Do What Is Right: IDEA, Educators, and Our Kids with Disabilities

I write this first as the mother of children who receive special education services, second as a Special Education Advocate-

As advocates and parents, we often hear schools proclaim: “We want what’s best for your child. We love our students with disabilities.”

And yet, too often, actions do not match those words. Policies, practices shortcuts, and incorrect documentation are allowed to stand in place of the protections guaranteed under federal law.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to shine a light on the truth: If schools and educators want to do what’s best for our kids, then they must follow the law.

The Power of IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) isn’t just a guideline — it is federal law. It protects children’s rights to:

• FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)

• Individualized supports and services

• Accurate documentation of needs and progress

• Least restrictive environment (LRE)

These protections are not optional. They carry the full weight of law and exist to ensure our children are not left behind, ignored, or mislabeled.

Documentation Matters

When educators cut corners —They actively harm the child’s educational future.

Documentation isn’t busywork. It is the paper trail that safeguards children’s rights:

• It ensures accountability.

• It impacts eligibility, services, and placement.

• It is the record that will follow a student long after they leave one classroom or school.

The Weight on Educators

Special educators often carry a heavy burden. Between case loads, district pressures, and limited resources, it can feel impossible to do everything. As a parent I appreciate our school district and each every member of its staff. I support and applaud each and every individual that works in our public schools.

But here’s the truth: IDEA exists to protect not only students, but also the integrity of special education professionals.

• Following IDEA ensures your work is legally sound.

• It safeguards your professional responsibility.

• It means you are standing on the side of justice, not bureaucracy.

Placing “the district” above IDEA puts both children and educators at risk.

No Shortcuts, Only What’s Right

Right now, our children with disabilities are under attack from every angle — from Medicaid battles to threats of cuts in school funding. They face barriers at every turn.

They cannot afford for schools to take shortcuts.

If you love our kids, show it by:

• Following IDEA.

• Documenting accurately.

• Putting the rights of children first.

• Refusing to prioritize district policy over federal law.

This is bigger than compliance. This is about dignity, equity, and the future of every child with a disability.

A Call to Educators and Schools

We as parents and advocates will support you- we want to all pull together and row in the same boat together.

Do what is right. Not what is easy.

Do what is lawful. Not what is convenient.

Stand with our kids — not against them.

Because the weight is especially heavy right now. And our kids need you to carry it with integrity.