For more than 25 years, this classic guide has taken parents, guardians, educational advocates, and special educators step-by-step through the special education process. Now revised and updated, reflecting the latest changes to the special education laws, NEGOTIATING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION MAZE continues to provide thorough, time-tested advice based on the authors' years of experience helping parents advocate for their child.
The book covers all the crucial components parents and advocates need to consider from anticipating a child is not succeeding in a program or school to seeking an evaluation; from planning an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), to understanding classroom placement options and monitoring progress.
Key topics include:
Eligibility for services
Understanding the IEP process
How to write effective goals
Tips on participating in IEP meetings
Making sure IEPs are carried out and effective
The new fourth edition provides expanded information on:
Transitioning from high school to adult life
1. Employment
2. Independent living
3. Self-advocacy
4. Continuing education
Required statewide assessments for all students
Problem solving disagreements between families and schools
Due process and other legal recourses
Invaluable forms and charts help parents plan their IEP strategy, keep records and key contacts, log conversations and correspondence with important players, and track progress. This guide is one of the best tools available for understanding how to navigate the special education maze!

For more than 25 years, this classic guide has taken parents, guardians, educational advocates, and special educators step-by-step through the special education process. Now revised and updated, reflecting the latest changes to the special education laws, NEGOTIATING THE SPECIAL EDUCATION MAZE continues to provide thorough, time-tested advice based on the authors' years of experience helping parents advocate for their child.
The book covers all the crucial components parents and advocates need to consider from anticipating a child is not succeeding in a program or school to seeking an evaluation; from planning an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), to understanding classroom placement options and monitoring progress.
Key topics include:
Eligibility for services
Understanding the IEP process
How to write effective goals
Tips on participating in IEP meetings
Making sure IEPs are carried out and effective
The new fourth edition provides expanded information on:
Transitioning from high school to adult life
1. Employment
2. Independent living
3. Self-advocacy
4. Continuing education
Required statewide assessments for all students
Problem solving disagreements between families and schools
Due process and other legal recourses
Invaluable forms and charts help parents plan their IEP strategy, keep records and key contacts, log conversations and correspondence with important players, and track progress. This guide is one of the best tools available for understanding how to navigate the special education maze!