Paulette Selman Advocacy

UGH iReady. When it rolled out years ago in my school district, us school psychologists were like - hold on.

Teachers don't get to see the questions and how kids answered? So no error analysis is possible, and it can't be used for instructional planning. Gotcha.

Oh also there is no progress monitoring system? Because the expectations change at each interval and there isn't transparency into what they are? Got it. So we still have to figure out a progress monitoring tool.

Also with iReady it will be used as young as first grade and no adult will actually listen to the child read? Okaaaaayyy.

And we (the district) are still going to buy it? GREAT. /s

I have many issues with iReady and apparently so do other families. They are now being sued for selling off student data without consent. Not at all surprised.

Middle school decisions are overwhelming, and that’s before you factor in a child who learns differently, or a family who just knows the standard options aren’t going to cut it.

I meet with parents to talk through all of it. Public, private, charter, online. Schools designed for kids with dyslexia or autism. Programs centered on the arts, social justice, hands-on projects, or rigorous academics. The whole landscape.

Most families don’t know half these options exist, and figuring it out alone is a part-time job. I’ve spent years in this world, and I know what questions to ask and where to look.

If you’re starting to think about middle school and your head is already spinning, let’s talk. Link in bio to schedule a time. 🌟

Thinking now about back to school... yes it feels far away. Yes there is a lot that will happen between now and then. But, special education parents know that a little advance planning will smooth the way when it's time for back to school transitions. Whether it's a new grade level or a new school, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure continuity with your child's program. Need help? Ask me. :)

Read the blog here:

Tips for supporting the end of the school year from a special education advocate — PAULETTE SELMAN ADVOCACY A little prep in the spring will reduce stress come back to school time. Here's everything parents can do now to ensure continuity.

Oregon families: Did you know that Oregon is the only state that allows "an additional personal exemption credit" for children with IEPs and IFSPs (early childhood special education plans)?

Rule is linked below.
Ask your tax professional about it!

Oregon Secretary of State Administrative Rules (1) For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, an additional personal exemption credit is allowed for dependent children who are disabled on the last day of the tax year.

New blog post for parents navigating the special education system!

If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or another learning disability, you've probably wondered: will the school see it the same way? The answer depends more on your zip code than it should.

Federal special ed law changed in 2004, opening the door to new — and better — ways of identifying students with Specific Learning Disabilities. But not every state, district, or school psychologist is using the same approach. That means some kids are getting identified and supported, while others with the exact same profile are falling through the cracks.

In this post I break down the methods schools can use, why the old "discrepancy model" was doing kids a disservice, what's changing, and — most importantly — what YOU can do when you suspect your child might have a learning disability.

Knowledge is power. The more you understand how this system works, the better you can advocate for your child. 💙

A School Psychologist Explains: How Schools Identify Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities for Special Education — PAULETTE SELMAN ADVOCACY If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia, understanding how your school district identifies Specific Learning Disabilities could change everything. Learn what federal law requires, why eligibility varies by state and district, and the questions every parent should ask before an e

Compensatory education - what happens when the school fails to provide the services outlined in the IEP.

I have a LOT of client families dealing with comp ed issues right now. When services are missed schools don't have to provide minute-for-minute make-up sessions... but parents should advocate to get what their child needs in order to continue making progress. This can provided during school hours or by the district paying for private tutoring.

Read more on my blog and reach out with your questions! ⏰

Understanding Compensatory Education: A Parent's Guide — PAULETTE SELMAN ADVOCACY Steps to Document Compensatory Education Needs.When a school district is not following the IEP, or has otherwise violated a child’s rights regarding special education, one of the only legal remedies available under federal law is compensatory education.

Schools have good intentions. Sometimes things go sideways. Here’s how to advocate for the services your child deserves.

Many of my clients are neurodivergent themselves, with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia being the most common. Not a surprise, as learning and thinking differences run in families! I love to support these clients in the special education process. Explanations of school policies, meeting prep, and drafting school communications are some of the ways I can help 💛 Read more in this month's blog post:

Supporting Neurodivergent Parents — PAULETTE SELMAN ADVOCACY Supporting neurodivergent parents is not about fixing how they show up. It is about designing support that works with their brains, not against them. When parents are supported with clarity, preparation, structure, and follow-through, they are empowered rather than overwhelmed. And when parents are

Highly recommend this speaker!

Presented by The Autism Society of Oregon
Raising Expectations (Online)
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Online presentation over Zoom
Jonathan Chase will share strategies and ideas to help parents and caregivers support teens and young adults around areas of both independence and employment.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZwYo_pxlRfqXGG5OdZcDpA
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 503-636-1676.