Expert IEP Receives National Funding to Reimagine Learning for Students with Learning Differences

Expert IEP announced it joined a national cohort of organizations receiving funding and support from NewSchools Venture Fund to advance its work supporting students with learning differences, specifically those who also experience the impacts of poverty and racism.

The $150,000 investment from NewSchools will help Expert IEP provide a partnership platform for communities that experience the double-edged identity of navigating a disability as a person of color while prioritizing emergent acceptance of neurodivergent identity. 

“As a mother of a teenager with autism and ADHD, I understand how IEPs can be blind side parents and make us question ourselves and the value we bring to the table. As a trained Cognitive Scientist, understanding the socio-emotional needs of our children provides the foundation for learner variability and growth. As CEO of Expert IEP, I bring both experiences to shape the way we build and think critically about our students who think and learn differently,” Antoinette Banks.

NewSchools funded Expert IEP and 10 other organizations this year committed to helping schools better meet the needs of students with learning differences. Investment decisions were made using a community review process that centered the expertise and lived experiences of individuals with learning differences, including students, caregivers, special educators, school and district leaders and special education researchers. 

In addition to funding, Expert IEP will receive management assistance support from NewSchools and will join a national community of practice with other organizations charting new paths to help students with learning differences realize their full potential. 

About Expert IEP 

Expert IEP’s goal is to empower caregivers of youth who think and learn differently to participate as valued members of the IEP team. We achieve their goal by leveraging machine learning to elevate caregiver assets, help caregivers advocate for clear and appropriate IEP goals, and monitor service delivery as well as overall student progress. We are the first IEP optimization app for families by families. Learn more at www.expertieps.com

About NewSchools  

NewSchools Venture Fund is a national nonprofit that supports and invests in promising teams of educators and innovators who want to reimagine learning. NewSchools helps teams accomplish their missions to achieve outstanding results for the schools, students and educators they serve. NewSchools is committed to helping students graduate high school prepared and inspired to achieve their most ambitious dreams and plans. Through its investing, management assistance, network building, and thought leadership, NewSchools helps to reimagine PreK-12 education. Learn more at www.newschools.org