Kara Pierce, M.A.
Phone: (559) 321-7530
Email: edhelp4u@gmail.com

Resources and Educational Advocacy for Classroom Help

DO I NEED AN EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE?

Listed below are some of the ways Educational Advocates represent the best interests of students and their families.

..1.  Review documents including, but not limited to, Individualized 504 Plans; Initial

       Evaluations; Individualized Education Programs; Behavior Plans; Due Process; Cum Folders;

  .....school correspondence; grievances, suspensions/expulsions; medical, psychological and

 ......legal reports; etc.

  2.  Consult with parents and/or representative(s) from the school district, medical,

       psychological and/or legal community for the purpose of information gathering.

  3.  Advise parents and/or representative(s) from the school district, medical, psychology and/or

       legal community as to the federal and/or state codes regulating Fair and Appropriate

       Education (FAPE); General Education; Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA); Special

       Education; Due Process; Zero Tolerance; Mediation; etc.

  4.  Prepare parents for SST, Individualized 504 Plan and IEP meetings including

 ......clarification of objectives and goals, prioritizing agendas, rehearsing strategies, etc.

  5.  Interpret assessments and reports for parents and other non-educational stakeholders.

  6.  Draft letters that facilitate non-adversarial requests, responses, complaints, etc. to school

       and district personnel.

  7.  Accompany parents to formal and/or informal school meetings to provide advice and

       assistance (i.e. SST, IEP Annuals/Tri-Annuals, expulsion hearings, etc.).

  8.  Provide in and out of classroom observations and reports for parents and school districts.

  9.  Create and/or collect documents that strengthen the family’s requests.

10.  Research a specific legal issue and/or case pertinent to the student’s academic needs.

11.  Suggest appropriate programs, services and accommodations to meet the student’s academic

       needs.

12.  Educate and empower families to strengthen their own advocacy skills.

13.  Refer families to special education attorneys, counselors, special service agencies, etc.

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SERVICES PROVIDED