Articles From the K12 Advocates

Learn more about how widespread the issues of learning are

Understanding your Child’s Individual Educational Plan
What is AD/HD?
Advocacy Means to Speak on Behalf of Someone
What Do Special Education Teachers Do?
Say What You Mean
RTI: Response to Intervention
Parents Tips for Working With Teachers
What are Para-Educators
More About RTI
Community Building - Cure For Isolation
Awakening the Advocate Within Through Persuasive Techniques
Are you interested in becoming an Education Advocate?
Achieving Positive Behavior Support by Creating Strong Relationships

Attributes Of a Good Advocate

Your advocate should have the education, credentials, and knowledge to help you ensure a successful education for your child.

Make sure the advocate you choose:

Listens to what you say & know about your child
Analyzes & Explains all the reports about your child
Creates a professional "second opinion" on all reports
Builds an action plan for your child's success
Guides you through decisions for your child
Saves you time and stress in organizing the details
Advises you on the how-to of difficult discussions
Helps you feel confident & knowledgeable in meetings

Who is supposed to write the IEP for children with special needs?

It's a team effort. The team is made up of YOU (the parent), at least one of your child’s regular education teachers, the specialists who provide testing and services, the para-educators who work directly with the child, school administrators, and sometimes a district administrator. Your input and suggestions are vital when making decisions about goals for your child, what services will be provided, how they will be provided, and what is needed for your child. An advocate, friend, or family member who attends the meeting with you is also part of the IEP Team and can help decide what goes into the IEP. There may also be medical information that is critical and provided by the child's physician; while the doctor may not need to be at the meeting, he/she is also part of the child's team. Usually, the school specialists write up their own portions of the IEP, and the special education teacher is responsible for writing up and finalizing the document.

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