The Special Clarity Blog

Practical guidance for parents navigating IEPs, insurance, benefits, and everything in between — written by educator and advocate Tabaitha McKeever.

Latest Articles

IEP & School Rights · June 28, 2026

Texas ARD Committee: A Parent's Complete Guide

In Texas, the IEP team is called the ARD committee — but the rights, the process, and the stakes are the same. Here is what every Texas parent needs to know before walking into an ARD meeting.

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Dyslexia · June 28, 2026

Structured Literacy Programs Compared: Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, and SPIRE

Your child's IEP says they need a structured literacy program — but which one? Here is a plain-language comparison of the most commonly used programs, what sets each apart, and what to ask the school.

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Benefits & Funding · June 28, 2026

Katie Beckett Medicaid Waiver: How to Apply for Your Child

The Katie Beckett waiver allows children with significant medical or disability-related needs to qualify for Medicaid based on the child's income alone — not the family's. Here is what it covers, who qualifies, and how to apply.

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IEP Basics · June 28, 2026

Executive Function and the IEP: What to Ask For

Executive function challenges affect how a child plans, organizes, starts tasks, manages time, and regulates emotions. Most IEPs address behavior but miss the underlying executive function skills. Here is what to ask for instead.

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Autism · June 28, 2026

Autism IEP Accommodations: The Complete Parent Checklist

Most IEP teams check the same boxes for every autistic student. This checklist covers the accommodations that actually address how autism affects learning — organized by area so you know exactly what to ask for.

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IEP & School Rights · June 26, 2026

What Is Prior Written Notice and Why It Matters

Prior Written Notice is one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — protections in IDEA. Here is what it is, when schools must provide it, and how to use it when they do not.

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IEP Basics · June 26, 2026

Twice Exceptional Children: When Your Child Is Both Gifted and Has a Disability

Twice exceptional children are gifted and have a disability — and most schools are not set up to serve both halves of that profile. Here is what parents need to know to advocate effectively.

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IEP & School Rights · June 26, 2026

How to Spot an AI-Generated IEP (And What to Do About It)

Schools are increasingly using AI tools to draft IEP documents. Some of those documents are generic, legally insufficient, and not actually written for your child. Here is how to tell the difference — and what to do when you find one.

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IEP & School Rights · June 19, 2026

What Is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) and How to Get One

If you disagree with the school's evaluation of your child, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation at the district's expense. Here is exactly how it works, when to use it, and what to do if the school pushes back.

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Policy & Legislation · June 19, 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Your Child's Services

The One Big Beautiful Bill passed the House and is moving through the Senate. Here is what it actually proposes for Medicaid, special education funding, and the services families rely on — and what you can do right now.

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IEP & School Rights · June 19, 2026

How to Request an Extended School Year (ESY) for Your Child

Extended School Year services provide special education during summer and school breaks for children who would otherwise lose significant progress. Most schools won't bring it up — here is how to request it and what to do if they say no.

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Advocacy · June 17, 2026

What to Say When the School Says No: Scripts for the 5 Most Common IEP Pushbacks

Schools push back during IEP meetings for the same reasons every time. Here are the 5 most common things schools say to deny services — and the exact words to use in response.

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From McKeever Learning Center, LLC

More free articles from our sister blog on early childhood development and learning foundations.

April 14, 2026

The Hidden Cost of “They’ll Catch Up Eventually"

 The Hidden Cost of “They’ll Catch Up Eventually” Introduction: The Lie That Sounds Comforting “They’ll catch up eventually.” It’s one of the most common p...