ABCs for Life Success

05/05/2026

Did you all know that there is a new law in Maryland allowing parents to have free advocates and attorneys for qualified families? Here is an article and how to call for an intake! I can be assigned as your advocate, just ask them!

The Special Education Project will make sure students with disabilities get the services and support they need to succeed in school.

05/05/2026

Yesterday in a Maryland County, a high school IEP team told parents and me that, if the parent revokes consent for special education, the student cannot get accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act. That is incorrect and I corrected the chairperson in the meeting, who argued with me that the compliance specialist told her that information. This morning, the compliance specialist clarified that YES, a student of course is able to receive 504 Plan accommodations after a parent revokes consent for the IEP. That is what should happen! I wrote about this years ago here, Are you considering revoking consent for your child's IEP? I would love to hear from you! Have you done this and did your child get 504 plan accommodations? Let's talk about it!

Revoking consent for special education: A good idea or terrible mistake? Two Case Studies Parents Revoke Consent for IEP Case Study 1: S...

04/22/2026

📣 xMinds Monthly Speaker Series (FREE Webinar!)

How do shifting policies in Washington, Annapolis, and MCPS directly impact your child's classroom services? Join xMinds on Thursday, April 23 for an essential primer with COPAA Legal Director Selene Almazan, Esq., to learn how the special education funding and oversight framework actually works.

🗓 Thursday, April 23, 2026
⏰ 7:00PM - 8:30PM ET
🔗 FREE Virtual Event: xminds.org/event-6640853

✔️ Understand the system behind your child’s services
✔️ Learn how to advocate effectively and protect your child’s rights
🌎 Live Spanish interpretation available

04/12/2026

I found my old blogs. Here is one about My interview with the GOAT of DI, Carol Ann Tomlinson

Teach your Children Well—Hot Topics in Education Radio Program “If You Haven’t Learned It, I Haven’t Taught It” Rich Weinfeld and Michelle...

03/29/2026

Copaa now has a free video series!

Watch COPAA's NEW microlearning series on Parent Rights Under IDEA!

The first three videos in the series are now posted (free for COPAA members and registered guests)!

Visit learn.copaa.org to register (and access the videos and slide decks), or click the YouTube links below to view the videos!

Intro - https://youtu.be/6FBV0eb5Nm4?si=TqNfVmCTFs7WrEdL

Parent Rights Under IDEA - https://youtu.be/5dX7GKRXlj4?si=pNgL0KV4mmXOrjyK

Child Find Under IDEA - https://youtu.be/kOzAI76AiBI?si=1zyLwqyG1qLB8QaM

Least Restrictive Environment - https://youtu.be/Tt-zX-YKRaY?si=IY0e3rcqoIsD_-Hj



ALT Text: Slide from COPAA listing Micro Learning Series topics on parent rights, Child Find, specially designed instruction, and least restrictive environment under IDEA.With the COPAA logo.

03/26/2026

Listening to the important history lesson contemplating standards and expectations, without consideration of zip code, for students with disabilities. I am old enough-I lived through this. My first year teaching in 1990, we exempted all students regardless of intelligence, from the state testing. Sorry to say, but now we have the opportunity not to repeat our terrible history.

Board of Education Strategic Realignment Focus Work Group Meeting March 23, 2026

03/21/2026

Are you an 'abolishonist' or 'conservationist' when it comes to education of students with disabilities in the general education classroom setting ("inclusion", continuum, LRE)? Dr. Doug Fuchs interview and recent research continues to inspire thought-provoking questions. https://youtu.be/JOU3JKo_CzQ?si=qjp4BMQu7ENinDpL and ties

🎙️ Schurtz & Ties Dr. Douglas Fuchs on Inclusion, IDEA, and the Limits of the General ClassroomIn this episode of Schurtz & Ties, Kasey Schurtz sits down wi...

03/15/2026

School systems are considering how to use AI as a teacher assistant, including grading.

Board of Education Work Session 3/12/26

03/13/2026

Maryland’s math changes will affect all students, including students with disabilities

To develop a legislative platform and review pending legislation that will advise the full State Board on legislation that will improve education statewide i...

03/04/2026

Maryland parents. Have you ever seen the practice MCAP tests? Check it out!

A little preparation goes a long way, and that's true for Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program tests. With a few MCAP practice sessions, your students will be ready to take their exams confidently and efficiently. And no doubt, they'll pass with flying colors.