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My Educational Philosophy
"My philosophy of teaching is that all students, regardless of disability or background, want to learn and are capable of learning at high levels. Students learn best when they know their teacher likes them and cares about their outcomes. I build strong relationships with students and their families so they view me as a coach who is relentless in making their success a reality."
About Michelle Goode
Michelle Goode is an award-winning special education teacher with more than a decade of experience teaching students with extensive support needs. Although she's taught at the elementary level for nine years, she has worked with students between the ages of four to 22 years old. Michelle is stepping away from the classroom to help parents and families navigate the ever changing landscape of special education. She has a deep understanding of the IEP process and how school districts operate. Michelle is collaborative in nature and keeps conversations student focused. She believes that parents are the experts of their child and should be valued as critical decision making members of IEP teams.
My Services
IEP Deep Dive
After hearing your parent concerns during your free consultation phone call, I will review your student's most recent psychoeducational evaluation and IEP (or 504). Then, I will summarize my general impressions, strengths and weaknesses of the IEP, questions for the IEP team, as well as possible next steps to best support your student. I will provide you with a written document with these findings and review them with you.
Consultation and Advocacy
The world of special education can often be intimidating and overwhelming for parents. You deserve to have someone in your corner who can help you get your child the support they need.
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Depending on your needs, Consultation and Advocacy services include things like:
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IEP or 504 meeting attendance
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Consulting with you about reports, documents, or school meetings
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Consulting with you about your concerns regarding your child
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Attending school meetings
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Observation in school settings (depending on district policy)
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Drafting emails or letters to school personnel
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Consulting with members of your child's IEP team (requires a Release of Information)
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Providing advice for school-based challenges
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Individual Tutoring
I am a teacher at heart and can provide individualized tutoring to support your student to make educational gains.
Tutoring services can support students with:
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Brushing up on skills in core subjects, like reading, writing, and math
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Remediation
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Getting a boost on their IEP goals
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Building academic confidence
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Homework support
If you want to move forward with tutoring, we can agree on dates, times, as well as location. I am located in Simi Valley, CA and can travel to surrounding towns. I am also open to tutoring via Zoom depending on the student's learning profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I recently relocated to Simi Valley, CA in Ventura County with my husband and daughter. I am able to travel to surrounding towns to provide in-person advocacy/consultation and tutoring services. I am able to travel farther for a fee.
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I am also able to provide advocacy/consultation and tutoring services remotely. You have the right to request that IEP meetings be held via teleconference.
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The IEP Deep Dive service can be provided to families who are located anywhere in California.
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What if I don't have copies of my child's most recent IEP documents?
Please contact me and I would be happy to help you obtain those documents.
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Per Ed Code, School districts must provide you with copies of your child's educational records (including IEPs and reports) within five business days of making the oral or written request.
What if my child does not have an IEP, but I feel he needs one?
I am well-versed in the special education assessment process and can support you to request an evaluation if that is the path you want to take. Per Ed Code, parents have the right to request a special education assessment and districts must comply with specific timelines.
Do you only tutor students with disabilities?
No, I am able to provide tutoring services for students with and without disabilities. In my teaching practice, I utilize the Universal Design for Learning, which benefits all learners, not just those in special education. Additionally, I taught special education in inclusive settings and understand Common Core standards very well.
Do you provide legal advice?
No. I am a non-attorney advocate and no ethical non-attorney advocate should provide you with legal advice. I do have a robust understanding of special education law and California Education Code and am able to share my knowledge with you. If your case escalates to Due Process, which is often a last resort, I recommend that you hire an attorney.
