Educational Advocacy
Working with parents and students to ensure the active support and promotion of a student's educational rights, needs, and access to proper resources within a school system.
An advocate represents you and your child and works cooperatively with the school site team and/or school district team to develop an appropriate and effective Section 504 or IEP plan for your child. The advocate will complete a personalized review and explanation of assessment results and educational records; develop, monitor, and review IEP and 504 plans; evaluate your child’s current academic program and related services; attend any school meetings; and help you identify a more appropriate school program for your child if the current program is not working. An advocate is child-centered and helps you to fully understand your child’s rights and entitlements. They become your voice, translating students' needs into cogent arguments as to why school teams must provide particular services and supports.
What an Educational Advocate Does
- Navigates School Systems: Helps families understand school rules, policies, and options.
- Supports Special Education: Works on plans like Individualized Education Plans or 504 plans under laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Attends Meetings: Joins parents at school conferences and planning sessions to act as a liaison or mediator.
- Empowers Families: Teaches parents and students how to speak up for their own needs and track school documents.
Why It Matters
- Equal Access: Ensures children with disabilities, learning difficulties, or systemic barriers get fair treatment.
- Conflict Resolution: Helps fix disagreements between families and school staff without major disputes.
Advocate or Attorney?
The presence of an attorney at an IEP meeting, especially at an early stage of disagreement, often creates an adversarial atmosphere. It also often means that the school district, in return, will also bring an attorney to the meeting. Advocates know and understand the state and Federal laws related to both Special Education and Section 504; but also have strong backgrounds in education and first-hand experience teaching students with special needs. At Morrissey Compton, we also bring a thorough understanding of assessment, therapeutic and educational intervention to the table. Should you reach a place with your case where an attorney is needed, your advocate will work with you to find an experienced local special education attorney.
What our clients say
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