EXPLAINED: What Is an IEP and How to Make Sure Your Child’s Needs Are Met

If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students…

Families Can’t Afford for Schools to Continue to Treat Students With Disabilities Like an Afterthought

Every single thing we do is challenging. My kids are being forgotten. That’s Keri Akkawi, a Philadelphia mom of two boys with Fragile X Syndrome,…

I’ve Been Fighting for My Daughters Since 23 Weeks’ Gestation, and I Won’t Stop Now

Why don’t I get to go to school, Mommy? That’s a hard question for a mom to have to answer for an 8-year-old. As I…

15 Questions That Predominantly White Schools Should Ask When Engaging in Non-Performative Anti-Racist Work

Last week, I had a consulting call with a potential client (a white teacher), who teaches in a predominantly white school/neighborhood and wants to engage…

A ‘Whole Child’ Approach Will Be More Important Than Ever This Fall

With summer here and life as we remember emerges, the open doors and public gatherings herald a return to normal. When it comes to schools…

Biden Pledged to Overturn Trump’s Education Policies. So, How’s It Going?

When the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Miguel Cardona as President Joe Biden’s Education Secretary in March 2021, legislators handed him a huge stinking mess, courtesy…

This Black Father Is Making a Difference for Students With Special Needs at School and at Home

There is a unique bond between fathers and sons, especially when they each must navigate an educational system where they are both equally and extremely underrepresented.…

Juneteenth Should Serve As a Reminder That Anti-Blackness Is Still Alive in Our Schools

As a Black man, I want to start by saying that it’s refreshing to see that Juneteenth is now a federal holiday!  For my people,…

Students Should Know What’s in Their IEPs

If you work in special education, then you have likely worked on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). IEPs are plans developed to ensure that students…

Special and General Education Students Can Coexist and Benefit From Each Other in a Safe Learning Environment

“Ms. Green, did you know that I have autism?” Andrew asked as I discussed our new lesson, “Communicating with Persons with Disabilities.” I was stunned,…