COURSE 100 SYLLABUS
TAKE YOUR ADVOCACY SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
12 One Day Courses.
The National Special Education Advocacy Institute, NSEAI, has been offering BCEA™ trainings since 2008. They offered the first and the only national Board-Certified Education Advocate program. This nationally recognized program is available for the benefit of parents & leaders in the education advocacy field, such as yourself.
This is the first of 12 courses in a National Special Education Advocacy Training N-SEAT™ program. It may stand-alone or be combined with the full 12 course program as the education prerequisite to the NSEAI Board Certified Education Advocate™ application. This course was developed as a collegiate level course and is offered for continuing education credits through NSEAI.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS
Unlock the Key to Transformative Educational Advocacy: Mastering Disability Legislation
COURSE NUMBER: 100-SEP
DURATION: 16.21 hours
Lecture 5.21 hours in 16 videos with out of class assignments of 11.00 hours
Academic institutions may accept 1.62 quarter credit hours or a no-credit / non-certification grade per course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Embark on an in-depth journey through the critical landscape of disability legislation with our SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS course. Designed for aspiring and Master-level educational advocates, this course meticulously covers a wide array of pivotal laws and acts that shape the educational rights of individuals with disabilities.
From the historical evolution of disability legislation to the intricate details of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment, FERPA, ADA, and beyond, you will gain an expert understanding of legal and societal issues. Delve into the Fair Housing Act, Air Carrier Access Act, and other significant regulations like the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, National Voter Registration Act, and the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.
Explore the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Rehabilitation Act, and the Architectural Barriers Act, and understand their profound impacts on educational policies. The course also covers essential acts such as the No Child Left Behind Act, Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the Improving America’s Schools Act. Gain insights into HIPAA, Child Find, and landmark special education court cases.
Additionally, you will learn about special education disciplinary actions, the 10 Principles of Special Education, and the 6 Principles of IDEA. The course culminates with a deep dive into the definition of educational advocacy and the vital roles special educational advocates play.
This thorough and comprehensive program condenses what would typically require multiple classes into one, providing you with a robust foundation to champion the rights of students with disabilities effectively.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
For educational advocates, mastering the intricate details of disability legislation is crucial to ensure all students receive equitable educational opportunities.This thorough course equips you with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and influence policy, preparing you to make a significant impact. It serves as a foundational back door to education advocacy, providing crucial insights and tools, though it does not alone make an advocate.
SUMMARY
This comprehensive SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESS course offers a game-changing opportunity for aspiring and seasoned educational advocates. Explore the critical landscape of disability legislation, from the historical evolution to the intricate details of pivotal laws and acts. Gain expert-level understanding of legal and societal issues, empowering you to navigate and influence policies with confidence. Condensing what would typically require multiple classes, this thorough program equips you with a robust foundation to effectively advocate for the rights of students with disabilities. Unlock your potential to make a profound impact and transform lives through transformative educational advocacy.
ADDITIONAL RELATED RESOURCES
Special Education Terminology
Acronyms
Organization Resources
HOW THIS COURSE BENEFITS EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATES
Practical Knowledge and Legislative Insight
Educational advocates working with students with disabilities must navigate a complex web of laws and regulations. This course provides in-depth knowledge of crucial legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Rehabilitation Act. Understanding these laws allows advocates to ensure their clients receive the accommodations and services they are legally entitled to, directly impacting day-to-day advocacy efforts.
Improved Advocacy Strategies
By comprehensively covering policies like FERPA, the Fair Housing Act, and HIPAA, this course equips advocates with the ability to craft well-informed, strategic advocacy plans. Advocates can more effectively argue for student rights, using their extensive understanding of legal precedents and policy specifics to support their cases.
Enhanced Communication with Stakeholders
The course’s focus on the 14th Amendment, special education court cases, and disciplinary actions provides advocates with the knowledge to communicate more effectively with educators, administrators, and policymakers. They can articulate the legal requirements and educational needs of students with disabilities, fostering better collaboration and outcomes.
Efficient Case Management
With thorough knowledge of the 10 Principles of Special Education and the 6 Principles of IDEA, advocates can streamline their case management processes. This ensures that they are consistently advocating within the bounds of the law, reducing the risk of legal missteps and improving the quality of their advocacy.
Comprehensive Skill Set
Condensing what would typically require multiple classes into one, this course ensures that advocates are not only well-versed in legislation but also skilled in practical application. This all-encompassing approach means they are better prepared to handle a variety of scenarios, from individual student advocacy to systemic policy changes, making them more effective in their roles.
Real-World Application
The knowledge gained from this course translates directly into real-world benefits. Advocates can confidently support students in securing necessary accommodations, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with educational laws. This leads to more successful advocacy outcomes and improved educational experiences for students with disabilities.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED BY THE COURSE
SKILL 1. Legal principles related to regulations without legal expertise Interpretation.
STRATEGIES:
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In-depth understanding of key legislation such as the ADA, IDEA, and FERPA and its application to the Education Advocacy field
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Learn to interpret regulations and apply them to real-world situations.
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Identify relevant precedents.
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Understand how both impact current advocacy practice.
SKILL 2. Effective Communication and Negotiation
STRATEGIES:
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Mastery of communication techniques tailored for interactions with educators, administrators, policymakers, and legal professionals.
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Develop strategies for persuasive communication, including how to present situations clearly and effectively.
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How to document the need for specific accommodations and services for students.
SKILL 3. Case Management and Documentation
STRATEGIES
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Proficiency in organizing and managing client files.
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Compilation and preservation of necessary documentation.
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Implement systematic approaches to advocacy case management that ensure all relevant information is documented and easily accessible.
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Learn best practices for maintaining detailed records that support advocacy efforts not just due process efforts. (they are very different)
SKILL 4. Strategic Planning and Advocacy
STRATEGIES
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Development of comprehensive advocacy plans that align with regulatory requirements and state and local educational policies.
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Formulate strategic plans that include setting objectives, identifying key stakeholders, and outlining steps to achieve desired outcomes.
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Anticipate potential challenges and prepare solutions in advance.
SKILL 5. Navigating Bureaucratic Systems
STRATEGIES
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Knowledge of the internal workings and operation of educational institutions.
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Gain insights into how governmental systems operate.
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Learn strategies for effectively navigating bureaucratic processes.
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Working knowledge and understanding of everything from points of contact within institutions to timelines, and procedural requirements.
SKILL 6. Understanding and Applying Court Rulings
STRATEGIES
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Familiarity with landmark special education changes and their implications.
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Analyze and apply findings from significant legislative changes to current advocacy work.
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Understand how precedents influence policy and practice within educational settings.
SKILL 7. Conflict Resolution and Mediation
STRATEGIES
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Techniques for resolving disputes and mediating conflicts between families, schools, and other entities.
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Mediate disputes effectively through conflict resolution strategies
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Understanding the interests of all parties involved
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Finding common ground in order to reach amicable solutions.
SKILL 8. Policy Development and Implementation
STRATEGIES
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Ability to influence and contribute to the development of educational policies.
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Engage in policy development by understanding the legislative processes.
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Participating in advocacy at the policy-making level.
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Knowledge of policy proposals and their adoption and implementation.
SKILL 9. Ethical and Professional Standards
STRATEGIES
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Adherence to enforceable ethical guidelines and professional standards in educational advocacy.
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Embed ethical considerations into all aspects of advocacy work, ensuring that actions taken are in the best interest of students and comply with professional standards.
