In this episode of the Collaborative IEP Podcast, I'm Ashley Barlow, your host. We continue our exploration of the IDEA, specifically focusing on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Starting with IDEA Part B, Section 1414, we dive into the essential components of IEPs, including present levels of academic and functional performance, writing measurable annual goals, and outlining special education and related services. We discuss the importance of goals being specific, measurable, and tailored to the child's unique needs. I also share personal anecdotes and insights on making IEPs both strength-based and goal-oriented. Join me as we break down these complex but crucial aspects of special education. See you next week for part two!

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebranding

00:24 Starting the IEP Discussion

01:03 Personal Anecdotes and Updates

04:12 IEP Definitions and Components

07:29 Present Levels of Performance

14:06 Measurable Annual Goals

27:02 Progress Measurement and Reporting

32:31 Special Education and Related Services

36:25 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode I’ll continue to break down Section 1414, Part B of the IDEA, focusing on the determination of eligibility.  The discussion will emphasize the meaningful participation of parents in the eligibility process and the importance of obtaining and reviewing all necessary documentation. In this portion of SEction 1414, we’ll also learn about the severe discrepancy model for eligibility for a  specific learning disability (SLD) and the use of other diagnostic criteria like Response to Intervention (RTI)/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Finally, we’ll wrap up for some additional sections on  evaluations and reevaluations, highlighting the necessity of ongoing assessments and the importance of parent consent.

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:27 Eligibility Determination Process
• 02:28 Practical Tips for Eligibility Meetings
• 03:35 Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs)
• 06:22 Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations
• 07:10 Review of Existing Evaluation Data
• 09:25 Present Levels of Academic Achievement
• 11:06 Final Notes on Evaluation and Reevaluation

In this special episode of The Collaborative IEP Podcast, I’m diving into a big case you might’ve heard about—Texas vs. Becerra (now Kennedy)—and what it could mean for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504, which has been around since 1973, is a law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination from organizations and businesses that receive federal funding.  I have read the entire case, as well as all of the filings to date, and I’ll break it all down for you – the good, the bad, and the ugly! 

We’ll unpack the background of the case, which involves 17 states challenging a new addition to the definition of disability—specifically, the Biden administration’s move to include gender dysphoria under that umbrella. We’ll talk about the real threat- these states’ request to find Section 504 Unconstitutional.  I’ll break down what the states are arguing specifically, what’s happening with the case now, and why all of this matters—especially for our schools and the disability community.

I’ll also talk about the federal vs. state power struggle at the heart of the issue and the success of the grassroots advocacy that’s come out of it (we made them backtrack significantly!). Join me for a thoughtful conversation about how this case highlights the complicated intersections between disability rights, government regulations, and the policies that affect our everyday lives.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 00:33 Background on Section 504 and Texas vs. Becerra
• 02:43 Understanding Section 504 and Its Implications
• 04:52 Details of the Texas vs. Becerra Case
• 14:08 Arguments Against the New Rule
• 24:13 Medicaid and Community-Based Services
• 26:47 State-Specific Concerns and Broader Implications
• 38:26 Updates and Current Status
• 44:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Collaborative IEP Podcast, I dive deep into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), focusing specifically on evaluations and the IEP document itself. I'm walking you through sections 1414 A, B, and C—breaking down the purpose of different assessment tools, the requirement for parental consent, and the step-by-step procedures for evaluations and reevaluations.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 01:33 Exciting New Course Announcement
• 03:36 Recording from a New Location
• 06:11 Diving into Section 1414: Evaluations and Eligibility
• 21:48 Evaluation Procedures and Requirements
• 41:20 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

In this special episode I’m diving into part two of our special series on the Department of Education’s policy document called Building and Sustaining Inclusive Educational Practices. This time, we’re talking all about how to actually put inclusive education into practice—with guiding principles, real-world strategies, and a big focus on belonging, leadership, and collaboration. 

I’ll also share some highlights on the benefits of inclusion, how to create a shared vision, and ways to use the resources you already have to make inclusion work. Plus, I’ve got some fun announcements about the ABC Course, which can help you start or grow your business as a special education advocate.  

Tune in for some actionable tips and key takeaways that’ll help you create more inclusive, supportive environments for all students!

