#1. The student is gifted and talented. #2. The student has a disability. Often viewed as opposite ends of the spectrum, the two designations can often be two sides of the same coin. “Twice exceptional” students, those who are both capable of high academic achievement and have a disability qualifying them for special education, can present unique challenges for educators. In this episode, Erin and Jeremy examine a Pennsylvania case holding that a district did not violate the IDEA by developing an IEP that anticipated a twice exceptional student would perform slightly below grade level. Join them as they discuss what level of educational benefit IEPs should provide, as well as other practical tips for identifying and supporting twice exceptional students in your district.

Want more on child find as it applies to students who are generally meeting expectations? Check out Episode 14 of Season 3 here.

Here is a link to the poem Jeremy and Erin reference: We Wear the Mask | The Poetry Foundation

As requests pile up, school staff can feel overwhelmed when conducting functional behavioral assessments. Are all of these requests necessary? In this episode, Erin and Jeremy discuss a case out of Pennsylvania where a district court argued that the fact that additional counseling or an FBA might have helped the student was insufficient to amount to a denial of FAPE. Tune in as they provide alternatives for districts to consider before conducting an FBA, and the importance of staying proactive when addressing behavior issues with students.

In this episode, Jeremy and Erin break down the legal standards for residential placements under IDEA and Section 504. They analyze lessons from a Washington state case in which the court drew clear lines between therapeutic care and educational need. They offer practical tips for early intervention, being knowledgeable about local options, staying curious and asking questions to gather key information, and avoiding costly disputes when mental health and educational needs collide.