It is the last full week of IEP meetings and Karen Mayer Cunningham is answering your live questions - and none of the answers are soft. This is a fast-moving Ask the Advocate session covering some of the most important questions in special education right now.
Plus - big announcements. The Epic Educator Academy launches June 1st at 7PM Central. The Two-Day Advocacy Intensive is live in Lexington, Kentucky on May 30th and 31st. And the Epic IEP workbook is almost done.
Questions answered in this episode:
- What happens after a school district violates a mediated agreement? (Hint: it involves going back to the state and possibly a press conference.)
- What is a prior written notice and what are the seven legal components? (Also: N/A is never an acceptable answer on a federal document.)
- What is the difference between dyslexia and an SLD evaluation? (Stop asking for a dyslexia evaluation. Here is what to ask for instead.)
- What are the two criteria required for ESY? (You do not get ESY. You require it.)
- My child's IEP was left vague on purpose. Is that legal? (No. It is a legal document. It must be specific. Full stop.)
- What triggers out of district placement? What is therapeutic placement?
- Can a school district delay an evaluation until next year? (No. 15 days to respond. Period.)
- What is predetermination and how do you put it in the record?
- Who is responsible for writing modifications - general ed or special ed? (Special ed. Always.)
- What do you do when a district violates a compensatory services agreement?
- Can a school legally skip implementing an IEP for virtual school students?
Resources:
Special Education Academy: specialeducationacademy.com
Epic IEP Book Bundle: theepiciep.com
Epic Educator Academy (June 1): specialeducationacademy.com/training
Email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
Karen Mayer Cunningham is the Special Education Boss - advocate, trainer, and bestselling author of the Epic IEP book series. When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy First month free, after that, cancel anytime.
📱 Follow Karen on:
- TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
- YouTube: Special Education Academy
🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.
📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
Because when...

