DHB Consulting & Advocacy, LLC

15% of students in California have IEPs.

Fifteen percent.

In some of our highest-performing, best-resourced districts, where parents are engaged, and schools have every advantage, we're still hitting and exceeding that number.

That's not a disability crisis. That's a systems crisis.

When 1 in 7 students can't access their education through the instruction we're providing, the question we have to ask isn't "what's wrong with these students?" It's "what's wrong with what we've built?"

In my April blog post, I address what's driving this—the Tier 1 failures we won't name out loud, the teacher preparation gaps we don't want to own, and the way we've made special education the only robust intervention system in too many schools—and what it would actually take to fix it.

Tag an advocate, educator, or administrator who needs to read this. This conversation is overdue. 👇
https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped-advocacy-blog/15percent

Most parents have no idea their school district gets a report card from the state every year — one that tracks graduation rates, suspension rates, timely evaluations, inclusion in general ed classrooms, and more for students with IEPs.
We just published a guide that shows you exactly where to find your district's data and how to use it as an advocate for your child.
https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped-advocacy-blog/sppis

What to Do When You Disagree with Your Child's IEP -
Feeling uncertain about the IEP your school is proposing? You're not alone, and you have more options than you might think. Our January FAQs cover five essential items every parent should know:
• What options are available when you don't agree with the proposed IEP
• How California's "partial consent" can help you accept some services while negotiating others
• What documentation strengthens your case
• When to consider hiring an advocate or attorney
• Important timelines and what happens to services during disagreements
Remember: You don't have to decide on the spot, and your child's current services stay in place while you work things out.
https://www.dhbconsult.com/faqs

Hypothetically, when a school district is cutting 40+ staff positions, and only four of those are administrators, I question the Cabinet and Board's priorities.
Hypothetically, when only two of those four administrative positions are at the district office (and the other two are school-site based), I start to think the district executives are intentionally protecting themselves, with no regard for the impact on teachers and children.
Hypothetically, when two of the four administrative positions being cut were newly created this year, I wonder if those positions were created just so the district executives could protect themselves from layoffs.
Hypothetically, only four admin positions are being cut. An assistant principal position that was just created this year, a director position that was created this year, a preschool director who is retiring, and a coordinator who is incredibly brilliant, hardworking, student-centered, ethical, and a tremendous asset to the district.
Hypothetically, I implore the Board to send the Cabinet back to the table to reconfigure the district office leadership, eliminate director positions and keep the site-based staff.
It seems this is a pretty close scenario to a local district situation this week.

No parent expects conflict at their child's IEP meeting. We come hoping for partnership and collaboration. But sometimes, despite everyone's best intentions, the team just can't agree.
If you're stuck in this frustrating place right now, take a deep breath. You have options.
In our latest blog post, we break down FOUR formal dispute resolution processes available to California families:
✅ IEP Facilitation - Adding structure when conversations get derailed
✅ Mediation - Negotiating solutions with professional help
✅ State Complaints - Ensuring the district follows the law
✅ Due Process Hearings - Getting a legal determination on what your child needs
Read the full post to understand when each option makes sense and how to access them. No parent expects conflict at their child's IEP meeting. We come hoping for partnership and collaboration. But sometimes, despite everyone's best intentions, the team just can't agree.
If you're stuck in this frustrating place right now, take a deep breath. You have options.
In our latest blog post, we break down FOUR formal dispute resolution processes available to California families:
✅ IEP Facilitation - Adding structure when conversations get derailed
✅ Mediation - Negotiating solutions with professional help
✅ State Complaints - Ensuring the district follows the law
✅ Due Process Hearings - Getting a legal determination on what your child needs
Read the full post to understand when each option makes sense and how to access them. https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped-advocacy-blog/resolving-disagreements
Your child's education matters. Their progress matters. And you don't have to navigate this alone.
Your child's education matters. Their progress matters. And you don't have to navigate this alone.

California parents - This month's FAQs are all about ESY! Learn more here: https://www.dhbconsult.com/faqs

Are you ready for ESY? Help is here! https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped.../understanding-esy

CA Parents: Are you being called to pick your child up early? Have they been suspended for disability-related behaviors? Are they avoiding going to school? Check out our latest blog post for info on the supports that are available and how you can be your child's best advocate! https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped-advocacy-blog/behavior-and-mental-health-supports

Our November FAQs focus on behavior supports and mental health! Check out our answers to your questions here: www.dhbconsult.com/faqs

California Parents: The 2025 CDE Dashboard is now posted. Is your child's district making the grade? https://www.caschooldashboard.org/

California Parents: Did you know the legal guidance on post-secondary transition planning has changed? Learn about the updates, and how it will effect your child's IEP, here: https://www.dhbconsult.com/sped.../transition-planning