When the School Says No: How to Appeal Denied Services

Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, special education attorney Michelle Becker breaks down what parents should do when a school denies an IEP, 504 plan, or assessment request. She explains how to recognize the difference between informal school pushback and a formal legal denial, and what steps parents must take to get the “yes” their child deserves. Whether your child is struggling with reading, attention, or other academic challenges, Michelle provides a practical roadmap for navigating the system with confidence and clarity.

 

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to A Peaceful Path 00:01 – Introduction to today’s topic: when schools say “no” 00:02 – Common types of school denials and how parents typically encounter them 00:03 – Why written assessment requests are the key to legal timelines and accountability 00:05 – The difference between SST meetings and formal evaluations 00:07 – What the law says: timelines for response and parent rights 00:08 – Why parental instincts are often right, even when schools push back 00:10 – Informal disagreement vs. formal prior written notice of denial 00:12 – Legal pathways: resolution sessions, mediation, and due process 00:14 – Building a case with practical classroom-based evidence 00:16 – Documentation that makes an impact: test scores, anecdotal examples, and red flags 00:18 – Real-life examples of how advocacy leads to support 00:20 – Final thoughts and where to get help

About the Show:

A Peaceful Path is the podcast that empowers parents of children with special needs to navigate the special education system with clarity, courage, and legal insight. Hosted by Michelle Becker, a Los Angeles–based special education attorney, the show covers practical guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, assessments, disputes, and more.

 

Visit michellebeckerlaw.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources for special education legal advocacy.