Ask the Advocate: Mayhem, Misconceptions, and Must-Know Answers

Welcome back to another power-packed episode of Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham — and welcome to the Month of Mayhem! From bathtub to beach to balcony, wherever you're tuning in, Karen is here with clarity, conviction, and the kind of answers that cut through confusion at the IEP and 504 table.

In this episode, Karen tackles real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates including:

• What paraprofessionals can and cannot do under IDEA
• How to get autism added as an eligibility
• What makes a “real” IEP goal (spoiler: “slow down and read carefully” isn’t one)
• Whether general education teachers can scribe for a student with an IEP
• The truth about moving students from an IEP to a 504 — and how to stop it
• And how to respond if your child’s para is mocking or mistreating them 👀

She also dives deep into eligibility, evaluations, discipline, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), compensatory services, and due process — all through the lens of empowering YOU with what you need to sit at the table prepared.

💡 Plus: Karen breaks down why she doesn’t do what she does on the side — and why you shouldn’t trust your child’s education to someone who does.

🎧 Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or an advocate, this episode is full of hard truths, big laughs, and high-impact strategies.

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✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨

👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

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📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com

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• TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy

🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
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(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)

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