SESSION DETAILS

The return to in-person learning after the COVID-19 school closures has been challenging for many students, as well as the districts attempting to support them. Special education director, consultant, and former school psychologist Dr. Derek Ihori will discuss the impact of the extended school closures on student anxiety and family systems, both of which contribute to the growing prevalence of school avoidance/refusal behaviors. Throughout this discussion, he’ll review pre-referral interventions, child find obligations, best practices in assessment, eligibility considerations, and research-based interventions/services to support students exhibiting these behaviors.

When does a student''s misconduct have a direct and substantial relationship to their disability? MDR teams that struggle with this question could be making the process far more complicated than it needs to be. Join attorney Lyndon Nguyen for an explanation of why MDRs generate so much confusion and — more importantly — why the decision-making process is much easier than it seems. Attendees will learn how to determine the need for an MDR, when and how to conduct it, and how to explain the process to the student''s parents. They''ll also get pointers to help school staff confidently determine whether a student''s misconduct was a manifestation of a disability.

Does your Section 504 team choose student accommodations from a drop-down menu? Do parents come to a 504 team meeting with a laundry list of accommodations they’ve discovered from an internet search? Perhaps physicians in your community routinely “prescribe” accommodations? Attorney Alefia Mithaiwala warns how allowing these sources to dictate students’ accommodations can suggest that they aren’t individualized. Referencing key OCR Letters of Finding, she’ll reveal alternatives via her step-by-step guide to drafting 504 plans. Alefia’s techniques will ensure that your team crafts 504 plans that are meaningful and not an illusion of FAPE.

Both Section 504 and the IDEA require that students with disabilities be placed in the least restrictive environment, or that districts maximize their time with general education peers. Students in special education are often removed from the general education setting for more time than is required by their IEP or 504 plan because of scheduling constraints, outdated practices, or administrative convenience. Attorney Robin Day will explore the similarities and subtle differences between the LRE requirements under Section 504 and the IDEA through a review of current case law and guidance from the Office for Civil Rights. She''ll then suggest strategies for making student-focused decisions about placement, out-of-the box ideas for increasing time in general education, and tips for documenting those decisions so as to avoid common legal pitfalls. No longer will placement decisions be based on administrative and staff convenience rather than students'' individual needs.

The return to in-person learning after the COVID-19 school closures has been challenging for many students, as well as the districts attempting to support them. Special education director, consultant, and former school psychologist Dr. Derek Ihori will discuss the impact of the extended school closures on student anxiety and family systems, both of which contribute to the growing prevalence of school avoidance/refusal behaviors. Throughout this discussion, he’ll review pre-referral interventions, child find obligations, best practices in assessment, eligibility considerations, and research-based interventions/services to support students exhibiting these behaviors.

Are your behavior intervention plans just not bearing fruit? BIPs often fail because the district never identified the root causes of the behavior. Attorney Cassie Black can help you cultivate better BIPs by explaining best practices for conducting functional behavioral assessments that allow you to grow effective, function-based interventions. Applying her experience as a school psychologist and school attorney, Cassie will walk attendees through what it takes to complete a thorough FBA and design a BIP that enables a behaviorally challenged student to receive FAPE in the least restrictive environment. Pulling lessons from case law and federal guidance, she''ll explain key BIP components that allow staff to implement the plan correctly.

Writing behavior goals can challenge the most experienced education professional, especially during this post-COVID-19 era where social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care must be considered! Taking an emotional construct and creating a clear goal that meets the criteria of being observable and measurable is a feat in and of itself. Then, the school team must determine how to implement the goal and monitor progress. In this interactive and experiential workshop by Attorney Lorie Gerkey and certified School Psychologist, School Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist Dana Holtz, you’ll review recent case law related to behavior-based goals. Then, the presenters will provide sample behavior-based goals to be dissected and evaluated for being clear, observable, measurable, individualized, and achievable. Participants should bring their most-challenging scenarios in hopes of developing behavior-based goals they can incorporate into IEPs.

Both Section 504 and the IDEA require that students with disabilities be placed in the least restrictive environment, or that districts maximize their time with general education peers. Students in special education are often removed from the general education setting for more time than is required by their IEP or 504 plan because of scheduling constraints, outdated practices, or administrative convenience. Attorney Robin Day will explore the similarities and subtle differences between the LRE requirements under Section 504 and the IDEA through a review of current case law and guidance from the Office for Civil Rights. She''ll then suggest strategies for making student-focused decisions about placement, out-of-the box ideas for increasing time in general education, and tips for documenting those decisions so as to avoid common legal pitfalls. No longer will placement decisions be based on administrative and staff convenience rather than students'' individual needs.

Every school runs into difficult parents. They are never happy, demand more, consume valuable time and resources, demoralize staff, and threaten to go to due process. The IDEA gives schools means to address these situations, but too often, our clients forget about these valuable tools. Attorney Ronald Stadler will offer a blueprint of how to take back control while still providing FAPE to the student. Close out this session with a toolbox filled with best practices to structure your district''s position for a positive, compliant outcome.

Have you or your staff ever said something you shouldn''t have during an IEP meeting? Statements like, "We don''t do that here," or, "That''s the best we can offer," don''t just sour a district''s relationship with parents; they also can be evidence that the district denied FAPE. Special education administrator Stacey Heiligenthaler will shine a spotlight on the types of comments that could make staff the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. If you''re hoping to avoid communication blunders and resulting litigation, this is the session for you! Get equipped with specific language that IEP team members confidently can use to ensure parents have a meaningful say in their child''s IEP.

