Sarah McPartland

Educational Advocate

Sarah is a former elementary school teacher and reading specialist by trade. She worked with Diane Wiscarson, a learning disability lawyer, until her retirement.

She is also a parent of two children who have needed advocacy support since they entered kindergarten.

Her advocacy work has focused on generating collaborative conversations around a variety of disabilities (e.g., autism, anxiety, dysgraphia, ADHD, depression, trauma) in the school setting, to develop a working IEP to support the child’s emotional and academic success.

Sarah behlieves that behaviors are not separate from the disabilities, but rather a form of communication that either conveys that the accommodations and suppports are working or need to be modified.

In her leisure time she enjoys mentoring autistic adults, spending time with her family and friends, boating, hiking and listenint to music.

Note: Sarah McPartland does not give legal advice.

Role of Educational Advocates

  • Assist in dispute resolution processes, such as mediation or due process
  • Support families in navigating special education systems (e.g., IDEA and Section 504).
  • Interpret educational evaluations and school reports to help parents understand their child’s needs.
  • Attend school meetings (e.g.,IEP, 504, eligibility, manifestation determination) to represent or support the family’s perspective.
  • Review IEPs and 504 plans to ensure goals, accommodations, and services are appropriate and legally compliant.
  • Advise parents on their rights under federal and state special education laws.
  • Communicate with school staff to clarify concerns and promote collaboration.
  • Help identify needed assessments or services that may not have been provided.
  • Draft or review correspondence to the school district regarding educational concerns or requests.
  • Coach parents on how to effectively advocate for their child independently.
  • Refer families to other professionals (e.g., psychologists, attorneys, tutors) when needed.
  • Monitor progress and compliance with educational plans over time.

Websites that are useful for Educational Advocacy