Today’s Ask the Advocate starts with a celebration—The Epic IEP is officially hitting hands soon—and then we go straight into a question that’s blowing up in schools everywhere:

Can paraprofessionals take data and deliver instruction when the teacher isn’t in the room?
Let’s finish the clip, finish the sentence, and finish the confusion.

Karen breaks down what “direct supervision” is actually tied to, why so many teams are unintentionally setting paras (and kids) up for failure, and what to do when the “this is how we’ve always done it” logic doesn’t match the written requirements.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why software-driven IEPs are not the same as student-driven IEPs
• The 3-part “direct supervision” conversation Karen uses at the table
• What to ask your admin (without lighting yourself on fire)
• What to do when an IEP isn’t scheduled on time
• Why you don’t remove services because an adult/student pairing isn’t working—you fix the delivery
• How to think through program changes (including autism programs) based on educational need
• Real talk on 504 meetings, “accommodations culture,” and why training matters

📘 Get The Epic IEP (Official Amazon link):
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom

🎁 Pre-order bonuses + updates:
Head to TheEpicIEP.com (bonuses may include access to special virtual training events). 

📍Kentucky Book Tour (first stops):

• Barnes & Noble Author Event — Thursday, Feb 12, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
  (Additional Louisville/Lexington dates are being coordinated—watch for the finalized store-by-store schedule.) 

✅ Join The Academy (community + training):
https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

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✨ 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!
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🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy First month free, after that, cancel anytime.

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🧠 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
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