IEP Meetings, Procedural Safeguards & What Schools Don’t Want to Put in Writing | Ask the Advocate
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this Ask the Advocate episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates navigating complex IEP issues — from unfinished Monday meetings to missing data, procedural safeguards, graduation pathways, and transition services.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why IEP meetings so often stall — and what must happen before they continueThe difference between a diploma vs. certificate of attendanceHow procedural safeguards actually work (and how to invoke them)What to do when schools claim a child was “overserved” — without dataWhy homework cannot count as special education servicesWhat meaningful transition services should look like (and what doesn’t count)Karen also shares updates on The Epic IEP™ book, upcoming trainings, the national book tour, and how educators can transition into advocacy work with the right training and support.
You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to.
This episode helps you walk into IEP and 504 meetings informed, confident, and prepared.
🎓 Join The Academy
Get access to 250+ hours of training, weekly coaching, and step-by-step guidance: https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/
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The Epic IEP™: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates
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When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.
— Karen Mayer Cunningham
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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.
👉 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:
TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 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.)
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In this Ask the Advocate episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers real questions from parents, educators, and advocates navigating complex IEP issues — from unfinished Monday meetings to missing data, procedural safeguards, graduation pathways, and transition services. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why IEP meetings so often stall — and what must happen before they continueThe difference between a diploma vs. certificate of attendanceHow procedural safeguards actually work (and how to invoke them)What to do when schools claim a child was “overserved” — without dataWhy homework cannot count as special education servicesWhat meaningful transition services should look like (and what doesn’t count)Karen also shares updates on The Epic IEP™ book, upcoming trainings, the national book tour, and how educators can transition into advocacy work with the right training and support. You don’t know what you don’t know — but you need to. This episode helps you walk into IEP and 504 meetings informed, confident, and prepared. 🎓 Join The Academy Get access to 250+ hours of training, weekly coaching, and step-by-step guidance: https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/ 📘 Get the #1 Bestseller The Epic IEP™: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates 👉 https://amzn.to/3Ll0Dos When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. — Karen Mayer Cunningham 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: TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss YouTube: Special Education Academy 🧠 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.) ...