Tired of being told “we don’t do that” or “your concern isn’t valid”?
This episode of Special Education Boss® is your reminder: you don’t need permission to advocate for your child.
Karen Mayer Cunningham returns with another fire Ask the Advocate Q&A—answering real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates nationwide. Whether you’re being told you can’t request testing, the IEP “isn’t needed,” or services were “missed but not a big deal”—this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and next steps.
We’re talking:
✅ How to request testing (simple, not stressful)
✅ Data myths that delay evaluations
✅ Predetermination: what it looks like & how to respond
✅ When reevaluations are actually necessary
✅ Speech-only IEPs, ADHD concerns, and service denials
✅ Why missing just one session matters
✅ What “refusal” really means in BIPs and IEPs
✅ Filing state complaints—the right way
✅ Retention, behavior plans, and tracking the right data
✅ Why your voice at the table matters more than ever
🎯 Plus: Upcoming training details for parents, teachers & advocates who are ready to step in and serve—without confusion or second-guessing.
📍 Virtual 2-Day Intensive (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/register/vs-pif/) — June 22–23, 2025
📍 In-Person 2-Day Training (Florida) (https://advocate.specialeducationacademy.com/in-person-intensive/) — July 19–20, 2025
📍 Join The Academy (https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about) — Weekly trainings, replays, scripts, and tools:
🎙 Listen on YouTube, Buzzsprout, or your favorite podcast platform.
💬 Like, share, comment, and subscribe to help more families get access to clear answers and strong support.
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.)
...
This episode of Special Education Boss® is your reminder: you don’t need permission to advocate for your child.
Karen Mayer Cunningham returns with another fire Ask the Advocate Q&A—answering real questions from parents, teachers, and advocates nationwide. Whether you’re being told you can’t request testing, the IEP “isn’t needed,” or services were “missed but not a big deal”—this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and next steps.
We’re talking:
✅ How to request testing (simple, not stressful)
✅ Data myths that delay evaluations
✅ Predetermination: what it looks like & how to respond
✅ When reevaluations are actually necessary
✅ Speech-only IEPs, ADHD concerns, and service denials
✅ Why missing just one session matters
✅ What “refusal” really means in BIPs and IEPs
✅ Filing state complaints—the right way
✅ Retention, behavior plans, and tracking the right data
✅ Why your voice at the table matters more than ever
🎯 Plus: Upcoming training details for parents, teachers & advocates who are ready to step in and serve—without confusion or second-guessing.
📍 Virtual 2-Day Intensive (https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/register/vs-pif/) — June 22–23, 2025
📍 In-Person 2-Day Training (Florida) (https://advocate.specialeducationacademy.com/in-person-intensive/) — July 19–20, 2025
📍 Join The Academy (https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about) — Weekly trainings, replays, scripts, and tools:
🎙 Listen on YouTube, Buzzsprout, or your favorite podcast platform.
💬 Like, share, comment, and subscribe to help more families get access to clear answers and strong support.
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.)
...