Can a paraprofessional replace a special education teacher in the classroom? What tools actually help kids with dyslexia? And what is ESY — really?
In this LIVE Q&A, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers real questions from parents, advocates, and educators about the issues showing up in IEP meetings right now, with 35 days left in the school year.
Here's what Karen covers:
→ What paraprofessionals can and cannot do under NCLB and ESSA — and why the new Epic IEP Para book changes the conversation
→ The best assistive technology tools for students with dyslexia: Learning Ally and Kurzweil
→ How to handle homework battles when your ADHD student is failing — and what data to bring to the IEP meeting
→ What "raw data" actually means and how to ask for it
→ How to do a 3-minute cold read and a 3-minute cold write to find your child's real reading level
→ The two-prong ESY question most schools only half-answer
→ Why consult minutes are not the same as direct services
→ What to know before you file due process
→ LRE is not a location — it's a consideration
→ The 18-to-21 transition program and vocational readiness
→ NEW: The Epic IEP Educator Academy launches June 1st — weekly training built specifically for school district employees
You don't know what you don't know — but you need to.
This is why we sit at the table prepared.
📚 Get the Epic IEP book bundle, including the brand-new Epic IEP Para guide
🎓 Join Special Education Academy, first month free, 400+ hours of training, live every Monday at 8 PM Central.
📅 2-Day Live Virtual Special Education Advocacy Intensive: May 23–24
✨ 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...