_JPEG.jpeg)
My Educational Philosophy
"My educational philosophy is that all students, regardless of significance of disability or background, want to learn and are capable of learning at high levels. Students succeed when they receive the support they need and when the adults responsible for their education are held to high standards. As an educational advocate, I work diligently on behalf of families, helping transform their goals and vision for their child into a reality."
About Michelle Goode
Michelle Goode is a special education advocate with more than a decade of experience in the special education field. She is deeply committed to ensuring students receive the support they need to make meaningful, measurable progress. Prior to her advocacy work, Michelle was an award-winning special education teacher serving students with extensive support needs. She held inclusive teaching practices at the core of her values as an educator.
Michelle has stepped 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/504 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
(Records Review)
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.
​
Depending on your needs, Consultation and Advocacy services include things like:
-
IEP or 504 meeting attendance
-
Support requesting special education evaluations
-
Consulting with you about reports, documents, or school meetings
-
Strategizing with you about your concerns regarding your child
-
Attending school meetings
-
Talking through how to tackle a challenge with your child or the school team
-
Observation in school settings (depending on district policy)
-
Drafting emails or letters to school personnel
-
Consulting with members of your child's IEP team (requires a Release of Information)
-
Providing advice for school-based challenges
​
Individual Tutoring
At this time, I am not taking on new tutoring clients. My primary focus is on advocacy and educational consulting services.
​
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:
-
Brushing up on skills in core subjects, like reading, writing, and math
-
Remediation
-
Getting a boost on their IEP goals
-
Building academic confidence
-
Homework support
​
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I live in Ventura County with my husband and daughter. I am able to travel to surrounding areas to provide in-person advocacy and consultation. I am able to travel farther for a fee.
​
I am also able to provide advocacy and consultation remotely and I support families all over California. You always have the right to request that IEP meetings be held via teleconference.
​
The IEP Deep Dive service can be provided to families who are located anywhere in California.
​
​
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.
​
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 or 504, 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.
What if my child already has an IEP, but I don't think it's working?
If your child has an IEP but you feel it isn’t meeting their needs, you are not alone and you have options. Sometimes a child needs additional services, goals are not appropriate, or the placement and supports no longer match your child’s needs.
The first step is usually to review the current IEP carefully, including goals, services, accommodations, progress reports, and any recent assessment data. Parents have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time to discuss concerns, ask questions, and propose changes.
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.