Administrators play a critical role in the IEP process. Not only must they understand special education laws, but they also must possess strong communication skills as leaders, ensure staff are prepared to make good recommendations, and address parental concerns with confidence. Attorney David Hodgins, in his engaging style, will pinpoint key legal requirements and issues related to the IEP process as mandated by the IDEA from the perspective of the administrator. From staffing IEP team meetings, to notice requirements, to IEP amendments, David will pair practical advice and illustrations in a lively session you’ll not soon forget.

Retaliation claims related to students with disabilities are increasingly the subject of federal court cases seeking money damages in recent years. Attorney Jose Martín will explore the common contexts in which these claims usually arise, including adverse actions against parents of students with disabilities, reports to child protection agencies, and employment actions against employees who serve these students. Importantly, he’ll review recent cases to identify dangerous liability scenarios that can help special educators ascertain how to prevent and avoid retaliation claims when working with campus administrators, and if necessary, strategies on how to successfully defend against these cases.

It''s clear that more students with significant needs are enrolling in our schools. As a result, there is an increasing number of paraeducators in both inclusive and specialized classrooms. And the line between the paraeducator''s and the special educator''s roles can get blurred, especially during staff shortages. Special education director Kelly Raf will define the sometimes-ambiguous employment duties of the paraeducator. She''ll explain how to best utilize paraeducators to help implement students'' IEPs without overstepping boundaries or violating the law. Referencing caselaw and one district''s proven best practices, Kelly will guide you on how to develop your own resource that better defines the paraeducator’s role, how to support licensed teachers in their oversight of paraeducators, and how to set clear guidelines so you don’t cross the line.

Whether it''s an impasse at an IEP meeting or a formal complaint, at some point you''re going to run into conflict in special education. An IEP scuffle can turn into a costly dispute. Slide into a session that shows you how to avoid the quicksand of protracted litigation. Join Attorney Laura Anthony for a lesson on how utilizing different dispute resolution options, such as mediation, resolution sessions, and settlement strategies, can help districts and parents "play nice" even when they don''t agree on everything. Applying her experience as advocate, mediator, and hearing officer, Laura will help you get a grip on which issues are most likely to create conflict, and she''ll open her playbook of conflict prevention and negotiation strategies so you can turn potential battles into opportunities for resolution.

While there are many possible placements on the IDEA continuum, one of the most restrictive, and priciest, is a residential program. Many parents, faced with a child who is truant or physically aggressive, request that the district pay for such a program. But how the district responds and whether it will be left picking up the check depends on whether the placement is necessary for FAPE. Attorney Marcy Gutierrez will serve up a comprehensive overview of case law surrounding residential placements. She''ll then offer a menu of lessons drawn from those important decisions, such as interim programming, availability, and transportation. Take away a step-by-step action plan to follow when determining if residential placement is a student''s least restrictive environment.

Whether it''s an impasse at an IEP meeting or a formal complaint, at some point you''re going to run into conflict in special education. An IEP scuffle can turn into a costly dispute. Slide into a session that shows you how to avoid the quicksand of protracted litigation. Join Attorney Laura Anthony for a lesson on how utilizing different dispute resolution options, such as mediation, resolution sessions, and settlement strategies, can help districts and parents "play nice" even when they don''t agree on everything. Applying her experience as advocate, mediator, and hearing officer, Laura will help you get a grip on which issues are most likely to create conflict, and she''ll open her playbook of conflict prevention and negotiation strategies so you can turn potential battles into opportunities for resolution.

This highly focused Section 504 session is designed for newly enlisted special education administrators. Attorney Lyndon Nguyen is on a mission to convey practical applications of Section 504 in schools. He''ll point out common missteps and obstacles to avoid and share tactics to remain compliant while in the trenches of an OCR investigation. Even if this isn''t your first tour of duty in 504, you''ll pinpoint best practices you can follow to mount litigation strategies, craft legally compliant 504 plans, and make team meetings more efficient and productive.

Incidents involving severe student behaviors in the classroom have been increasing at an alarming rate. Don''t let dangerous misconduct by students with disabilities catch your teams by surprise. Join Attorney Jonathan Read as he lays out tactics to address severe behaviors that comply with the IDEA''s disciplinary provisions, including requirements regarding removals to interim alternative educational settings. Referencing relevant guidance and recent case law, Jonathan will also describe situations where a student''s threatening behaviors may call for a threat assessment, law enforcement intervention, or the use of restraint and seclusion. Know your options for preventing, managing, or resolving troubling behavior exhibited by students with disabilities.

Central to the questions of manifestation determination is the recognition of the school''s action as a disciplinary removal. Schools need to understand that while simple on its face, the term "disciplinary removal" covers a broad range of school actions. This lively session is designed to identify the importance of determining which actions are disciplinary removals (for which the 10-day rule and manifestation determination will apply) and which are not. Attorney Dave Richards will look at bus suspensions, in-school suspension, removals by parents and law enforcement, removal of privileges such as participation in extracurricular activities because of behavior, and parents enrolling the student elsewhere to avoid discipline. He''ll also address students incarcerated for misbehavior. Bring your questions, as Dave will allow time for Q&A.

