. Most of our experience is in the civil area, but the techniques and skills in special education cases are the same. By using these techniques, we rarely are forced to take a special ed case all the way to a hearing. Here are a few techniques that have worked for us. Perhaps they will be helpful for you. […]