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:27 Guiding Principles for Inclusive Practices
• 01:49 Announcements and Updates
• 04:42 Fostering Belonging in Education
• 12:48 Creating a Culture of Inclusion
• 19:04 Supporting Implementation of Inclusive Practices
• 23:05 Importance of Collaboration
• 24:54 Leveraging Funding and Resources
• 28:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Welcome back to the Collaborative IUP podcast! I'm Ashley Barlow, your host, and today we're diving into Part B, Section 1413 of the IDEA statute. This section focuses on what local education agencies, like your school districts, need to do to ensure they receive federal funds for special education. We'll walk through the general provisions, exceptions, compliance rules, and specific uses of funds. I also share exciting updates: our recent conference's success, ongoing sales of all access passes, and the reopening of the ABC course for special education advocates. Get ready for a deep dive and join me next week as we tackle Section 1414, covering evaluations and eligibility.

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview
• 01:52 Conference Announcements and ABC Course
• 05:49 Diving into Section 1413
• 08:59 General Provisions of Section 1413
• 14:04 Exceptions and Compliance
• 15:06 Pooling of Resources and Early Intervention
• 21:05 Disciplinary Information and State Flexibility
• 21:53 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Welcome back to the Collaborative IEP podcast! I’m Ashley Barlow, your host, and today’s special episode is all about building and sustaining inclusive educational practices. We dive into the 52-page joint policy guidance from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitated Services (OSERS) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. This comprehensive document highlights where inclusive practices fit into the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. We explore key concepts, practical strategies for schools to adopt, and the importance of policy documents in advocacy. Through quotes, historical context, and breakdowns of the laws, I aim to make this guidance accessible and actionable for you. Don't miss this episode, and be sure to save and print the document for future reference!

• 00:56 Understanding Key Laws: IDEA and ESEA
• 02:37 Document Breakdown and Practical Tips
• 03:27 The Importance of Policy Documents
• 04:13 Roadmap and Themes
• 05:26 Diving into the Introduction
• 10:03 ESEA and Inclusive Education
• 11:16 Title I: Systems and Funding
• 16:53 Title I: Teaching and Learning
• 21:01 School Wide Programs and Inclusion
• 31:19 Using IDEA for Inclusion
• 40:29 Collaboration and Professional Development
• 42:37 School Climate and LRE
• 48:29 Conclusion and Next Steps

Building and Sustaining Inclusive Educational Practices

Today, we're diving deep into Section 1412 of the IDEA, which is all about State Eligibility. We'll go through the 25 key requirements states must meet to qualify for federal funding under the IDEA. From providing a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to ensuring students' confidentiality, and even discussing procedural safeguards, we cover it all. We'll also talk about various topics such as child find, IEP development, LRE (least restrictive environment), and transition services. This episode is packed with important information that educators and parents must know to navigate the special education landscape effectively. So let's get started!

• 00:09 Understanding Section 1412: State Eligibility
• 01:14 Key Requirements for State Funding
• 01:51 FAPE and Educational Opportunities
• 03:30 Child Find and IEP Requirements
• 06:34 LRE and Procedural Safeguards
• 10:28 Evaluation, Confidentiality, and Transition
• 11:47 Private Schools and State Educational Agencies
• 14:09 Interagency Relationships and Personnel Qualifications
• 18:00 Progress Monitoring and Assessments
• 21:56 Funding, Public Comment, and Rules of Construction
• 24:45 State Advisory Panels and Disciplinary Data
• 27:45 Instructional Materials and Over Identification
• 29:15 Final Provisions and Conclusion
• 33:50 Conference Highlights and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Collaborative IEP podcast, host Ashley Barlow returns from a brief detour in our IDEA series to discuss Section 1411 of IDEA, which is all about funding and appropriations. The episode begins with a brief overview of the significance of staying informed through trusted sources in light of recent federal-level changes. I describe some resources, including the special series on this podcast, that may be of assistance on this issue. I then provide a concise guide on how to read legal statutes effectively and dives into the specifics of IDEA Part B, Section 1411, which addresses funding and allocation of funds for special education. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of reasonable conflict resolution and highlights upcoming content and opportunities for continued learning through the Collaborative IEP Conference.

You know what wasn't on my BINGO card for 2025? An Anti-Inclusion Narrative! Yet, we are where we are (or if you shop at Fresh Thyme, I yam what I yam... but I digress), and that's why I'm happy to have the opportunity to share my recent conversation with our friend, Kayla Coburn, with you all! Kayla has so many wonderful resources @inclusionstarts now to help us carve out inclusive opportunities, particularly at school. And what's great about Kayla's approach is that it doesn't rely specifically on laws or protections but on mindset and community. You're going to want to hear what Kayla has to say, because you're going to want to emulate it in your communities. Happy listening!!!!

Hi! I'm Kayla Coburn, former para, special education teacher, education specialist, turned inclusion specialist and mom of 2. California native, relocated to the PNW. Since 2010, when I started in the field, inclusion has been the goal. Inclusion starts with you and I just want to help.

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