Student Advocates of Austin
Empowering parents with the knowledge & tools necessary to advocate effectively for your child's educational needs.
Welcome to our Student Advocacy Services. We have over 30 years of experience in education, including roles as a special education teacher, department chair, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator, and superintendent.
Who We Are
Navigating the complexities of the school system can be overwhelming for parents and students alike. Student Advocates of Austin, is passionate about helping you understand the challenges you face and are here to help. With over 30 years of experience in education, we offer expert guidance and support to ensure your child's educational rights are upheld. Whether you need assistance with special education advocacy, understanding legal protections, addressing disciplinary issues, or navigating school policies, our dedicated team is committed to providing the knowledge and advocacy you need. Let us help you create a safe, supportive, and equitable educational environment for your child.
Why We Do This
At Student Advocates of Austin, we are deeply passionate about ensuring every child receives a fair and equitable education. As products of both private and public education systems, we have witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly. This diverse experience drives our commitment to advocating for parents and students who often find themselves at a disadvantage when navigating the complexities of the school system.
We believe that when parents are uninformed, they are at a great disadvantage, and this can significantly impact their child's educational journey. Fairness and equality are at the core of our values, and we combine these principles with common sense to provide practical, effective solutions.
We believe that when parents are uninformed, they are at a great disadvantage, and this can significantly impact their child's educational journey. Fairness and equality are at the core of our values, and we combine these principles with common sense to provide practical, effective solutions.
Services We Provide
- Special Education Advocacy
- 504 Planning
- Filing Grievances and Appeals
- Understanding Your Rights
- Bullying Concerns
- Teacher Concerns
- Grade Appeals
- Disciplinary Issues and Appeals
Special Education Advocacy
We assist with developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and acccmadations, Specializing in special education advocacy including reviewing existing IEPs, attending IEP meetings (upon request) while ensuring that your child's educational needs are being met according to federal and state regulations including providing detailed information about the rights of students and parents under federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Filing Grievances and Appeals
We provide guidance on navigating the grievance process, including assistance with writing and submitting grievances. We will ensure that grievance submissions are filed according to policy and within timelines when parents feel that the school system has violated their child's rights or failed to provide appropriate services. We advocate for parents and students during grievance hearings and meetings, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed
504 Plan Development & Compliance
We will provide detailed information regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, We assist in creating and reviewing 504 plans to provide necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. Parents and students will receive expert guidance and support throughout the entire 504 Plan process, ensuring compliance and successful implementation. We will Collaborate with parents, teachers, and medical professionals to gather necessary documentation and insights.
Understanding Your Rights
The policies within a school system can be ovewelming to understand. Our consulting services are dedicated to empowering parents and students by providing comprehensive information and guidance on their rights within the public school system. We aim to ensure that every child’s educational environment is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning by helping families navigate legal protections and school policies.
Bullying Concerns
We undertand that bullying is a very serious concern for parents and students alike. We offer support strategies for addressing bullying in schools. This includes identifying signs of bullying, working with school staff to create a safe environment, and advocating for appropriate interventions and consequences for bullying behavior.
Teacher Concerns
Addressing Teacher Concerns: If you have concerns about your child's teacher or the quality of instruction, we will provide guidance on how to address these issues effectively. This includes communication strategies, meeting with school administrators, and advocating for your child's educational needs.
Grade Appeals
We will guide you through the process of appealing grades, helping you understand the grounds for an appeal, gathering necessary documentation, and presenting your case effectively to the school's administration.
Disciplinary Issues and Appeals
We will provide expert guidance on handling disciplinary actions taken against your child. This includes understanding the school's policies and procedures, exploring alternatives to suspension or alternative placements, and developing a plan to address behavioral concerns.
Additional Services We Provide
Tutoring Services
We are proud to offer specialized tutoring services for high school courses, designed to help students excel academically. Our highly qualified tutors provide personalized support across a range of subjects, ensuring that each student understands the material and improves their performance. Whether it's mastering challenging concepts or preparing for exams, our dedicated tutors are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals. Let us empower your high school journey with the guidance and expertise needed for success.
Planning a Pathway to College
We are pleased to offer personalized planning services to guide students from high school to college, ensuring a seamless and successful transition. Our experienced advisors work closely with students to create tailored academic and extracurricular plans that align with their college goals. With expert guidance on course selection, college applications, and career exploration, we provide the support needed to make informed decisions and achieve long-term success.
ACT/SAT Prep
We are excited to offer comprehensive ACT/SAT prep tutoring as an additional service, providing students with personalized guidance and support. Whether your student needs to master test-taking strategies or focus on specific subject areas, our experienced tutors are dedicated to helping you succeed. Let us help you build the confidence and skills needed to excel on test day.
Feedback
Read what our clients have to say.
- The team at Student Advocates of Austin provided excellent support and guidance for my family. They were knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to advocating for my child's educational needs.★ ★ ★ ★ ★Lisa M.I am incredibly grateful for the help I received from Student Advocates of Austin. They helped me navigate through a difficult situation with my child's school and provided the necessary tools and resources to ensure my child's educational needs were met.★ ★ ★ ★ ★John D.Student Advocates of Austin made a significant difference in our lives. They were able to successfully resolve a long-standing issue with my child's special education program. I highly recommend their services to any parent in need of support.★ ★ ★ ★ ★Sarah T.
- The team at Student Advocates of Austin provided invaluable guidance and support throughout our journey. They were proactive, resourceful, and truly dedicated to ensuring my child received the best education possible. I can't thank them enough!★ ★ ★ ★ ★Mark W.I am extremely satisfied with the services provided by Student Advocates of Austin. They helped me navigate through a complex disciplinary issue with my child's school, and their expertise and guidance were instrumental in achieving a fair resolution.★ ★ ★ ★ ★Emily L.Student Advocates of Austin provided exceptional support and guidance for my family. Their knowledge, expertise, and dedication were evident throughout the entire process. I highly recommend their services to any parent in need.★ ★ ★ ★ ★Michael S.
Upcoming Events
Join us for these informative events.
Date: TBD
Special Education Workshop
Learn about your rights as a parent of a child with special needs.
Date: TBD
Bullying Seminar
Undertanding how to deal with bullying at school and your rights as a parent
Date: TBD
College Readiness Seminar
Prepare your child for success in college with this informative seminar.
Date: TBD
High School Parenting
Join us for a comprehensive session on preparring to be a high school parent