Ask the Advocate: Compensatory Services, Eligibility Traps, IEP Teams & School Pushback

In this Ask the Advocate episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham answers real-time questions from parents, educators, and advocates navigating complex IEP situations — from compensatory services and eligibility decisions to attendance struggles, team makeup, and school-based pushback.This episode is a powerful reminder that IEPs are legal documents, teams are equal stakeholders, and schools do not get to reduce or redefine federal rights.In this episode, Karen covers:When compensatory services are appropriate, and why “closing gaps” is the wrong goalWhy eligibility decisions matter — and how mislabeling harms servicesWhat to do when districts push students from an IEP to a 504Required members of an IEP committee (and what happens if someone leaves early)Attendance concerns, OCD, and capturing all student needs in the IEPWhy some placements, pull-outs, and group decisions may be segregation, not supportThe difference between collaboration and schools acting as the “IEP referee.”How to think long-term about post-secondary outcomes, independence, and adult lifeKaren also shares updates on The Epic IEP book, upcoming book tour stops, professional development trainings, and what’s next inside The Academy.👉 Join The Epic IEP™Academy:[https://academy.specialeducationacademy.com/theepiciep-courses/the-academy/]📘 Get The Epic IEP:Available wherever books are sold.🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share this episode with anyone who sits at an IEP or 504 table. 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 Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: 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.)Because when...