Here we are, moving right along in 2022! We just attended our virtual annual national conference, which is always very helpful for us. It’s always great to learn what is going on in our field with other attorneys across the country and hear about the current hot topics in special education. Today’s show gives a great perspective on supporting students and families through the IEP process. 

Wendy Taylor is the executive director of Learning Essentials. She is an Educational Therapist, qualified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, trained Educational Diagnostician, and skilled IEP coach. She started The Special Ed Strategist podcast, which was formerly called the IEP Essentials podcast. Wendy is the mom of three boys who loves supporting kids with all kinds of special needs and learning differences with the goal of finding out how to support students and their families in school and life. With a son who is a brain cancer survivor, Wendy has learned how to approach special needs as a parent, in addition to her professional background and training. This experience in seeing “both sides” of special education has helped fuel her passion for supporting families with resources and being their trusted advocate. 

Show Highlights:

• Why it really does take “a village” to give proper support to a student with special learning needs
• Why the IEP process needs to take a long-term, bigger picture view for student success in later life
• The importance of specific strategies for classroom success beyond the clinical terminology
• What parents should look for in assessments for individualized instruction for their child regarding their weaknesses and vulnerabilities
• The importance of clear communication between all parents and educators involved in the IEP meeting 
• What can be done to help parents further and prevent their frustration and irritation in the IEP process
• How parents can be better included in the IEP process by understanding their rights, what they can ask for, and what they can expect
• Wendy shares a success story about her work with a 10th-grade student and direct reading intervention

 Thank you for listening! 

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

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