The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plays a fundamental role in supporting special education through a variety of funding and oversight systems. Its potential elimination will significantly impact the services provided to students with disabilities, particularly in states like Tennessee. Federal Funding for Special Education The primary federal support for…

Behavior Goals and the IEP While most people associate IEPs with academic support, addressing behavioral challenges is equally important, particularly for students whose disabilities manifest in ways that impact their ability to follow school rules, interact positively with others, or engage in the learning process. Behavior challenges can be directly…

What is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)? The LRE is a guiding principle in special education that requires students with disabilities to be placed in settings that allow for maximum interaction with their non-disabled peers. The goal is to provide these students with the opportunity to participate in the general…

What is an Advocate? An advocate is a knowledgeable individual who assists caregivers in navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Advocates help ensure that the educational needs of children with disabilities are met by providing expertise and support to families. They can assist with interpreting special education law, advising…

As the new school year approaches, it’s important to ensure that your child’s educational team is well-informed about their needs, strengths, and preferences. One highly effective way to do this is by creating and updating a one-page profile for your child, especially if they have an individualized education program (IEP)….

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can feel like a daunting task, especially when you are met with phrases like “We can’t do that” or “We don’t offer that here” when asking for additional support and services. This is a common experience that leaves many people feeling powerless and frustrated. However,…

Extended School Year (ESY) is a provision under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures students with disabilities who need them receive educational services beyond the regular school year in an effort to prevent significant regression and support the maintenance of critical skills necessary for a student’s academic…

In Tennessee, the Department of Education offers a variety of educational choices, including public, non-public, and home schools. A key component of these options is the Individualized Education Account (IEA) program as designated by state law. This program is designed to aid students with disabilities and their families by providing…

Families with special needs children often face challenges in securing appropriate educational and developmental support, even when working within the public school system. The Tennessee Technical Assistance Network (TN-TAN), funded by the Department of Education, serves to facilitate additional resources and support to educators, administrators, advocates, and families. TN-TAN provides…

As a caregiver, seeing your child struggle in school can be distressing. When typical progress isn’t apparent, considering a psychoeducational evaluation administered by a psychologist and relevant school team members might be a beneficial step. These evaluations assess a range of skills — cognitive abilities, academic performance in areas like…