Training Course Syllabus:

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 for your clients if you don´t know. You need advanced skills and a thorough background in the issues to give your clients the protection they need.

That´s why this seminar is so important. It´s an investment that will pay for itself many times over, enabling you to offer your clients solid, informed advice when special education law questions arise. Ground your advice in an understanding of the federal laws governing special education. Be prepared to handle questions regarding disciplinary actions for special needs students. Confidently guide your clients through the due process procedure. Establish your expertise in the rights of special needs students. Don´t miss this opportunity to further your knowledge.

• Strengthen your knowledge of how recent special education legislation may affect your cases.


• Evaluate the legal protection offered by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) so you can determine your clients´ rights.


• Successfully handle disciplinary actions for students with disabilities.


• Explore the role of manifestation determination reviewing the legality of disciplinary actions.


• Be prepared to knowledgeably represent your client during a due process hearing.


• Understand the rights of special needs students so you can represent your client responsibly during a suit.

1. ESTABLISHING THE FRAMEWORK OF SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW
   
   Sarah Davis and Heidi B. Konkler-Goldsmith, 9:00 - 10:00
   
   
   
   
   1. Reviewing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
   
   
   2. Examining Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
   
   
   3. What are the Laws Relating to Particular Disabilities?
   
   
   4. Summary of Recent Developments in Special Education Law
   
   
   5. Relevant Case Law (Including Cedar Rapids Community School District vs. Garret F.)
   
   
   
   


2. UNRAVELING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)
   
   Sarah Davis and Heidi B. Konkler-Goldsmith, 10:00 - 11:00
   
   1. What are Early Intervention Programs?
   
   
   2. Defining State and Local Eligibility for Services
   
   
   3. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
   
   
   4. Conducting Evaluations and Re-Evaluations of Students With Special Needs
   
   
   5. The Role of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the IEP Team
   
   
   6. Availability of Personnel Who Know How to Meet the Needs of Disabled Students
   
   
   7. Specific Issues About Exceptional Needs Children Enrolled in Private Schools
   
   
   8. How, When, and Why Reauthorization Occurs
   
   
   
   


3. SUCCESSFULLY HANDLING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
   
   Amy C. Slody, 11:15 - 12:15
   
   
   
   
   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
   
   Scott H. Wolpert, 1:15 - 2:15
   
   
   
   
   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. When De Novo Reviews Apply
   
   
   8. Effective Ways to Avoid Due Process Litigation
   
   
   
   


5. MAINTAINING AN ETHICAL BALANCE
   
   Scott H. Wolpert, 2:15 - 3:15
   
   
   
   
   1. Determining Attorneys´ Fees Under IDEA
   
   
   2. Maintaining Ethics in Student Discipline
   
   
   3. Addressing the Special Privacy Issues of the Exceptional Needs Student
   
   
   
   


6. PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
   
   Mark W. Voigt, 3:30 - 4:30
   
   
   
   
   1. Promoting Parent Awareness of Legal Rights and Recourse for Their Child
   
   
   2. Understanding Placement Issues
      
      
      
      1. Least Restrictive Environment and Inclusion
      
      
      2. Requirements for Unilateral Placements by Parents Seeking Public Payment
      
      
      3. Compensatory Education
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. Preventing Disability Harassment in the Schools
   
   
   4. Protecting Confidentiality of Information
   
   
   5. Special Education Damages Liability (Including Section 1983 Liability)
   
   
   6. Using the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) to Ensure Compliance
   
   
   
   

Agendas and Speakers may differ slightly depending on the location. Please e-mail or call a representative to obtain an agenda for a particular location.

Seminar Summary:

Comply With the Latest Special Education Laws to Avoid Liability (see full course description)

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