In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host and special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into a critical topic she's been passionate about for months—the truth behind the role of the United States Department of Education and the misleading narratives around state control over public education. 

Lisa sheds light on the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) of 1974, which restricts the federal government from dictating curriculum in public schools, emphasizing that education has always been a state-controlled affair. She also discusses the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, such as fewer protections for states and local school boards. 

Additionally, Lisa explores how political movements and misinformation are impacting school board elections and influencing educational policies. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these vital issues and discover resources that can support your child's educational journey.

Read it: They said "Return Public Education to the States." They lied.

Mentioned in Podcast:

• Anxiety at School Toolkit
• How to Know if Your Child's IEP is Working.

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
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More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

Welcome to a brand new episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we're diving into a significant court case involving the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) from 1974 that the new administration recently lost. This case underscores the vital role states play in determining educational curriculum and the longstanding prohibition on federal overreach. 

Lisa explores why local and state elections matter more than ever, especially as groups like "Moms for Liberty" make waves by influencing school board decisions. We also take a closer look at the implications of the GEPA on federal funding decisions, the executive branch's limitations, and the power of grassroots change. Plus, don't miss the introduction of Lisa's new anxiety at school toolkit, designed to empower you to better advocate for your child's needs. Let's unravel these complex issues and discover how they impact you and your family.

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

This is one of the most important parts of the IEP...so make it great.

I'm offering tips on how to write your best EVER parent concerns letter for your IEP.

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

Why did {the school} do that? Why?

Answering this age old question.

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

It's the time of year when you should be making plans for summer ESY. Here's what you need to know.

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

We've all been there--in an IEP meeting with that one difficult, ornery person. But can you uninvite them to the IEP meeting?

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

A 504 was never intended to be an "IEP lite" but that is what is happening. What can you do if you're being pushed toward a 504 when you think they need an IEP?

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

If you have limited time and just want to know what to focus on quickly, which section of the IEP is the  most important?

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner delves into the intricacies of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the implications of public versus private education for children with special needs. Lisa provides a historical overview of IDEA's origins, linking it to a significant Pennsylvania court case that laid the groundwork for the legislation. 

She explores the ongoing challenges public schools face in providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) due to financial constraints and the political push towards privatization. With a critical lens, Lisa discusses the concept of vouchers and charter schools, arguing against them as solutions for educational inequity. Instead, she advocates for strengthening public education funding to ensure all children, especially those with disabilities, receive the education they deserve. 

Join Lisa as she unpacks these complex issues, highlighting the political nature of educational policies and their real-world impact on families navigating the IEP process.

Link to join training mentioned in episode: https://adayinourshoes.org/dont-iep-alone-academy-sale/

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

Welcome to a special edition of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa shares her insights and reflections ahead of the weekend's big event – the Super Bowl. As Philadelphia Eagles fans gear up for an exciting game, Lisa discusses how current events and social dynamics are creating a whirlwind of emotions. She touches upon the fast-paced changes happening in the world politically and socially, and encourages listeners to focus on what truly matters by selecting key areas to engage in advocacy and change. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy and finding healthy coping mechanisms amidst challenging times. Join Lisa as she inspires us to protect our peace, prioritize our passions, and celebrate even amidst the chaos. Whether it's a football game or personal milestones, Lisa reminds us to find happiness and stand firm against negativity, advocating for a brighter future. Tune in and let's enjoy the journey together!

Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!