TAKE YOUR ADVOCACY SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH JUST 12 ONE DAY CLASSES.

Special Education Issues

 
Navigating the Complexities of Special Education:A Comprehensive Advocacy Course

COURSE NUMBER     900- SEI

DURATION              19.19 hours

Lecture 8.19 hours in 25 videos with out of class assignments of 11.00 hours 
Academic institutions may accept 1.91 quarter credit hours or a no-credit / non-certification grade per class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 This comprehensive course equips students, parents, educators, and professionals with the essential knowledge and skills that explores a wide range of topics, from dispute resolution mechanisms to inclusive education practices. This class empowers participants to navigate the intricate special education landscape with confidence.

Through an in-depth examination of unique special education issues, students will gain a deep understanding of relevant vocabulary, definitions, and national trends. They will delve into the principles of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) and its implications for programming, private placement, Response to Intervention (RTI), and the distinction between 504 Plans and IEPs.

Mastering dispute resolution options, such as IEP Facilitation, Mediation, Resolution Sessions, Due Process Hearings, and Department of Education Complaints, participants will develop the expertise to effectively address conflicts and secure the necessary educational services and accommodations for their clients. Additionally, the course explores the critical concepts of Least Restrictive Environment, Inclusion, Mainstreaming, and Supported Inclusion, empowering advocates to champion for the most appropriate and inclusive educational settings.

Recognizing the importance of transition planning and outcomes mapping, this course equips students with a broad knowledge base to support individuals with disabilities throughout their educational journey and beyond. Ultimately, this class equips educational advocates with the comprehensive understanding and practical skills required to consistently achieve successful outcomes for their clients.

 SUMMARY

This comprehensive course offers a master-level exploration of special education advocacy, covering a breadth of topics that would typically require multiple classes to address. By providing a deep dive into dispute resolution options, educational programming, and inclusive practices, this class empowers educational advocates to navigate the complex special education system with confidence and expertise, ultimately securing the best possible outcomes for their clients.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

The diverse topics covered, ranging from dispute resolution mechanisms to inclusive education practices, ensures that this class offers a well-rounded and valuable learning experience for individuals seeking to enhance their special education advocacy competencies.

By mastering the intricacies of the special education landscape, advocates can navigate complex legal and bureaucratic processes, advocate for appropriate educational services and accommodations, and champion for inclusive learning environments that meet the unique needs of their clients.

RELATED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

15 Recommended Restraint and Seclusion Principles

Burden of Proof Overview

Due Process Costs More Than Money

Least Restrictive Environment – LRE

NSEAI Rules of Engagement

Description of Functional Performance

Good Manners at an IEP Meeting

Pre-Assessment or Diagnostic Assessment

Seeking Accurate Advice Review

HOW THIS COURSE BENEFITS EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATES

Comprehensive Curriculum Coverage
This course provides an unparalleled breadth of coverage, addressing a wide range of special education topics that are typically spread across multiple classes. By consolidating this wealth of knowledge into a single, in-depth program, students gain a cohesive and holistic understanding of the special education landscape.

Depth of Expertise
Rather than a surface-level overview, this course delves deeply into each subject area, equipping students with the kind of mastery-level expertise typically reserved for advanced, graduate-level programs. This depth of knowledge empowers advocates to tackle even the most complex special education challenges with confidence.

Practical Application and Real-World Scenarios
Throughout the course, students will engage with practical, real-world case studies and scenarios, allowing them to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to situations they are likely to encounter in their advocacy work. This hands-on approach ensures that the learning is immediately relevant and actionable.

SPECIFIC SKILLS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED BY THE COURSE

SKILL 1.  Expertly navigate dispute resolution options

STRATEGIES:

• IEP Facilitation,
• Mediation,
• Resolution Sessions,
• Due Process Hearings
• Filing a Complaint with the Department of Education
• Stay Put Provision
• Settlement Agreements

SKILL 2.  Determining the most suitable educational programming.

STRATEGIES:

• Understanding the principles of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
• Navigating private placement options
• Applying the principles of Response to Intervention (RTI) to ensure appropriate programming.

SKILL 3. IEP and 504 Plan Considerations:

STRATEGIES:

• NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement) and PWN (Prior Written Notice)
• Response to Intervention (RTI)
• Distinguishing between IEPs and 504 Plans
• Promoting generalization of skills across environments

SKILL 4.  Championing for inclusive learning environments,

STRATEGIES:

• Defining and advocating for the implementation of true inclusion, mainstreaming, and supported inclusion
• Understanding the legal requirements and benefits of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Addressing transportation and other logistical considerations for inclusive practices

SKILL 5.  Robust transition planning

STRATEGIES:

• Mapping out comprehensive transition plans to support long-term student success.
• Identifying research-based programs and interventions to enhance student outcomes.
• Developing strategies to measure and track the effectiveness of implemented programs.

 COURSE OUTLINE
Dispute Resolution Options
Educational Advocacy
IEP Facilitation
Mediation
Resolution Session
Due Process Hearing
Filing a Complaint
Stay Put Provision
Private Placement
Parent Emotions
NOREP / PWN
Response to Intervention
Settlement Agreements
504 Plan vs. IEP
Generalization Across Environments
Transportation
Least Restrictive Environment
Inclusion
Mainstreaming
Supported Inclusion

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing the program, participants will:
•    Define what inclusion is and its benefits
•    Indicate the implications of the use of appropriate dispute resolution
     models and methodologies
•    Outline RtI and generalization of skills sets
•    Identify issues related to settlement agreements.
•    Describe strategies for creating an effective complaint to the state department of education.
•     Define areas of consideration when discussing transportation at an IEP meeting.