Advocacy without Conflict
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Oliver Buchannon
Patrick Markey

I’m a school psychologist and parent sharing the calm, practical language that moves things forward: how to ask for evaluations, clarify goals, request accommodations, and follow up—without drama.

modifications to curriculum

+6

How to Ask for Increased Service Minutes (Without Blame)

Dec 9, 2025

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6 min read

How to Ask for Increased Service Minutes (Without Blame)

A calm, effective way to request “more support” that schools can actually say yes to (plus copy/paste scripts).

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

modifications to curriculum

+5

If the School Says “Let’s Wait,” What to Say Next (Response Script)

Dec 8, 2025

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6 min read

If the School Says “Let’s Wait,” What to Say Next (Response Script)

A calm, firm reply that keeps things moving—without sounding angry.

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

modifications to curriculum

+4

How to Request an Evaluation in Writing (And What to Include)

Dec 7, 2025

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8 min read

How to Request an Evaluation in Writing (And What to Include)

A parent-friendly, “no drama” script that gets action—fast.

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

modifications to curriculum

+6

The Difference Between Accommodations vs. Modifications (And How to Request the Right One)New Post

Dec 6, 2025

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6 min read

The Difference Between Accommodations vs. Modifications (And How to Request the Right One)New Post

Plain-English guide for IEP/504 parents + copy/paste email scripts

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

Re-evaluation

+2

What to Say When Progress Reports Are Vague (“Making Some Progress...”)

Dec 5, 2025

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7 min read

What to Say When Progress Reports Are Vague (“Making Some Progress...”)

How to request baseline + current data (with a copy/paste email script)

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

FBA

+6

“Can You Clarify the Data?” — A Polite Script That Gets Real Answers

Dec 4, 2025

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7 min read

“Can You Clarify the Data?” — A Polite Script That Gets Real Answers

Short emails. Clear plans. Better support.

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

Parent Advocacy

+2

How to Ask for an IEP Meeting (Without Sounding Angry)

Dec 3, 2025

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8 min read

How to Ask for an IEP Meeting (Without Sounding Angry)

Advocacy Without Conflict • Article #2

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey

Parent Advocacy

+5

The Collaborative-But-Firm IEP Email Template (Copy/Paste)

Dec 2, 2025

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5 min read

The Collaborative-But-Firm IEP Email Template (Copy/Paste)

Use this when: you need help (evaluation, accommodations, service minutes, a meeting) but you want to stay calm, professional, and effective.

Patrick Markey
Patrick Markey