In this Ask the Advocate episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates navigating complex IEP issues — from unfinished Monday meetings to missing data, procedural safeguards, graduation pathways, and transition services.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why IEP meetings so often stall — and what must happen before they continue
• The difference between a diploma vs. certificate of attendance
• How procedural safeguards actually work (and how to invoke them)
• What to do when schools claim a child was “overserved” — without data
• Why homework cannot count as special education services
• What meaningful transition services should look like (and what doesn’t count)
Karen also shares updates on The Epic IEP™ book, upcoming trainings, the national book tour, and how educators can transition into advocacy work with the right training and support.
You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.
This episode helps you walk into IEP and 504 meetings informed, confident, and prepared.
🎓 Join The Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/)
Get access to 250+ hours of training, weekly coaching, and step-by-step guidance: https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/
📘 Get the #1 Bestseller (https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos)
The Epic IEP™: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates
👉 https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos
When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
— Karen Mayer Cunningham
Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464872/support)
✨ 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 Academy (https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about)
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
📱 Follow Karen on:
• TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@specialeducationboss) & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy (https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialEducationAcademy/videos)
🧠 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.)
...
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why IEP meetings so often stall — and what must happen before they continue
• The difference between a diploma vs. certificate of attendance
• How procedural safeguards actually work (and how to invoke them)
• What to do when schools claim a child was “overserved” — without data
• Why homework cannot count as special education services
• What meaningful transition services should look like (and what doesn’t count)
Karen also shares updates on The Epic IEP™ book, upcoming trainings, the national book tour, and how educators can transition into advocacy work with the right training and support.
You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.
This episode helps you walk into IEP and 504 meetings informed, confident, and prepared.
🎓 Join The Academy (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/)
Get access to 250+ hours of training, weekly coaching, and step-by-step guidance: https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/
📘 Get the #1 Bestseller (https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos)
The Epic IEP™: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates
👉 https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos
When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
— Karen Mayer Cunningham
Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464872/support)
✨ 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 Academy (https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about)
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
📱 Follow Karen on:
• TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@specialeducationboss) & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy (https://www.youtube.com/c/SpecialEducationAcademy/videos)
🧠 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.)
...