A Peaceful Path

The Legal Podcast Network

A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show aims to provide valuable information and resources to help parents navigate the complex world of special education rights and services.

Episodes

  1. From School to Adulthood: Navigating Transition Plans and Life After High School

    12/31/2025

    From School to Adulthood: Navigating Transition Plans and Life After High School

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Michelle Becker, a special education attorney, breaks down the transition planning process for students with disabilities as they move from high school into adulthood. She explains when transition planning should start, how to prepare for high school diploma or functional skills pathways, and practical steps parents can take to ensure their child develops independence, career readiness, and life skills. Michelle also highlights community resources like Workability, the Department of Rehabilitation, and Regional Centers that can support students beyond the school system. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Understanding transition planning for students with disabilities 01:20 – From sophomore year and beyond, with early considerations in elementary school 04:30 – Planning for independence and daily life skills 09:30 – Fading support over time and building self-sufficiency 11:30 – Academic, career, and independent living goals 15:00 – Workability, Department of Rehabilitation, and Regional Centers 17:30 – Ensuring schools implement comprehensive transition plans 19:00 – Forward-thinking planning and prioritizing independence About the Show: A Peaceful Path: Special Education Legal Advocacy for Families helps parents navigate the school system with clarity and confidence. Each episode features experts like Michelle Becker, providing actionable guidance on IEPs, transition planning, legal rights, and strategies to prepare students with disabilities for adulthood.

    20 min
  2. When Behavior Becomes a Barrier: Understanding Discipline, Suspension, and Behavior Intervention Plans

    12/03/2025

    When Behavior Becomes a Barrier: Understanding Discipline, Suspension, and Behavior Intervention Plans

    Episode Summary: In this episode of A Peaceful Path, Michelle Becker discusses what parents can do when their child’s behavior begins to interfere with their ability to learn. She explains what typically leads to school suspensions, why parents often feel surprised by disciplinary action, and how special education laws protect children with disabilities. Michelle also covers the importance of manifestation determination meetings and functional behavior assessments (FBAs), offering insight into how these tools help schools and parents better support students with behavioral challenges. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and topic discussion 01:10 – Common emotions parents experience when their child faces suspension 03:00 – Understanding which behaviors lead to suspension and why 05:00 – How teacher communication can sometimes mask behavior issues 07:00 – The fine line between typical misbehavior and serious infractions 09:30 – How IDEA protects students with disabilities in disciplinary settings 11:00 – What happens during a manifestation determination meeting 13:00 – When a child’s behavior is a symptom of their disability 15:00 – The purpose and process of a functional behavior assessment (FBA) 18:00 – How behavior intervention plans (BIPs) support long-term improvement 20:00 – Teaching replacement behaviors and improving outcomes 21:00 – Closing thoughts and where parents can learn more About the Show: A Peaceful Path helps families of children with special needs navigate the education system with confidence and clarity. Each episode features insights from Michelle Becker, who shares practical strategies for understanding special education laws, protecting children’s rights, and creating positive educational outcomes for every student.

    21 min
  3. Special Education and Mental Health: Navigating Emotional Disturbance (ED) Eligibility

    11/05/2025

    Special Education and Mental Health: Navigating Emotional Disturbance (ED) Eligibility

    Episode Summary In this episode of A Peaceful Path, special education attorney Michelle Becker explores how mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and school avoidance, are addressed—or overlooked—within the public school system. She breaks down what emotional disturbance (also called emotional disability) eligibility under IDEA really means, how it is assessed, and the legal and educational rights of parents when schools fail to provide appropriate services. Michelle also highlights the critical difference between private counseling and educationally related mental health services (ERMHS) provided through schools, emphasizing how parents can advocate effectively to ensure their child receives the support they need. Key Timestamps 00:55 – Defining Emotional Disturbance Under IDEA 03:45 – The Impact of COVID on Student Mental Health 06:22 – The Evaluation Process and Levels of School-Based Mental Health Services 10:48 – Why Private Therapy Is Not a Substitute for School-Based Mental Health Services 13:10 – Practical Accommodations for Students with Anxiety and School Avoidance 15:55 – Parental Concerns About Emotional Disturbance Labels 17:40 – What Parents Can Do If Schools Deny Services About the Show: A Peaceful Path is the podcast that empowers parents of children with special needs to navigate the special education system with clarity, courage, and legal insight. Hosted by Michelle Becker, a Los Angeles–based special education attorney, the show covers practical guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, assessments, disputes, and more. Learn More: Visit michellebeckerlaw.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources for special education legal advocacy.

