If you’re a diagnostician or anyone supporting ARD/IEP compliance, you know that organization is everything. With annuals, initials, revisions, re-evaluations, parent requests, and nonstop deadlines, it can feel like you’re juggling a hundred moving pieces at once.

That’s why I created my Diag Starter Kit. The ARD calendar and evaluation log inside it are the two tools I rely on daily to stay organized, compliant, and ahead of shifting timelines. They’ve streamlined my workflow and helped ensure nothing slips through the cracks—even when schedules change last minute.

The ARD Calendar gives you a master schedule for all ARDs and keeps your team aligned, while the Evaluation Log helps you track every evaluation, what’s needed, what’s done, and what’s coming up.

Along with other tools, like checklists, caseload logs, and transfer tracking, the kit gives you a ready-to-use structure that supports efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind.

👉 Check out the Diag Starter Kit here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Diag-Starter-Kit-13472945

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for parents new to the process. This beginner’s guide breaks down what special education is, who qualifies, and what to expect during evaluations and ARD meetings — all in clear, parent-friendly language. Learn the essentials and access The Initial Guide into Special Education to help you advocate with clarity and confidence.

When a student receiving special education services faces disciplinary action, the process looks different—and for good reason. The Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is a critical legal safeguard that ensures a child’s behavior is not unfairly punished when it may be directly related to their disability. In this post, we break down what an MDR is, when it’s required, and what every parent should know if their child is facing suspension, expulsion, or other removals from the classroom. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming MDR or simply want to understand your rights, this guide will help you advocate with confidence.

Navigating the referral process can feel overwhelming - for both parents and educators. Parents bring unique insights from home, while teachers bring classroom data and professional expertise. When those perspectives come together, the process becomes less about paperwork and more about building a strong team around the child.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways to collaborate with parents during the referral process. From clear communication and valuing parent input to sharing data and setting realistic expectations. Because when schools and families work as partners, the referral process shifts from overwhelming to empowering.

“Why am I here?”
If you've ever asked yourself that during an ARD meeting, you're not alone.

Many general education teachers walk into special education meetings feeling uncertain about their role, but here’s the truth: your insight isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

As the educator who sees the student daily in a general education setting, you bring real-world perspective the rest of the IEP team can’t replicate. Whether you’re noticing how they participate in class, respond to supports, or interact with peers—you hold key pieces of the puzzle that shape the IEP.

This blog breaks down exactly what’s expected of you, how to prepare (without adding to your workload), and why your voice matters.

FREE RESOURCE: Grab a free General Ed Teacher ARD Checklist to help you walk into the meeting feeling prepared and confident.

When I was removed from a professional group of fellow Educational Diagnosticians for supporting families through my consulting work, I realized something deeper was at play: the word “advocate” has become polarizing in education.

But true advocacy isn’t about opposition, it’s about partnership. In this blog, I discuss how the term “advocate” has become misunderstood, why both educators and advocates must do better, and what it really looks like when we work together for the benefit of the child.

Advocacy should never be about division; it should be about collaboration, clarity, and creating space for families to confidently support their children.

Read on to learn why it’s time for a mindset shift in special education and how we can all help bridge the gap.

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, especially when you're first introduced to terms like IEP, ARD, and FAPE. In this post, we break down the Individualized Education Program (IEP)—what it is, who qualifies, and what it actually includes. Whether you're preparing for your first meeting or just trying to understand your role in the process, this guide will help you approach your child's IEP with clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of advocacy.