Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham

Unpacking the Supreme Court Decision: A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools with Dr. Mitchell Yell

Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education boss® Season 1 Episode 58

he U.S. Supreme Court has spoken—A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools is now a landmark decision shaping the future of special education rights.

In this powerful episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham sits down with Dr. Mitchell Yell, one of the nation’s leading voices on special education law, to break down what this case really means for parents, advocates, and schools.

You’ll learn:

  • 📚 The history and background of the A.J.T. case
  • ⚖️ Why the Court ruled unanimously (9–0) and what that means moving forward
  • 💡 The difference between IEPs, 504 Plans, and ADA claims in this context
  • 🚨 How this case pairs with Perez v. Sturgis to fast-track parent claims for monetary damages
  • 🛑 Why “bad faith” or “gross misjudgment” is no longer required to prove discrimination
  • 🔍 What parents and advocates need to look for in IEPs and accommodations to ensure schools are teaching skills—not just masking disabilities

Dr. Yell also highlights William A. v. Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, another critical case addressing whether accommodations alone equal FAPE, and Karen shares real-life advocacy insight on how this decision strengthens parent rights at the IEP/504 table.

✨ Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional advocate, this episode will give you clarity, strategy, and the confidence to navigate these changes.

👉 Join The Academy for weekly training and advocacy tools

📺 Watch all episodes on YouTube
🎧 Catch up on past podcast episodes here or on your favorite streaming platform, Special Education Boss® Podcast

Support the show

✨ 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.

👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy

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

📱 Follow Karen on:

🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.

📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)

...

People on this episode