Special Education Advocacy

Bridging the achievement gap for students with disabilities.

Advocacy4ED
Advocacy4ED understands the challenges faced by families of children with special education needs. Our comprehensive resources and expert guidance empower you to become effective advocates for your children's individualized learning needs.


Kathleen Ross-Kidder, Ph.D. has extensive experience as a special education advocate, teacher, school psychologist, and national program development director, conference presented and profesisonal development training on the needs of students from preschool to adulthood.

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING

Get expert advice to help you work collaboratively with the school to get support services for you child with a disability: learning disability, autism, behavioral issues at school, ADHD, ID and other issues limiting academic success. Professional guidance tailored to your needs.

REMOVING IEP ROADBLOCKS

Removng roadblocks to needed special education services. Expert support for your child in special education eligibilty and individual education program (IEP) meetings.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TRANSITION PLANNING

Help with post high school planning for college or vocation selection and employment.

  • Virginia, United States
  • Virtual meetings

Free initial phone consultation to determine how I can help. Special education advocate services including meeting at your child's school are provided virtually making it possible for me to help parents foster their child's academic success and special education support services.

Eligibility and IEP team

School staff

Members of the school professional staff, (general education teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, behavioral specialists, school administrators are all impottant team members. This team reviews school reports, testing and other data to determine if a student qualifies for special educaiton services. If the student is found eligible for services the team again meets to develop the individualized education program(IEP)

Parents as team partners

Mandated team members

The Individuals with Disabiity Education Act (IDEA) says parents are partners in special education meetings about their child. IDEA does not consider if parents have needed knowledge about how regulations and data presented in meeting. Expert adovcates empower parents with that understanding.

Kathleen Ross-Kidder, Ph.D.

Special education advocate

I have extensive experience as a special education advocate, teacher, school psychologist, and national program development director, conference presented and professional training on the needs of students from preschool to adulthood. My focus is to improve educational outcomes for all students by helping parents understand how current educational policy and school student data collection and test results impact students success.

Students as contributors.

Student with disability

IDEA says students, too, are important team members. Your child can explain what works and where instrucitonal accommodations or modifications are needed.

Getting ready for the meeting

School staff

Members of the school professional staff, (general education teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, behavioral specialists, school administrators are all impottant team members. This team reviews school reports, testing and other data to determine if a student qualifies for special educaiton services. If the student is found eligible for services the team again meets to develop the individualized education program(IEP)

Understanding Specific Learning Disability (SLD) Identification criteria

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Understanding test results and data schools share.

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Meaningful progress goals? IEP goals with clarity.

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Levels of special education advocacy

IDEA gives parents an important role in the special education process. Parents are experts on their children.

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The role of assessment

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