Understanding Evaluations: What Every Parent and Advocate Needs to Know

Evaluations are the foundation of every IEP, and most parents, advocates, and even school staff don’t realize how many sections are involved, what’s legally required, or how much can go wrong when pieces are skipped.In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through the full scope of educational evaluations, breaking down each required component and the common mistakes families face.You’ll learn:The difference between formal and informal evaluations (and when to push back)What MUST be included in a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)Why skipping sections like sociological, pragmatic language, or adaptive behavior can derail eligibilityThe truth about counseling as a related service—and what schools often get wrongHow to prepare parents to share personal or sensitive details without public discomfortWhen and how to ask for psych services, assistive tech, occupational therapy, and moreThe problem with “screeners” and how to request full evaluations in every area of suspected disabilityKaren delivers powerful advocacy strategies, real-life examples, and her signature truth bombs—helping you know what to ask for, what to document, and how to ensure no student gets overlooked. “You don’t have to prove your child needs an evaluation. The law doesn’t require proof—it requires suspicion of a disability.”Join The AcademyListen to more episodes on Buzzsprout or YouTube Follow, like, share, and subscribe for weekly trainings!“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 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...