Have you or your staff ever said something you shouldn''t have during an IEP meeting? Statements like, "We don''t do that here," or, "That''s the best we can offer," don''t just sour a district''s relationship with parents; they also can be evidence that the district denied FAPE. Special education administrator Stacey Heiligenthaler will shine a spotlight on the types of comments that could make staff the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. If you''re hoping to avoid communication blunders and resulting litigation, this is the session for you! Get equipped with specific language that IEP team members confidently can use to ensure parents have a meaningful say in their child''s IEP.

How many IDEA procedural safeguards can you name? Prior written notice, consent, IEEs, due process hearing procedures, and attorney fees may come to mind. With his charismatic presentation style, Attorney David Hodgins provides a thorough understanding of these issues and more to assist you with everyday compliance. His review of key IDEA regulations and legal decisions, with solid practice tips and examples, will help your district avoid and/or respond effectively to potential IDEA litigation.

When does a student''s misconduct have a direct and substantial relationship to their disability? MDR teams that struggle with this question could be making the process far more complicated than it needs to be. Join attorney Lyndon Nguyen for an explanation of why MDRs generate so much confusion and — more importantly — why the decision-making process is much easier than it seems. Attendees will learn how to determine the need for an MDR, when and how to conduct it, and how to explain the process to the student''s parents. They''ll also get pointers to help school staff confidently determine whether a student''s misconduct was a manifestation of a disability.

Because the classics are always worth a remake, this high-speed session will put a new spin on a vintage issue: transportation. Attorney Bobby Truhe will map out how one of the most-requested related services collides with shifting expectations around adolescent independence, environmental changes, safety challenges, and increasingly strained transportation resources and driver pools. Taken together, this has led to transportation becoming a difficult road, both practically and legally, for schools and families to navigate. Bobby will drive through the classic cases and regulations on the way to providing attendees with the most interesting trends, as well as creative and innovative solutions.

The landmark Endrew F. ruling is well known for how it clarified the FAPE standard to include consideration of each child’s unique circumstances. But, it is often overlooked that in this same decision, the Supreme Court also took the opportunity to further clarify another long-standing responsibility to ensure parent participation in the IEP process. Specifically, the Court articulated the duty to offer "cogent and responsive" explanations for IEP team decisions. Join attorney Alefia Mithaiwala as she dives into the language in Endrew F. that you may have missed and what it means for your district. What''s more, Alefia will coach your school teams on how to craft cogent and responsive explanations at every stage of the IEP process — including assessment plans, prior written notices, and everything in between.

The landmark Endrew F. ruling is well known for how it clarified the FAPE standard to include consideration of each child’s unique circumstances. But, it is often overlooked that in this same decision, the Supreme Court also took the opportunity to further clarify another long-standing responsibility to ensure parent participation in the IEP process. Specifically, the Court articulated the duty to offer "cogent and responsive" explanations for IEP team decisions. Join attorney Alefia Mithaiwala as she dives into the language in Endrew F. that you may have missed and what it means for your district. What''s more, Alefia will coach your school teams on how to craft cogent and responsive explanations at every stage of the IEP process — including assessment plans, prior written notices, and everything in between.

With reports of assaults committed by students on the rise, the discipline of students with disabilities cannot be one-size-fits-all. It''s time to transform the way you think about disciplining students with disabilities and move beyond traditional classroom management and the standard discipline model. Join attorney Geneva Jones to find out how restorative student discipline can significantly impact the trajectory of students with disabilities. In her own signature style, Geneva will provide examples of how restorative discipline improves outcomes for students. She''ll explain how to break the cycle of repeated code of conduct violations, address outlier socially maladaptive behaviors, and identify the underlying cause of student misconduct. With an in-depth and engaging examination of case law and real-world examples, Geneva conveys creative discipline paradigms and alternatives to shift your thinking. If your district could use a discipline "refresh," don''t miss this session.

Does your Section 504 team choose student accommodations from a drop-down menu? Do parents come to a 504 team meeting with a laundry list of accommodations they’ve discovered from an internet search? Perhaps physicians in your community routinely “prescribe” accommodations? Attorney Alefia Mithaiwala warns how allowing these sources to dictate students’ accommodations can suggest that they aren’t individualized. Referencing key OCR Letters of Finding, she’ll reveal alternatives via her step-by-step guide to drafting 504 plans. Alefia’s techniques will ensure that your team crafts 504 plans that are meaningful and not an illusion of FAPE.

In her singular witty style, attorney Jan Tomsky will present the always popular, fast-paced review of the top recent legal cases you need to know. Get her expert insights on significant cases from 2023, as well as her predictions for litigation trends and regulatory changes for the coming year!

Parents have a profound impact on a child’s growth and development. Both the IDEA and Section 504 recognize this vital role by placing specific legal rights into the hands of the parents of students with disabilities. As a result, it is important that parents, legal advisors, and educators all understand those rights and the parents’ role in special education to communicate and collaborate effectively. Attorney Karen Haase will draw from her 25 years of experience in special education to provide insights as to what effective parental participation and advocacy under the IDEA and Section 504 does, and doesn’t, look like.

Schools across the country are in crisis due to staffing shortages, increasing student needs, and expanding job responsibilities. Attorney Deanna Arivett will use her combined legal knowledge as an attorney and practical knowledge as a prior school psychologist to explain how to trim the fat in special education programs, so you can still provide students with FAPE despite current challenges. She''ll share cutting edge strategies for supporting teachers and staff, the use of data collection in decision-making, and how to make effective and meaningful changes to better serve students with disabilities.

