Essential resources for understanding the world of special education in Howard County and beyond.
School Discipline: The Rights of Students With IEPs and 504 Plans
By Andrew M.I. Lee, J.D. Some kids have learning and attention issues that cause them to misbehave. If they have an IEP or a 504 plan, what happens if they break a school rule? Can they be disciplined? And if so, how?
Strengths-Based IEPs
Understood Imagine an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that focuses as much on your child’s strengths as it does on your child’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, that’s not the norm for most students yet. In a typical IEP meeting, not much time is given to looking at a child’s strengths. Strengths are covered at the beginning of the…
Does Your Student Need a 1 to 1 Aide?
How to Request a One-to-One Paraprofessional for Your Child by Wayne Steedman, Esq. Does the child need one individual who is assigned to work with the child during the entire day? Can the child be successful if several individuals rotate during the day?
New Special Education Parent Liaison for HCPSS
In her new role as special education parent liaison for the Howard County Public School System, Trish Gunshore spends her time talking with parents as well as collaborating with the county’s special educators. The parent liaison position was created in November 2017 by then-Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano.



- Accommodations & Modifications(12)
- ADD / ADHD / Learning Disabilities(4)
- Autism Resources(44)
- Behavior & Discipline Issues(24)
- COVID-19 Special Ed News(39)
- HCPSS Dept. of Special Education(37)
- High Stakes Testing(13)
- IEP / IFSP / 504 Basics(49)
- Mediation & Due Process(8)
- Parent to Parent Tips(27)
- Procedural Safeguards(9)
- School 411(8)
- Special Education Services(11)
- Transitions(23)
- Videos and Webinars of Support Group Meetings and Advocacy Workshops(17)