Training Course Syllabus:

Comply With the Latest Special Education Laws to Avoid Liability

With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, professionals working with special needs children know that an understanding of special education law is crucial. You need to know the law in order to deal with complex questions that arise on a regular basis. Who pays when a special needs child is placed in private schooling at the parents' election? How can a school create the least restrictive environment and promote inclusion to the best interests of all students? It can be costly if you don't know. Register today!

• Strengthen your knowledge of how recent special education legislation affects school policies and operation.
• Evaluate the legal protection offered by the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Successfully handle disciplinary actions for students with disabilities.
• Explore the role of manifestation determination reviewing the legality of disciplinary actions.
• Understand the rights of special needs students so you can avoid inadvertent illegal actions that may lead to a lawsuit.

1. ESTABLISHING THE FRAMEWORK OF SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW
   8:30 - 9:30, Barbara Loughman
1. Introduction to Special Education Law
   1. History
   2. Federal Statute
   3. Federal Regulations
   4. NH Statute
   5. NH Regulations
   6. Landmark Cases, e.g. Rowley
2. BASICS
   9:30 - 10:15 and 10:30 - 10:45, Barbara Loughman
1. Referral/Eligibility for Service
   1. Child Find
   2. Early Intervention Programs
2. Identification Process/Evaluation Team
3. IEP/IEP Team
4. Placement
   1. LRE
   2. Qualifications of Service Providers
5. Unilateral Placement
6. FAPE
7. Consent
   
3. SUCCESSFULLY HANDLING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
   10:45 - 11:45, Margaret -Ann Morgan
1. Providing Services During Disciplinary Removal
2. Defining Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)
3. What are Behavioral Intervention Plans?
4. How Manifestation Determination Reviews Apply
5. Protections for Children Not Yet Eligible for Special Education and Related Services
6. Changes in Placement
1. Suspensions and the Ten-Day Rule
2. Legal Rules Governing Removal or Expulsion
3. Interim Alternative Educational Settings
7. Other Available Remedies
8. “Stay Put” Placement During Pendency of Due Process
9. Expedited Due Process Hearings
   
4. ENSURING SUCCESSFUL DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES
   12:45 - 1:45, Margaret -Ann Morgan
1. Actions To Take Upon Receipt of Request for Impartial Hearing
2. Complying With Notice Requirements
3. Examining Essential Timing Issues
4. Providing for the Option of Mediation
5. How to Prepare for a Due Process Hearing
6. Crucial Elements in an Impartial Due Process Hearing
7. Appeals From Administrative Due Process Hearing
8. Effective Ways to Avoid Due Process Litigation
9. Complaint Process
   
5. OTHER ISSUES
   1:45 - 2:45, Margaret -Ann Morgan
1. Case Law (Including Cedar Rapids Community School District)
2. Summary of Recent Developments in Special Education Law
3. Children in Private Schools
4. Remedies
   1. Compensatory Education
   2. Damages
   3. Section 1983
      
6. ETHICS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW
   3:00 - 4:00, Barbara Loughman
   1. Lawyer/Client Relationship
      1. Competence
      2. Case Management
      3. Confidentiality
      4. Conflicts of Interest
   2. Counselor
   3. Advocate
      1. Discovery
      2. Mediation
      3. Resolution Sessions
      4. Pro Se Parents
      5. Witness
      6. Subpoenas
   4. Negotiation of Settlements
   5. OCR Investigations/ NH DOE Investigations

Seminar Summary:

With the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, professionals working with special needs children know that an understanding of special education law is crucial. You need to know the law in order to deal with complex questions that arise on a regular basis. (see full course description)

print this agenda