With reports of assaults committed by students on the rise, the discipline of students with disabilities cannot be one-size-fits-all. It''s time to transform the way you think about disciplining students with disabilities and move beyond traditional classroom management and the standard discipline model. Join attorney Geneva Jones to find out how restorative student discipline can significantly impact the trajectory of students with disabilities. In her own signature style, Geneva will provide examples of how restorative discipline improves outcomes for students. She''ll explain how to break the cycle of repeated code of conduct violations, address outlier socially maladaptive behaviors, and identify the underlying cause of student misconduct. With an in-depth and engaging examination of case law and real-world examples, Geneva conveys creative discipline paradigms and alternatives to shift your thinking. If your district could use a discipline "refresh," don''t miss this session.

In the idyllic world of TV sitcoms, children grow up in a full house with white picket fences where life''s challenges are resolved by the end of the 30-minute episode. But that''s not the real world! If your students experienced a "one-size-fits-all" childhood, your job would be filled with happy days. Friends, family ties, and environmental factors impact each child''s academic and functional development differently. Attorney Geneva Jones will analyze how exclusionary factors uniquely impact your students. She''ll take you on a fantastic story-telling journey, as only she can, to explain how the law compels the IEP and Section 504 team to consider exclusionary factors and non-disability-related causes of a child''s social, emotional, functional, and academic deficits. Go back to the office able to distinguish between outside causes and disability-related deficits and assess how the real world impacts students in different ways.

Because the classics are always worth a remake, this high-speed session will put a new spin on a vintage issue: transportation. Attorney Bobby Truhe will map out how one of the most-requested related services collides with shifting expectations around adolescent independence, environmental changes, safety challenges, and increasingly strained transportation resources and driver pools. Taken together, this has led to transportation becoming a difficult road, both practically and legally, for schools and families to navigate. Bobby will drive through the classic cases and regulations on the way to providing attendees with the most interesting trends, as well as creative and innovative solutions.

In the idyllic world of TV sitcoms, children grow up in a full house with white picket fences where life''s challenges are resolved by the end of the 30-minute episode. But that''s not the real world! If your students experienced a "one-size-fits-all" childhood, your job would be filled with happy days. Friends, family ties, and environmental factors impact each child''s academic and functional development differently. Attorney Geneva Jones will analyze how exclusionary factors uniquely impact your students. She''ll take you on a fantastic story-telling journey, as only she can, to explain how the law compels the IEP and Section 504 team to consider exclusionary factors and non-disability-related causes of a child''s social, emotional, functional, and academic deficits. Go back to the office able to distinguish between outside causes and disability-related deficits and assess how the real world impacts students in different ways.

Central to the questions of manifestation determination is the recognition of the school''s action as a disciplinary removal. Schools need to understand that while simple on its face, the term "disciplinary removal" covers a broad range of school actions. This lively session is designed to identify the importance of determining which actions are disciplinary removals (for which the 10-day rule and manifestation determination will apply) and which are not. Attorney Dave Richards will look at bus suspensions, in-school suspension, removals by parents and law enforcement, removal of privileges such as participation in extracurricular activities because of behavior, and parents enrolling the student elsewhere to avoid discipline. He''ll also address students incarcerated for misbehavior. Bring your questions, as Dave will allow time for Q&A.

Schools across the country are in crisis due to staffing shortages, increasing student needs, and expanding job responsibilities. Attorney Deanna Arivett will use her combined legal knowledge as an attorney and practical knowledge as a prior school psychologist to explain how to trim the fat in special education programs, so you can still provide students with FAPE despite current challenges. She''ll share cutting edge strategies for supporting teachers and staff, the use of data collection in decision-making, and how to make effective and meaningful changes to better serve students with disabilities.

Administrators play a critical role in the IEP process. Not only must they understand special education laws, but they also must possess strong communication skills as leaders, ensure staff are prepared to make good recommendations, and address parental concerns with confidence. Attorney David Hodgins, in his engaging style, will pinpoint key legal requirements and issues related to the IEP process as mandated by the IDEA from the perspective of the administrator. From staffing IEP team meetings, to notice requirements, to IEP amendments, David will pair practical advice and illustrations in a lively session you’ll not soon forget.

Parents are experts on their children. They can tell you when something doesn''t quite add up! That''s why when parents bring private evaluation data to the table or request independent educational evaluations, IEP teams should pay attention. Join Attorney Jose Martín as he explains the positives and negatives of IEEs. He''ll carefully review the factors districts should consider in responding to parents'' IEE requests. And, because not all private evaluators follow the same formula, Jose will outline techniques to gauge the value of an IEE — including its data and sources — during the IEP meeting.

As we continue to wait on new proposed regulations, veteran school attorney Dave Richards will examine some of the factors and dynamics that will likely play a part in what is to come. Despite Section 504’s creation as a civil rights law, its initial regulations and its long history persist in the shadow of a procedure-heavy IDEA, a law that continues to influence OCR’s view of how 504 should function. Parents and disability advocates have joined together to make their proposals for more protection—a strong response perhaps to being largely excluded from participating in the creation of the existing 504 regulations, and further stoked by a less-than-robust school response to child find and identification of 504 students. Post-pandemic problems resulting in fewer teachers, less empathy and resistance to accommodation will all influence the proposed regulations. Further, work done by other federal agencies including the EEOC will provide a blueprint for bringing 504 into the modern age. Having already adopted a variety of EEOC positions on the Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act in OCR guidance, OCR will likely include some of EEOC’s thoughts in the new regulations. This lively session will prepare you for what is to come, and give you some things to work on while we wait.

