Understanding Evaluations: What Every Parent and Advocate Needs to Know

Evaluations are the foundation of every IEP, and most parents, advocates, and even school staff don’t realize how many sections are involved, what’s legally required, or how much can go wrong when pieces are skipped.

In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through the full scope of educational evaluations, breaking down each required component and the common mistakes families face.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between formal and informal evaluations (and when to push back)
• What MUST be included in a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE)
• Why skipping sections like sociological, pragmatic language, or adaptive behavior can derail eligibility
• The truth about counseling as a related service—and what schools often get wrong
• How to prepare parents to share personal or sensitive details without public discomfort
• When and how to ask for psych services, assistive tech, occupational therapy, and more
• The problem with “screeners” and how to request full evaluations in every area of suspected disability

Karen delivers powerful advocacy strategies, real-life examples, and her signature truth bombs—helping you know what to ask for, what to document, and how to ensure no student gets overlooked.

 “You don’t have to prove your child needs an evaluation. The law doesn’t require proof—it requires suspicion of a disability.”

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“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody.” — Karen Mayer Cunningham

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👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

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