Aspire Advocacy

“It’s from our IEP Goal Bank, so it must be a good goal.” 🚩

We hear this a lot in meetings. But here’s the truth: school goal banks are often filled with vague language that doesn’t actually help your child.

Take this common example: “John will read at grade level in 4 of 5 opportunities in 3 of 5 trials.”

Sounds measurable, right? But if you do the math, that’s an 80% success rate occurring 60% of the time, which is only a 48% success rate overall. Plus, it doesn’t say *what* he’s reading or *how* it’s being measured.

Goal banks are okay for inspiration, but they should never be "copy and paste." Your child’s goals need to be driven by their specific assessments and baselines.

Check out our full breakdown on why you should be careful with IEP goal banks:
https://aspireadvocacy.com/2021/10/08/iep-goal-bank/

Need help making sure your child’s goals are actually individualized? We can help you navigate the process. Visit us at aspireadvocacy.com.

Educational Disclaimer: This info is for educational purposes only and is not professional advice. I am a California-based advocate, not an attorney, and this does not create an advocate-client relationship. Since regulations vary by state, please consult your local regulations or an attorney for your specific situation.

Did you know that in California, some students with IEPs can earn a diploma AND still keep their special education services until age 22?

It’s a common worry for parents: choosing between the milestone of a graduation ceremony and the transition support their child still needs. Under the Alternate Pathway, students with significant cognitive disabilities don’t have to make that choice. They can walk with their peers, receive their diploma, and continue receiving support until they turn 22.

This is a game-changer for families who want to celebrate their child's hard work while ensuring they have the tools for adulthood. Navigating these pathways can feel overwhelming, so make sure you’re reviewing the right pathway for your child before senior year hits!

To learn more, check out our blog: "California IEP Graduation: The 3 Pathways Every Parent Needs to Know" at aspireadvocacy.com or the link in our bio.

Educational Disclaimer: This info is for educational purposes only and is not professional advice. I am a California-based advocate, not an attorney, and this does not create an advocate-client relationship.

Parenting a child with extra needs means you're basically a part-time detective, therapist, and more all rolled into one. 🕵️‍♀️

We know it's been a long week of advocating and navigating, so let's shift the focus to the good stuff. What’s one 'win' your child had this week, big or small?

Maybe they tried a new food, aced a test, had a calm afternoon, or turned in all of their homework. Let’s fill the comments with some good news! 🥂👇

The final report card shouldn't be a surprise. 📉

It’s tempting to wait for year-end reports, but by then, valuable time for adjustment has passed. If your child has hit a plateau in their IEP goals, you want to know now while there's still time to act.

How to spot a plateau before the final bell:

1️⃣ Request a data check-in. You don't need a formal meeting to ask for a goal update. A simple email for current data points reveals if progress has stalled.

2️⃣ Compare the work. Check work samples from a few months ago against what’s coming home now. Is the complexity increasing, or does the work look identical?

3️⃣ Look past the labels. If a report says "satisfactory progress," ask for the specific percentages. "Satisfactory" can sometimes hide a flat line in actual growth.

We help families decode these reports to ensure your child’s time is spent moving forward. Ready to level the playing field? Visit aspireadvocacy.com

Educational Disclaimer: This info is for educational purposes only and is not professional advice. I am a California-based advocate, not an attorney, and this does not create an advocate-client relationship.

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A transition IEP—what is it and how does it affect my child? Your child's transition IEP is an important step in furthering their education. Let's talk about how it affects you and what you can do!