Child find practices and procedures are like an old-timey radio: Sometimes, you need to adjust them so that everything comes through clearly. Attorney Betsey Helfrich will tune out any static that might interfere with educators'' ability to identify, locate, and evaluate students with disabilities in your district. She''ll count down the most common child find issues, from reasons to suspect a disability to the start of the evaluation process, to make sure educators are on the same frequency. After a review of case law that features best practices for child find, she''ll take your top questions about the key factors to consider when identifying a potential disability.

Every school runs into difficult parents. They are never happy, demand more, consume valuable time and resources, demoralize staff, and threaten to go to due process. The IDEA gives schools means to address these situations, but too often, our clients forget about these valuable tools. Attorney Ronald Stadler will offer a blueprint of how to take back control while still providing FAPE to the student. Close out this session with a toolbox filled with best practices to structure your district''s position for a positive, compliant outcome.

Child find practices and procedures are like an old-timey radio: Sometimes, you need to adjust them so that everything comes through clearly. Attorney Betsey Helfrich will tune out any static that might interfere with educators'' ability to identify, locate, and evaluate students with disabilities in your district. She''ll count down the most common child find issues, from reasons to suspect a disability to the start of the evaluation process, to make sure educators are on the same frequency. After a review of case law that features best practices for child find, she''ll take your top questions about the key factors to consider when identifying a potential disability.

IEP teams depend on accurate progress monitoring data to develop appropriately ambitious programs for students with disabilities. IEP teams that skip or skimp on these critical steps can easily end up facing a unilateral placement or sizable compensatory education award. This means school personnel need a solid understanding of the type and amount of data to record, as well as their duty to provide periodic progress reports. Attorney Kendra Yoch will explore this often-underappreciated component of FAPE and show attendees the power of effective progress monitoring. She''ll highlight common missteps using case law and real progress reports. You''ll take away strategies and practice pointers for developing robust progress reports that will help demonstrate the provision of FAPE under the standard the Supreme Court set forth in Endrew F.

High-conflict situations frequently arise in IEP meetings, and most school staff lack the knowledge and experience to navigate them. IEP teams can become anxious when families bring along advocates or attorneys, or if unexpected requests arise. Attorney Robin Day and former Special Education Director Kelly Raf have developed proven systems that will help your team diffuse conflict and ensure legally compliant IEP meetings. Their presentation will focus on practical strategies to address common points of conflict before, during, and after IEP meetings. The presenters will also highlight key legal guidance regarding permissible pre-meeting activities and best practices for post-meeting follow-up. Leave this session with a notebook full of best practices designed to increase confidence and skills of school staff, improve compliance, encourage collaboration with families, and reduce due process and mediation requests.

Are your behavior intervention plans just not bearing fruit? BIPs often fail because the district never identified the root causes of the behavior. Attorney Cassie Black can help you cultivate better BIPs by explaining best practices for conducting functional behavioral assessments that allow you to grow effective, function-based interventions. Applying her experience as a school psychologist and school attorney, Cassie will walk attendees through what it takes to complete a thorough FBA and design a BIP that enables a behaviorally challenged student to receive FAPE in the least restrictive environment. Pulling lessons from case law and federal guidance, she''ll explain key BIP components that allow staff to implement the plan correctly.

As we continue to wait on new proposed regulations, veteran school attorney Dave Richards will examine some of the factors and dynamics that will likely play a part in what is to come. Despite Section 504’s creation as a civil rights law, its initial regulations and its long history persist in the shadow of a procedure-heavy IDEA, a law that continues to influence OCR’s view of how 504 should function. Parents and disability advocates have joined together to make their proposals for more protection—a strong response perhaps to being largely excluded from participating in the creation of the existing 504 regulations, and further stoked by a less-than-robust school response to child find and identification of 504 students. Post-pandemic problems resulting in fewer teachers, less empathy and resistance to accommodation will all influence the proposed regulations. Further, work done by other federal agencies including the EEOC will provide a blueprint for bringing 504 into the modern age. Having already adopted a variety of EEOC positions on the Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act in OCR guidance, OCR will likely include some of EEOC’s thoughts in the new regulations. This lively session will prepare you for what is to come, and give you some things to work on while we wait.

What do I do when a parent refuses to attend an IEP meeting? What types of impairments meet the definition of a specific learning disability? How do I determine if a bus suspension qualifies as a change in placement? Find out how to use the features and resources on Special Ed Connection to get answers to your most challenging special education questions.

Under the IDEA and Section 504, students with disabilities are entitled to certain procedural and disciplinary protections that may impact the threat assessment process. However, because it''s currently unclear what steps districts must take to comply with federal disability laws, educators must do their homework to protect the rights of students with disabilities. SpecialEdConnectionSM helps districts connect the dots by providing them access to the most recent case law, federal guidance, and best practices from experts in the field. Join us in this Users'' Group session to learn how to take advantage of SEC''s resources and training tools to shore up your threat assessment procedures.

