“I assumed everyone at the table understood the law… until I learned they didn’t.”

In this powerful conversation, Karen Mayer Cunningham (Special Education Boss®) and Cindy unpack what really happens between MTSS, eligibility, and the IEP—and why so many well-meaning educators and parents are working from bad training, not bad intent. You’ll hear Cindy’s journey from 27 years in the system to discovering Special Education Academy™, and Karen’s charge to bring clarity, rigor, and hope back to the table.

What we cover:

• MTSS → IEP: why good hearts + wrong info = poor outcomes
• Paperwork bloat vs. an epic IEP that’s actually usable
• Who’s responsible when a placement isn’t working (and why it’s leadership)
• Why every provider needs the full IEP/504 (not a “teacher bundle”)
• ESY done right: the two-prong standard (regression/recoupment and loss of critical skills)
• Practical meeting prep: get the draft, get the evals, write questions in advance

Get the book — The Epic IEP
Your playbook for walking into the IEP/504 table prepared, confident, and clear—plus QR codes to living resources (readers’ guide, templates, open records how-to, and more).
📘 Amazon (official): https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom

🎁 Bonuses: upload your receipt at TheEpicIEP.com for the Book Club, summit ticket, and chapter previews.

Train with Karen
📚 Join The Academy — weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of replays:
https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about

We’re educating you so you can navigate the IEP/504 process with clarity and confidence.

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.)

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