Understanding IEPs for Parents of Special Needs Children
Introduction Understanding IEPs for parents of special needs children is essential for ensuring your child receives the services and support needed for success in school. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) outlines specific goals, services, and accommodations designed to meet your child’s unique learning needs. This comprehensive guide will help parents navigate the process of understanding […]
Transition Planning for Special Education Students
Introduction Transition planning for special education students is a critical process that prepares them for life after high school, whether that includes college, employment, or independent living. A strong transition plan empowers students to build independence, confidence, and real-world skills aligned with their interests and strengths. This guide will help parents and educators understand transition […]
How School Funding Impacts Special Education
Introduction Access to high-quality special education depends heavily on school funding. This article explores how school funding impacts special education, affecting staffing, services, and student outcomes. Funding disparities directly shape what schools can offer and why equitable policies are essential for every child’s success. This article will unpack how funding disparities impact special education and […]
Effective Classroom Strategies for Special Education Teachers
Introduction Teaching students with disabilities takes creativity and structure. This article shares proven classroom strategies special education teachers can use to improve learning and build independence in inclusive classrooms. Here are proven strategies every special education teacher can implement to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Use Differentiated Instruction Differentiated instruction tailors teaching methods to […]
How Parents Can Support Special Education at Home
Introduction Supporting your child’s special education at home is one of the most powerful ways to improve their progress, confidence, and independence. While schools provide structured support, your home environment can reinforce learning, build critical life skills, and create a consistent path toward success. If you are a parent navigating special education, here’s a clear, […]
Why Politics Shapes Our Classrooms More Than We Realize
Politics in education affects your child’s classroom every day. When most people think about school, they think about textbooks, teachers, and test scores. But a hidden driver shapes your child’s learning: politics. From curriculum choices to funding decisions, debates in local school boards and state legislatures directly impact what happens in K-12 schools. I spent […]
Bloglovin Claim
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
The cost of education is about to go up in the lone star state
Lonnie Palmer is a former math and science teacher, school principal, assistant superintendent for secondary instruction, school superintendent. The cost of education is about to go up in Texas by Lonnie PalmerEducator and author of The Politics of Education K-12 (April 21, 2025) – Three things will result from the school voucher system on tap […]
Push for school district boundaries shares same impetus as charter schools – segregation
An excerpt from The Politics of Education K-12, available on Amazon by Lonnie Palmer There is one thing stopping us from combining resources in schools that nobody talks about because we like to think we’ve moved beyond it — segregation. The cost benefit of combining school resources resurfaced in a recent newspaper article and readers […]
Secrecy killed the Common Core
An excerpt from The Politics of Education K-12, available on Amazon. by Lonnie Palmer One of the many things that contributed to the turmoil during the initial rollout of the Common Core-based testing was the secrecy. Teachers were unable to review even sample tests, which contributed to teacher, student and parent fears. What exactly are […]