It’s a Wrap on the ’24-’25 School Year—But Not on the Support Students & Families Still Need

It’s a Wrap on the ’24-’25 School Year—But Not on the Support Students & Families Still Need

It’s a Wrap on the ’24-’25 School Year—But Not on the Support Students & Families Still Need

By SOS4Students Founder and Director, Beth Samuelson

As the school year wraps up, the uncertainty surrounding education remains impossible to ignore. Questions about the future of the Department of Education, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) abound:

  • Will disability law change or be undermined in any way?
  • How will families and students who rely on essential services be affected?
  • Will services continue unimpeded?
  • How will budget cuts affect schools this fall?

It’s a Wrap on the '24-'25 School Year—But Not on the Support Students & Families Still Need

Standing in Support of Students

At SOS4Students we continue to stand steadfastly in support of students with learning differences and those in need of equal access to public education as it was designed. We must continue to champion the work of disability activists Judy Heumann and Ed Roberts. ADA/504 and IDEA would not exist without their efforts, which came on the heels of the civil rights movement.

Advocating for Students and Families

I was lucky to attend the annual Council of Parent Attorney Advocates (COPAA) meeting in Southern California this spring where tireless work continues in support of all students. This is an organization that parents with students in public schools should belong to; it is a great source of information and support with a large community of wise advocates, parents, and attorneys who fight for kids 365 days a year.

Supporting Critical Disability Rights Organizations

Supporting COPAA’s efforts and those of DREDF (Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund) is essential now as federal funds dwindle. DREDF is based right in Berkeley along with the Center for Assistive Technology. They are invaluable resources for all, with a wealth of knowledge and advice to share. Please consider donating to both organizations and spreading the word of their good works.

Inspired By the Next Generation

I was excited to see so many students this year—more than I ever recall in my 25 years in education—doing work on projects related to civil rights and especially the disabilities movement.  One of my students realized as she worked on a biography of Judy Heumann that she wouldn’t have had her IEP without Judy’s masterful efforts to change how the world sees disabilities.

Skill-Building That Honors Every Learner’s Journey

At SOS4Students, we don’t just talk about equity and access, we put those values into practice every day. The work and efforts of fellow advocates inspires us to offer programs that empower students, foster independence, and support families. This, and every summer, our workshops and coaching are designed to give students the tools they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

Summer Workshops and Coaching

We have a unique line-up of study strategy workshops specifically for students from ages 9 to 17. This includes workshops to help students get front-loaded on how to successfully transition to middle school, high school or a bit of summer coaching to ease the shift to college!

Students can work on their college essays with a coach, practice note taking strategies, improve planning and time management—all while having a blast in hands-on workshops with supportive coaches to guide them at every step.

Parent Support Services

We offer support for parents too!

  • Want to stop obsessing about grades and missing homework?
  • Would you like to get off your student’s back?

Consider a consultation to reboot your approach.

Student Workshops at SOS4Students

Our small-group workshops give middle and high school students hands-on practice with study strategies, organization, and time management, so they head back to class with skills they can use right away. See our workshops page for upcoming dates.

Congratulations Class of 2025!

Congratulations Class of 2025 from SOS4Students

Whether you’re moving from 8th grade to high school, high school to college, or college into the world beyond, remember Confucius’s words: “Wherever you go, take your heart with you.” And wherever your journey takes you, SOS4Students will always be in your back pocket when you need us!

We Are Here to Help

SOS4Students helps families and students navigate executive function issues, test prep, and more, enabling them to reach their full potential. If you have questions about coaching, advocacy, or other ways in which we can help, contact us today at (510) 531-4767 or .