Introducing SPED 101: A New Field Notes Series for Parents and Educators

We’re excited to launch a new series called SPED 101: Navigating Special Education, created especially for parents, caregivers, and educators who want to better understand the special education process and support students with disabilities.

Whether you're just beginning to explore special education or looking to build on what you already know, this series will break down complex topics into clear, practical guidance. The goal is to help you feel more confident and better equipped to advocate for your child or your students.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up in the series:

SPED 101: Get clear, practical guidance to support children with disabilities at school.

• An overview of your child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• How special education begins with the Child Find obligation and the process of making a referral

• What the Full Individual and Initial Evaluation (FIIE) includes and why it matters

• The criteria for determining if a child qualifies for special education services

• The role of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee, including your part as a parent

• A step-by-step look at how an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created and what it contains

• Guidance on addressing specific needs such as behavior, dyslexia, or autism

• What it means for a student to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

• How schools monitor progress and conduct reevaluations

• Special considerations for student discipline and behavioral support

• How to plan for life after high school through transition services

• A look at your rights and the ways to resolve disagreements with the school

• An introduction to Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as additional legal protections

  
  

This series is designed to be a practical resource. Each post will give you tools to ask informed questions, understand your options, and support the learning and well-being of children with disabilities.

Look out for our first post: What Is Special Education? Building Access, Support, and Opportunity for Every Learner. Whether you are attending your first ARD meeting or trying to understand your child’s evaluation results, we’re here to help you every step of the way.