Are you an attorney, or does your district face numerous legal challenges each school year? Join us for this interactive session that will show you the most efficient ways to conduct legal research on Special Ed Connection

If you are from one of these states then this session is for you! Did you know your State Department of Education provides districts with a free subscription to Special Ed Connection? Learn about all of the benefits of your statewide subscription and how this valuable resource can be used throughout your district to benefit your staff and the students you serve. (Even if you aren’t from one of these states you are welcome to attend!)

Here’s your chance to learn about some of the most indispensable tips, tools, and shortcuts on Special Ed Connection that will quickly provide you with needed guidance and make a difference to your special education program, your students and your staff.

Whether it’s emergency drills, compliance with evolving laws related to violence prevention and response, or ongoing safety training, educators often ask: “Where does special education ‘fit’ in this legal, medical, educational, sociological, and psychological crossroads?” Attorneys Denise Hays and Paula Roalson will navigate requirements arising from a complex web of federal and state laws and review recent cases to directly address the school’s responsibilities in dangerous situations posed by students with disabilities. After identifying the three theories of liability correlating to this serious topic, they''ll pass on legally defensible strategies to address students victimized by school violence and those who are feared to engage in future dangerous situations. You''ll leave this session with practical guidance and responsive measures required under the IDEA to address threats or violent behavior.

What’s the next step beyond a crisis? Whatever it is, that’s where we are with mental health. As data pours in from a variety of sources and perspectives — including the U.S. Surgeon General — on the impact of social media use and mental health, it’s clear mental health implications are present in nearly every aspect of education: academics, attendance, extracurricular activities, discipline, and social interactions inside and outside of school. Attorneys Karen Haase and Bobby Truhe will examine a school’s legal obligations to identify and serve students with mental health challenges. They will analyze pertinent decisions and guidance to ensure you come away with best practices to manage student threats, discipline issues, and First Amendment challenges. Don''t miss this workshop to discover what mental health services a school can, should, or must provide to students in need.  

It''s easy to love SpecialEdConnectionSM. With a click of a button, SpecialEdConnectionSM keeps you up to date with the latest in special education and helps maximize your district''s compliance with federal disability laws. So, don''t go through the motions with old forms and outdated information: Let attorney Jordan Johnson walk you through the 10 best things about SpecialEdConnectionSM and how a subscription can leave you with that XO feeling! His tips and tricks on navigating the site and retrieving relevant legal resources are sure to leave you on cloud nine. You''ll also fall for SpecialEdConnection''s sample forms and tools, which make preparing professional development feel like a dream.

During this session we will focus on the plethora of ready-made charts, activities, and tools on Special Ed Connection. From You Be the Judge to SEL Skill Builder to Alphabet Soup, come learn how to use these features and many others to save you time when preparing for in-house professional development and staff trainings.

Here’s your chance to learn about some of the most indispensable tips, tools, and shortcuts on Special Ed Connection that will quickly provide you with needed guidance and make a difference to your special education program, your students and your staff.

Paperwork can make any special education administrator chomp at the bit. Whether you''re a veteran administrator or the new sheriff in town, you''ll find that appropriate documentation is the key to protecting your district from legal liability. Saddle up for this session on documenting the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of employee conduct. Attorney Stephen Cowles will round up best practices from case law and federal guidelines to help you effectively record and respond to inappropriate staff actions and behaviors. He''ll also outfit you with everything you need — including sample checklists and investigative plans — to steer your documentation procedures in the right direction.

Is your subconscious interfering with your district''s ability to provide students FAPE? Find out in this one-of-a-kind journey through the human brain! Join mediator Jason Harper for an expedition to unearth the implicit biases lurking within all of our minds. He''ll start with a deep dive into why and how we form implicit biases. He''ll then show attendees how to navigate their own implicit biases to prevent them from surfacing during special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP meetings. Attendees also will discover how microaggressions and other manifestations of implicit biases negatively affect relationships with families and school officials alike. Go back to your district prepared to identify implicit bias and its effect on case management and credibility.

Twice exceptional, or 2E learners are those who demonstrate talent or giftedness and require support as a result of a disability. Special educators must often consider how twice exceptionality impacts eligibility decisions, IEP development, and placement. Attorney Laura Anthony will help attendees “think twice” about the connection between the IDEA and Section 504 and 2E learners. Plus, she’ll highlight how high grades and superior cognitive ability can impact the development of programming that is appropriately ambitious under Endrew F. and subsequent case law. Attendees will fill a notebook with tips for goal writing, accommodations, and transition planning for twice exceptional students.

Pssst! Are you looking for the lowdown on the rules governing student records? Need a refresher on confidentiality requirements? Not sure when or how to provide access? Don''t keep those questions under wraps — let attorney Pam Leist guide you through the regulatory darkness. Pam will unearth the maze of confidentiality requirements set forth in the IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA. She''ll also reveal insider tips for selecting appropriate technology and helping staff understand their role in creating and maintaining student records. Bring your questions about communications made through apps, parent requests for testing protocols, or providing access to third parties in order to uncover secrets for working with opposing parties during due process, state complaint investigations, and litigation.

Most attorneys turn to the ABA''s Model Rules of Professional Conduct the moment an ethical concern pops up. But what happens if you don''t spot those ethical issues right away? For attorneys who represent school districts, this is an all-too-real possibility — one that could result in a rules violation if they''re not on their toes. Join attorney Ron Stadler for a look at the ethical concerns that may be lurking within the practice of special education law. He''ll review the rules of professional responsibility and ethical issues that may be unique to school district clients. After this session, school attorneys will know how to pivot when unanticipated ethical issues arise in the school setting.

