The Answer Class Guest Post– Academic Accommodations in College
Guest Blog By The Answer Class Sending your child off to the big bad world of college (or a perfectly contained, safe, lovely world of no bills, a few classes…
Author: Nicole
Does My Child Qualify for an IEP in Maryland? What Parents Need to Know About Eligibility
Parents often come to us with the same question:“My child is struggling. Why is the school saying they don’t qualify for an IEP?” The answer is not always straightforward—and often,…
Maryland IEP Transition Planning and Special Education Law
Maryland IEP transition planning discussion during a virtual IEP meeting about post-secondary goals and transition services.
Preparing for a Maryland IEP Meeting: A Strategic Guide for Families
If you are preparing for a Maryland IEP meeting as a parent, you probably already know something important is at stake. Maybe your child is not making progress.Maybe services are…
Nicole Joseph named a 2026 Top Attorney by Baltimore Magazine for Education Law in Maryland
Nicole Joseph, founding partner of Maryland education law firm Joseph & Rabb, LLC, has been named a 2026 Top Attorney by Baltimore Magazine, recognizing her work helping families whose children…
Thank You for Attending the Pathfinders for Autism Webinar with Education Attorneys Nicole Joseph & Kate Rabb. Sign up below to receive special education tips and tricks.
We’d love to keep in touch. We periodically send a newsletter with information about Special Education and Students’ Rights. You can see the kinds of things we write about here.…
My Child’s First Quarter Grades/Parent Teacher Conferences Weren’t Great
The first quarter is usually the moment when parents start wondering whether their child is actually on track in school. Report cards, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences can reveal problems…
SLD Reading: Is It The Same As Dyslexia?
Parents often ask: Is documenting “Specific Learning Disability (SLD)” on the IEP the right “Code” (type of disability) when my child has Dyslexia? The short answer is yes—for IEP purposes,…
School Placement Challenges: What to Do As A Parent
If you’re facing school placement challenges, it can be discouraging—especially after finally securing what you thought would be the right nonpublic or specialized school. You may have imagined this placement…
The School is not Giving My Child Their IEP Services — What Now?
If your school is not giving your child their IEP services, it can feel overwhelming. It is also clearly illegal. Services are a vital part of an Individualized Education Program…
5 Key Things to Look for in a Special Education Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer to help with your child’s Special Education needs can make a big difference in getting them the support they deserve. Many families wonder: How should I…
Parents shouldn’t need lawyers to get evidence-based reading instruction in Maryland. Here’s why the fight continues.
Why does it take an education lawyer’s intervention to get evidence-based reading instruction in Maryland? Are you getting pretty sick of Maryland public schools insisting on reading instruction and intervention…
New School Year Advice From Special Education Attorneys and Advocates
As education attorneys, we often hear from parents who are seeking advice at the start of a new school year, which is great, because this is the best time for…
Addressing Behavior Challenges in School: FBAs, BIPs, and the Role of BCBAs
Many children with disabilities struggle with behavior challenges that can make it difficult for them to succeed in school. When behaviors start getting in the way of learning, it’s important…
Making IEP Goals Measurable
When your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the goals in that plan matter. As a parent, you want to know what your child is working on, how progress…
Parent-friendly IEP Meetings
Dear IEP Team, We’ve known each other for a while now and been through a lot together. As my child has progressed from grade to grade, we’ve had many opportunities…
Decoding the IEP Part 2: Tips for Ensuring Measurable IEP Goals from a Special Education Attorney
Measurable IEP Goals: How Parents Can Ensure Real Progress Parents of children with IEPs often tell us they feel lost in meetings when the school team talks about “progress.” As…
Decoding the IEP Part 1: IEP Goals That Address Areas of Need
As a parent, how can you know that the school team has written good IEP goals for your child? How can you confidently participate in the IEP process without feeling…
Dyslexia and Special Education Eligibility
Questions about dyslexia and special education eligibility are some of the most common questions parents ask us as education attorneys. If you suspect your child has dyslexia, trust your gut! Have your…
Special Education Acronyms Made Simple: Understanding Key Terms to Support Your Child
Navigating the world of special education can feel overwhelming, especially when schools and professionals use so many acronyms. Understanding these terms can help you feel more confident and involved in…