From MTSS to the IEP Table: What Schools Aren’t Teaching (Hope, Clarity & The Epic IEP)

“I assumed everyone at the table understood the law… until I learned they didn’t.”

In this powerful conversation, Karen Mayer Cunningham (Special Education Boss®) and Cindy unpack what really happens between MTSS, eligibility, and the IEP—and why so many well-meaning educators and parents are working from bad training, not bad intent. You’ll hear Cindy’s journey from 27 years in the system to discovering Special Education Academy™, and Karen’s charge to bring clarity, rigor, and hope back to the table.

What we cover:

• MTSS → IEP: why good hearts + wrong info = poor outcomes
• Paperwork bloat vs. an epic IEP that’s actually usable
• Who’s responsible when a placement isn’t working (and why it’s leadership)
• Why every provider needs the full IEP/504 (not a “teacher bundle”)
• ESY done right: the two-prong standard (regression/recoupment and loss of critical skills)
• Practical meeting prep: get the draft, get the evals, write questions in advance

Get the book — The Epic IEP
Your playbook for walking into the IEP/504 table prepared, confident, and clear—plus QR codes to living resources (readers’ guide, templates, open records how-to, and more).
📘 Amazon (official): https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom

🎁 Bonuses: upload your receipt at TheEpicIEP.com for the Book Club, summit ticket, and chapter previews.

Train with Karen
📚 Join The Academy — weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of replays:
https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about

We’re educating you so you can navigate the IEP/504 process with clarity and confidence.