Join Anne Bradley and Betsey Helfrich, two attorneys from the "Show Me State," for a fun and engaging presentation examining the Section 504 process. From mock 504 scenarios on referrals to 504 meetings and communications with parents, this not-to-be missed presentation will be chock-full of real-world examples and compliance tips. These 504 veterans will show you how to handle your trickiest Section 504 situations. Most importantly, they''ll break down any new 504 regulations and what practices and procedures to revise at your school.

The thought of participating in a due process hearing can be daunting for school and district-level administrators alike, especially if they''re relatively new to special education. Attorney Marcy Gutierrez will discuss the “ins and outs” of due process, starting from the initial steps to take when you receive a complaint, to what you can do to try to resolve it, and to how to put yourself in the best position for a hearing. You will leave this comprehensive session for nonattorneys with a due process toolkit, plus valuable documentation and recordkeeping tips to help minimize a district''s potential liability for IDEA violations and boost overall compliance. Don''t miss out on this one-of-a-kind training opportunity!

Twice exceptional, or 2E learners are those who demonstrate talent or giftedness and require support as a result of a disability. Special educators must often consider how twice exceptionality impacts eligibility decisions, IEP development, and placement. Attorney Laura Anthony will help attendees “think twice” about the connection between the IDEA and Section 504 and 2E learners. Plus, she’ll highlight how high grades and superior cognitive ability can impact the development of programming that is appropriately ambitious under Endrew F. and subsequent case law. Attendees will fill a notebook with tips for goal writing, accommodations, and transition planning for twice exceptional students.

School attorneys regularly are involved in discovery, mediation, negotiation, and advocacy when representing their school district clients. Utilizing real examples, case law, and the Model Rules, Attorney Stephen Cowles will review ethical obligations in connection with these responsibilities as well as the duty to use candor in representations made toward administrative tribunals, courts, and opposing counsels. Attorneys will also find out whether special education advocates are bound by Model Rules and/or Voluntary Code of Ethics. He''ll drive these lessons home with the wide-ranging sanctions that may be imposed when ethical obligations are not met.

Many children coast through high school and motor toward future prospects. But for some children with disabilities, the future isn''t nearly as clear. Sudden parent requests — including for graduation deferral or bespoke career readiness programs — can surprise IEP team members and create unexpected detours in transition planning. Attorney Jeremy Neff will analyze legal requirements and key decisions that apply to this critical checkpoint for students and families. He''ll clear up misconceptions about exiting students from special education and highlight potential signs that a student''s graduation should be delayed. Check in with Jeremy as he delivers practical strategies that will ease students'' departure from high school and prepare them for arrival at their next destination.

What was once viewed as a law largely impacting sports, Title IX has become its own area of student discipline. And while special educators may want to sit on the bench while the new Title IX regulations play out in general education, it’s time for them to get in the game. Attorney Samantha Lewis will pass on the regulations’ impact special education, including factors to consider when a Title IX matter involves emergency removals and supportive measures that may interfere with IEP services. She’ll also provide a game plan for bridging the gap between the IDEA/Section 504 and Title IX and how to facilitate ongoing consultation between your Title IX coordinator and special education team.

This highly focused Section 504 session is designed for newly enlisted special education administrators. Attorney Lyndon Nguyen is on a mission to convey practical applications of Section 504 in schools. He''ll point out common missteps and obstacles to avoid and share tactics to remain compliant while in the trenches of an OCR investigation. Even if this isn''t your first tour of duty in 504, you''ll pinpoint best practices you can follow to mount litigation strategies, craft legally compliant 504 plans, and make team meetings more efficient and productive.

Incidents involving severe student behaviors in the classroom have been increasing at an alarming rate. Don''t let dangerous misconduct by students with disabilities catch your teams by surprise. Join Attorney Jonathan Read as he lays out tactics to address severe behaviors that comply with the IDEA''s disciplinary provisions, including requirements regarding removals to interim alternative educational settings. Referencing relevant guidance and recent case law, Jonathan will also describe situations where a student''s threatening behaviors may call for a threat assessment, law enforcement intervention, or the use of restraint and seclusion. Know your options for preventing, managing, or resolving troubling behavior exhibited by students with disabilities.

Many children coast through high school and motor toward future prospects. But for some children with disabilities, the future isn''t nearly as clear. Sudden parent requests — including for graduation deferral or bespoke career readiness programs — can surprise IEP team members and create unexpected detours in transition planning. Attorney Jeremy Neff will analyze legal requirements and key decisions that apply to this critical checkpoint for students and families. He''ll clear up misconceptions about exiting students from special education and highlight potential signs that a student''s graduation should be delayed. Check in with Jeremy as he delivers practical strategies that will ease students'' departure from high school and prepare them for arrival at their next destination.

Dyslexia-related cases have become so frequent that, like fashion, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. Is eligibility still a hot issue? Should your district revamp its evaluation practices to reflect recent court rulings? How much do hearing officers care about educational methodology anyway? Now more than ever, special educators need to be on the cutting edge of litigation involving students with dyslexia. Attorney Brandon Wright will review case law to illustrate what''s hot, what''s not, and which practices should be shelved like your old college T-shirts. And because the classics never go out of style, he''ll offer tried-and true techniques for discussing dyslexia-related issues around the IEP table.

