A Peaceful Path

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 Path00:01 – Introduction to today’s topic: when schools say “no”00:02 – Common types of school denials and how parents typically encounter them00:03 – Why written assessment requests are the key to legal timelines and accountability00:05 – The difference between SST meetings and formal evaluations00:07 – What the law says: timelines for response and parent rights00:08 – Why parental instincts are often right, even when schools push back00:10 – Informal disagreement vs. formal prior written notice of denial00:12 – Legal pathways: resolution sessions, mediation, and due process00:14 – Building a case with practical classroom-based evidence00:16 – Documentation that makes an impact: test scores, anecdotal examples, and red flags00:18 – Real-life examples of how advocacy leads to support00:20 – 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.

From Referral to Services: Breaking Down the IEP Process Step-by-Step

Episode Summary:
In this episode of A Peaceful Path, host Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Michelle Becker dive deep into understanding the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Michelle explains the comprehensive nature of IEPs, from eligibility criteria and team composition to goal setting and placement decisions. She emphasizes the importance of parent involvement and provides valuable insights into the legal aspects of special education advocacy.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show introduction
00:44 - Definition of IEP and team composition
02:30 - Discussion of autism and eligibility criteria
04:15 - Present levels of performance and goal setting
06:30 - Service provisions and accommodations
08:45 - Least restrictive environment and placement options
11:53 - Parent involvement in decision-making
14:44 - Handling emotional aspects of the IEP process
 
About the Show:
A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children who have special needs. The show features expert insights from attorney Michelle Becker and host Kevin Rosenquist, providing valuable information and guidance for parents navigating the special education system.

Is It Time for a 504 Plan? Early Signs and How to Start the Process

Episode Summary:
In this informative episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and special education attorney Michelle Becker dive deep into Section 504 plans, explaining their differences from IEPs, eligibility requirements, and implementation in schools. Michelle provides valuable insights into how these plans support students with disabilities and shares practical examples of effective accommodations.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show introduction
00:29 - Basic explanation of Section 504 plans vs IEPs
03:23 - Discussion on medical diagnosis requirements
08:14 - School responses to 504 plans
09:42 - Teacher accommodations and implementation
13:27 - Examples of effective 504 plan accommodations
17:29 - Relationship between 504 accommodations and IEPs
 
About the Show:
A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children who have special needs. The show provides expert guidance and practical information to help parents navigate the special education system.

It's More Than Just Talking to the Teacher: Understanding the Realities of Special Ed Support

Episode Summary:
In this episode of A Peaceful Path, host Kevin Rosenquist and special education attorney Michelle Becker discuss the realities of special education support and advocacy. Michelle shares insights about common challenges parents face when dealing with school districts, the importance of understanding IEPs (Individual Education Programs), and how proper assessment and data interpretation can make a difference in a child's education journey.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show introduction
00:46 - Typical scenarios when parents seek legal help
03:04 - Understanding IEPs and assessment processes
06:08 - Common misconceptions about special education
07:01 - Discussion about fundamental reading skills and educational gaps
09:30 - Legal requirements for educational support
13:01 - Assessment timelines and Child Find law
15:43 - When to seek legal help
 
About the Show:
A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show provides valuable insights, legal guidance, and practical advice for parents navigating the special education system.

From Purpose to Practice: Michelle Becker’s Journey into Special Education Law

Episode Summary:
In this inaugural episode, host Kevin Rosenquist interviews Michelle Becker, a special education attorney who shares her personal journey into special education law. Michelle discusses how adopting twin girls from Romania led her to discover the challenges within the special education system and ultimately inspired her career change. She provides valuable insights into the special education legal process and advocates for better awareness of special education legal rights.
 
Key Timestamps:
00:01 - Show Introduction
00:28 - Michelle's journey into special education law
02:46 - Discussion about adopting twins from Romania
04:27 - Challenges and perspectives in law school
05:37 - Starting her legal practice
08:04 - Explanation of special education law framework
10:25 - Case study example and common challenges
14:19 - Discussion of systemic issues in special education
17:22 - Importance of advocacy and need for more special education attorneys
 
About the Show:
A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show aims to provide valuable information and resources to help parents navigate the complex world of special education rights and services.