Today’s episode of The Epic IEP™ is a little longer — but you’re going to want to hear this. Karen Mayer Cunningham, The Special Education Boss®, shares a real IEP meeting where everything was “fine”… until the parent disagreed. And that’s when things got interesting.

Karen breaks down how a simple request — adding general education as an implementer on two IEP goals — turned into pushback, confusion, and the classic line: “I thought we were collaborating.” She explains why parents are equal stakeholders, why disagreement is normal, and why “collaboration” should never be used as pressure.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
• Understand implementers vs. services
• Recognize when teams may be preparing to propose removal from gen ed
• Respond when “collaboration” becomes manipulation
• Keep the focus on data, not feelings or assumptions
• Use IDEA’s framework to ground decisions
• Hold firm when the team doesn’t want general ed listed

Karen reminds us that the IEP is a document of obligation, not convenience — and that every stakeholder has the gift of persuasion. Use it ethically, use it clearly, and always keep the child’s unique circumstances at the center.

📘 Get The Epic IEP on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom

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https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

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✨ 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
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🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
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