    20 min
  4. Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) Services

    10/08/2025

    Understanding Extended School Year (ESY) Services

    Episode Summary In this episode of A Peaceful Path, special education attorney Michelle Becker breaks down the complexities of Extended School Year (ESY) services. She explains what ESY is, how it differs from traditional summer school, who qualifies, and how families can advocate for their children when districts deny eligibility. Michelle highlights the importance of understanding regression, recoupment, and the legal steps parents can take when ESY is improperly withheld. This conversation equips parents with the knowledge to ensure their children receive the services they need beyond the regular school year. Key Timestamps 00:40 – What is Extended School Year (ESY) and how it differs from summer school 02:05 – Who qualifies for ESY and how schools determine eligibility 04:20 – Why ESY decisions can vary from year to year 06:00 – Regression and recoupment: how schools measure need 09:15 – Why ESY is not simply a “make-up” opportunity for missed learning 12:45 – Can schools deny ESY even when a child clearly regresses? 14:30 – Due process and the risks parents face if they don’t build their case 16:50 – How to use IEP meetings strategically to strengthen your advocacy 18:30 – Does bringing in a lawyer make things more adversarial? About the Show: A Peaceful Path is the podcast that empowers parents of children with special needs to navigate the special education system with clarity, courage, and legal insight. Hosted by Michelle Becker, a Los Angeles–based special education attorney, the show covers practical guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, assessments, disputes, and more. Visit michellebeckerlaw.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources for special education legal advocacy.

    20 min
  5. The Role of Assessments: What to Ask For and What to Expect

    09/10/2025

    The Role of Assessments: What to Ask For and What to Expect

    Episode Summary In this episode of A Peaceful Path, special education attorney Michelle Becker breaks down one of the most critical elements of the special education process: assessments. She explains how standardized evaluations shape eligibility for services, what parents should know when requesting assessments, and how the results directly influence a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Michelle provides clear guidance on timelines, the importance of comprehensive testing, and how parents can advocate for accurate evaluations that reflect their child’s real needs. She also highlights strategies for interpreting assessment data, identifying gaps, and pursuing an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) when necessary. This episode is a must-listen for parents navigating the special education system who want to understand how to secure the right support for their child’s educational success. Episode Timestamps 00:55 – Why assessments are critical in special education 02:30 – The 13 qualifying disabilities and eligibility requirements 06:40 – Steps parents must take to request an assessment 10:15 – Timelines and deadlines districts must follow 13:00 – The difference between assessment data and interpretation 15:45 – Identifying reading struggles through assessment data 18:20 – Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) explained 20:10 – Why parents must fight when the data supports them About the Show: A Peaceful Path is the podcast that empowers parents of children with special needs to navigate the special education system with clarity, courage, and legal insight. Hosted by Michelle Becker, a Los Angeles–based special education attorney, the show covers practical guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, assessments, disputes, and more. Visit michellebeckerlaw.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources for special education legal advocacy.

    21 min

  6. 08/05/2025

    When the School Says No: How to Appeal Denied Services

    Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, special education attorney Michelle Becker breaks down what parents should do when a school denies an IEP, 504 plan, or assessment request. She explains how to recognize the difference between informal school pushback and a formal legal denial, and what steps parents must take to get the “yes” their child deserves. Whether your child is struggling with reading, attention, or other academic challenges, Michelle provides a practical roadmap for navigating the system with confidence and clarity.   Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to A Peaceful Path 00:01 – Introduction to today’s topic: when schools say “no” 00:02 – Common types of school denials and how parents typically encounter them 00:03 – Why written assessment requests are the key to legal timelines and accountability 00:05 – The difference between SST meetings and formal evaluations 00:07 – What the law says: timelines for response and parent rights 00:08 – Why parental instincts are often right, even when schools push back 00:10 – Informal disagreement vs. formal prior written notice of denial 00:12 – Legal pathways: resolution sessions, mediation, and due process 00:14 – Building a case with practical classroom-based evidence 00:16 – Documentation that makes an impact: test scores, anecdotal examples, and red flags 00:18 – Real-life examples of how advocacy leads to support 00:20 – Final thoughts and where to get help About the Show: A Peaceful Path is the podcast that empowers parents of children with special needs to navigate the special education system with clarity, courage, and legal insight. Hosted by Michelle Becker, a Los Angeles–based special education attorney, the show covers practical guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, assessments, disputes, and more.   Visit michellebeckerlaw.com to schedule a consultation or explore more resources for special education legal advocacy.

