An IEP is only as strong as its implementation, and placement means more than the building a student attends. When vaping devices, food deliveries, and an unofficial classroom hangout enter the picture, the facts get stranger than fiction. In this episode, Jeremy and Erin discuss a New Mexico state complaint where a teacher repeatedly pulled a student from general education classes for non-educational reasons. The district failed to implement the IEP, but the student's continued progress meant no denial of FAPE. They share practical tips for documenting student removals, monitoring IEP implementation, and making sure every staff member understands that placement changes must go through the IEP team.

Looking for more on this topic? Check out this earlier episode: On the Call: Staffing Shortages and Failure to Document

When a new concern arises, does the IEP team need to reconvene right away, or can thoughtful implementation and monitoring be enough? In this episode, Jeremy and Erin take the call and examine when new information, changing needs, or disappointing progress should prompt an early IEP review. They also discuss a recent Colorado state complaint about whether a district had to revisit a kindergartner’s recently revised IEP in response to ongoing concerns. They share practical tips for responding to parent input, documenting the team’s decisions, and recognizing when “the student has good grades” is helpful evidence but not a universal legal force field.

Looking for more on this topic? Listen to this past episode: On the Call: Repetitive IEP Goals - Ennis Britton's On the Call

Join us as we travel "Around the Moon and Back" with Ennis Britton's Special Education Team this October for legal updates, emerging trends, and practical strategies for special education leaders across Ohio. Register for the Roadshow here! Hope to see you soon!

Mom said, "Not yet." Dad said, "Let's do it." The district was stuck in the middle. In this episode, Erin and Jeremy tackle one of special education's most uncomfortable questions: what happens when divorced parents with equal rights completely disagree about services? They review a recent case from Delaware and explore parent participation, consent, custody orders, and why school districts should avoid becoming family court judges. Buckle up, because this IEP meeting had more drama than a holiday dinner.

Join us as we travel "Around the Moon and Back" with Ennis Britton's Special Education Team this October for legal updates, emerging trends, and practical strategies for special education leaders across Ohio. Register for the Roadshow here! Hope to see you soon!