A substitute walks into a classroom, and the documentation walks out the door. In this episode, Erin and Jeremy explore how staffing shortages, substitute coverage, and inconsistent service logs can lead to materials failures to implement an IEP. They dive into a case in which missing logs and missing staff led to a denial of FAPE. They share practical strategies for tracking service delivery, preparing substitutes, and communicating service gaps when your team is in flux.

Want additional information on this topic? Be sure to check out this earlier episode from Season One!

Your favorite podcasters, Jeremy Neff and Erin Wessendorf‑Wortman, will be attending LRP’s National Institute in New Orleans, April 26–29, 2026! Jeremy and Pam Leist will present 'What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Navigating Section 504’s Hidden Risks' at the Pre‑Symposium, followed by Monday sessions on Mental Health (Jeremy) and Service Animals (Pam). Hope to see you there! Here is the link to register!

When it comes to accommodation requests, some people are willing to argue until you're both blue in the face. This is especially true when transportation is involved. In this episode, Erin and Jeremy explore a Connecticut case where a parent challenged the removal of specialized transportation from their child’s IEP. They break down the legal standards under IDEA and offer practical guidance for educators navigating tricky requests, hopefully helping you breathe a little easier.

For more on transportation, be sure to check out our earlier episode: Transportation and Discipline

Your favorite podcasters, Jeremy Neff and Erin Wessendorf‑Wortman, will be attending LRP’s National Institute in New Orleans, April 26–29, 2026! Jeremy and Pam Leist will present 'What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Navigating Section 504’s Hidden Risks' at the Pre‑Symposium, followed by Monday sessions on Mental Health (Jeremy) and Service Animals (Pam). Hope to see you there! Here is the link to register!

#1. The student is gifted and talented. #2. The student has a disability. Often viewed as opposite ends of the spectrum, the two designations can often be two sides of the same coin. “Twice exceptional” students, those who are both capable of high academic achievement and have a disability qualifying them for special education, can present unique challenges for educators. In this episode, Erin and Jeremy examine a Pennsylvania case holding that a district did not violate the IDEA by developing an IEP that anticipated a twice exceptional student would perform slightly below grade level. Join them as they discuss what level of educational benefit IEPs should provide, as well as other practical tips for identifying and supporting twice exceptional students in your district.

Want more on child find as it applies to students who are generally meeting expectations? Check out Episode 14 of Season 3 here.

Here is a link to the poem Jeremy and Erin reference: We Wear the Mask | The Poetry Foundation

Your favorite podcasters, Jeremy Neff and Erin Wessendorf‑Wortman, will be attending LRP’s National Institute in New Orleans, April 26–29, 2026! Jeremy and Pam Leist will present 'What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Navigating Section 504’s Hidden Risks' at the Pre‑Symposium, followed by Monday sessions on Mental Health (Jeremy) and Service Animals (Pam). Hope to see you there! Here is the link to register!