    22 min
  7. From Referral to Services: Breaking Down the IEP Process Step-by-Step

    06/18/2025

    From Referral to Services: Breaking Down the IEP Process Step-by-Step

    Episode Summary: In this episode of A Peaceful Path, host Kevin Rosenquist and attorney Michelle Becker dive deep into understanding the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Michelle explains the comprehensive nature of IEPs, from eligibility criteria and team composition to goal setting and placement decisions. She emphasizes the importance of parent involvement and provides valuable insights into the legal aspects of special education advocacy.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show introduction 00:44 - Definition of IEP and team composition 02:30 - Discussion of autism and eligibility criteria 04:15 - Present levels of performance and goal setting 06:30 - Service provisions and accommodations 08:45 - Least restrictive environment and placement options 11:53 - Parent involvement in decision-making 14:44 - Handling emotional aspects of the IEP process   About the Show: A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children who have special needs. The show features expert insights from attorney Michelle Becker and host Kevin Rosenquist, providing valuable information and guidance for parents navigating the special education system.

    17 min
  8. Is It Time for a 504 Plan? Early Signs and How to Start the Process

    06/04/2025

    Is It Time for a 504 Plan? Early Signs and How to Start the Process

    Episode Summary: In this informative episode, host Kevin Rosenquist and special education attorney Michelle Becker dive deep into Section 504 plans, explaining their differences from IEPs, eligibility requirements, and implementation in schools. Michelle provides valuable insights into how these plans support students with disabilities and shares practical examples of effective accommodations.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show introduction 00:29 - Basic explanation of Section 504 plans vs IEPs 03:23 - Discussion on medical diagnosis requirements 08:14 - School responses to 504 plans 09:42 - Teacher accommodations and implementation 13:27 - Examples of effective 504 plan accommodations 17:29 - Relationship between 504 accommodations and IEPs   About the Show: A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children who have special needs. The show provides expert guidance and practical information to help parents navigate the special education system.

    19 min
  9. It's More Than Just Talking to the Teacher: Understanding the Realities of Special Ed Support

    05/21/2025

    It's More Than Just Talking to the Teacher: Understanding the Realities of Special Ed Support

    Episode Summary: In this episode of A Peaceful Path, host Kevin Rosenquist and special education attorney Michelle Becker discuss the realities of special education support and advocacy. Michelle shares insights about common challenges parents face when dealing with school districts, the importance of understanding IEPs (Individual Education Programs), and how proper assessment and data interpretation can make a difference in a child's education journey.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show introduction 00:46 - Typical scenarios when parents seek legal help 03:04 - Understanding IEPs and assessment processes 06:08 - Common misconceptions about special education 07:01 - Discussion about fundamental reading skills and educational gaps 09:30 - Legal requirements for educational support 13:01 - Assessment timelines and Child Find law 15:43 - When to seek legal help   About the Show: A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show provides valuable insights, legal guidance, and practical advice for parents navigating the special education system.

    18 min
  10. From Purpose to Practice: Michelle Becker’s Journey into Special Education Law

    05/07/2025

    From Purpose to Practice: Michelle Becker’s Journey into Special Education Law

    Episode Summary: In this inaugural episode, host Kevin Rosenquist interviews Michelle Becker, a special education attorney who shares her personal journey into special education law. Michelle discusses how adopting twin girls from Romania led her to discover the challenges within the special education system and ultimately inspired her career change. She provides valuable insights into the special education legal process and advocates for better awareness of special education legal rights.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show Introduction 00:28 - Michelle's journey into special education law 02:46 - Discussion about adopting twins from Romania 04:27 - Challenges and perspectives in law school 05:37 - Starting her legal practice 08:04 - Explanation of special education law framework 10:25 - Case study example and common challenges 14:19 - Discussion of systemic issues in special education 17:22 - Importance of advocacy and need for more special education attorneys   About the Show: A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show aims to provide valuable information and resources to help parents navigate the complex world of special education rights and services.

    19 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

A Peaceful Path is a podcast focused on special education legal advocacy for families with children that have special needs. The show aims to provide valuable information and resources to help parents navigate the complex world of special education rights and services.

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