The 15-Minute Advocate

Your child understands the material, participates in class, and seems bright—so why are they failing? In this episode of The 15-Minute Advocate , we explain why intelligence isn't always enough for school success. Learn...

<p>When the problem isn't ability—it's the brain's management system.</p><p>Does your child forget assignments, lose papers, struggle with organization, or have difficulty getting started on tasks? In this episode of...

<p>In this episode of "The 15-Minute Advocate", we begin a new series exploring different disabilities and how they impact students in school. The first topic: dyslexia.</p><p>What exactly is dyslexia? What does it look...

<p>Transitioning to a new school? Don’t let paperwork trip you up.</p><p>If your child is moving from elementary → middle or middle → high school, there’s one rule you need to remember:</p><p>👉 If it’s not in writing…...

<p>From confusion to clarity: unlocking disability support.</p><p>In this episode, the 15-Minute Advocate breaks down the wide range of disability services available to individuals and families—especially here in...

<p>“Graduation ends school—not the need for support.”</p><p>Graduation is supposed to be the finish line… but for families of students with disabilities, it can feel more like being dropped into the middle of a maze...

<p>Because ‘I disagree’ is not the end of the conversation.</p><p>Disagreeing with an IEP can feel intimidating—but parents have more power than they realize. In this episode, Arlene Velleman breaks down what it...

<p>Advocate or lawyer—how do you know which one you actually need?<br>In this episode, Arlene Velleman, the 15-Minute Advocate, breaks down the real differences between a Special Education advocate and a Special...

<p>Because ‘just sign it’ is not a strategy.</p><p>A new IEP shouldn’t feel like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. In this episode, I break down exactly how to review a new IEP, where schools tend to gloss over details...

<p>Graduation is coming… but is the IEP actually preparing your child for adulthood?</p><p>Turning 18 changes everything — especially in Special Education. In this episode, we break down IEP transition planning, what...

<p>Turning IEP progress reports into real progress.</p><p>In this episode, I break down IEP progress reports — what they should tell you, what they often don’t, and how to read them in a way that actually gives you...

<p>“Walk into that IEP meeting like you run the place.”</p><p>Step inside the IEP room without the stress. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens during an actual IEP meeting—who’s at the table, what gets...

<p>“Because progress should be proven, not promised.”</p><p>Not all goals are created equal. In this episode, I break down what makes an IEP goal measurable—and why that matters. Learn how clear, data-driven goals can...

<p>The 504 Plan and the IEP....knowing the difference changes everything.</p><p>504 or IEP? Parents hear these terms all the time, but few really know the difference — and that difference matters. In this episode, I lay...

<p>PRS: Holding schools accountable, one finding at a time.</p><p>Ever wonder what keeps schools in check when it comes to special education compliance? Meet Massachusetts’ not-so-secret weapon — the Program Review...