Dyslexia-related cases have become so frequent that, like fashion, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. Is eligibility still a hot issue? Should your district revamp its evaluation practices to reflect recent court rulings? How much do hearing officers care about educational methodology anyway? Now more than ever, special educators need to be on the cutting edge of litigation involving students with dyslexia. Attorney Brandon Wright will review case law to illustrate what''s hot, what''s not, and which practices should be shelved like your old college T-shirts. And because the classics never go out of style, he''ll offer tried-and true techniques for discussing dyslexia-related issues around the IEP table.

Top five answers on the board: Name something your district must do when evaluating a student''s need for IDEA services. If you stumbled over this question, don''t worry — attorney Courtney Stillman has all the answers (and then some). She''ll examine the IDEA requirements for assessments and reviews of existing data, including parental consent, to make sure your district doesn''t have to guess its way through the evaluation process. What''s more, she''ll show how to avoid legal whammies when responding to parent conditions on assessments or requests for independent educational evaluations at public expense. Attendees also will learn how to use consent override procedures when a parent says "no deal" to an evaluation request. Come on down to this informative session to help keep your district out of legal jeopardy!

It''s clear that more students with significant needs are enrolling in our schools. As a result, there is an increasing number of paraeducators in both inclusive and specialized classrooms. And the line between the paraeducator''s and the special educator''s roles can get blurred, especially during staff shortages. Special education director Kelly Raf will define the sometimes-ambiguous employment duties of the paraeducator. She''ll explain how to best utilize paraeducators to help implement students'' IEPs without overstepping boundaries or violating the law. Referencing caselaw and one district''s proven best practices, Kelly will guide you on how to develop your own resource that better defines the paraeducator’s role, how to support licensed teachers in their oversight of paraeducators, and how to set clear guidelines so you don’t cross the line.

Pssst! Are you looking for the lowdown on the rules governing student records? Need a refresher on confidentiality requirements? Not sure when or how to provide access? Don''t keep those questions under wraps — let attorney Pam Leist guide you through the regulatory darkness. Pam will unearth the maze of confidentiality requirements set forth in the IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA. She''ll also reveal insider tips for selecting appropriate technology and helping staff understand their role in creating and maintaining student records. Bring your questions about communications made through apps, parent requests for testing protocols, or providing access to third parties in order to uncover secrets for working with opposing parties during due process, state complaint investigations, and litigation.

Paperwork can make any special education administrator chomp at the bit. Whether you''re a veteran administrator or the new sheriff in town, you''ll find that appropriate documentation is the key to protecting your district from legal liability. Saddle up for this session on documenting the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of employee conduct. Attorney Stephen Cowles will round up best practices from case law and federal guidelines to help you effectively record and respond to inappropriate staff actions and behaviors. He''ll also outfit you with everything you need — including sample checklists and investigative plans — to steer your documentation procedures in the right direction.

While there are many possible placements on the IDEA continuum, one of the most restrictive, and priciest, is a residential program. Many parents, faced with a child who is truant or physically aggressive, request that the district pay for such a program. But how the district responds and whether it will be left picking up the check depends on whether the placement is necessary for FAPE. Attorney Marcy Gutierrez will serve up a comprehensive overview of case law surrounding residential placements. She''ll then offer a menu of lessons drawn from those important decisions, such as interim programming, availability, and transportation. Take away a step-by-step action plan to follow when determining if residential placement is a student''s least restrictive environment.

Top five answers on the board: Name something your district must do when evaluating a student''s need for IDEA services. If you stumbled over this question, don''t worry — attorney Courtney Stillman has all the answers (and then some). She''ll examine the IDEA requirements for assessments and reviews of existing data, including parental consent, to make sure your district doesn''t have to guess its way through the evaluation process. What''s more, she''ll show how to avoid legal whammies when responding to parent conditions on assessments or requests for independent educational evaluations at public expense. Attendees also will learn how to use consent override procedures when a parent says "no deal" to an evaluation request. Come on down to this informative session to help keep your district out of legal jeopardy!

What was once viewed as a law largely impacting sports, Title IX has become its own area of student discipline. And while special educators may want to sit on the bench while the new Title IX regulations play out in general education, it’s time for them to get in the game. Attorney Samantha Lewis will pass on the regulations’ impact special education, including factors to consider when a Title IX matter involves emergency removals and supportive measures that may interfere with IEP services. She’ll also provide a game plan for bridging the gap between the IDEA/Section 504 and Title IX and how to facilitate ongoing consultation between your Title IX coordinator and special education team.

Parents are experts on their children. They can tell you when something doesn''t quite add up! That''s why when parents bring private evaluation data to the table or request independent educational evaluations, IEP teams should pay attention. Join Attorney Jose Martín as he explains the positives and negatives of IEEs. He''ll carefully review the factors districts should consider in responding to parents'' IEE requests. And, because not all private evaluators follow the same formula, Jose will outline techniques to gauge the value of an IEE — including its data and sources — during the IEP meeting.

Retaliation claims related to students with disabilities are increasingly the subject of federal court cases seeking money damages in recent years. Attorney Jose Martín will explore the common contexts in which these claims usually arise, including adverse actions against parents of students with disabilities, reports to child protection agencies, and employment actions against employees who serve these students. Importantly, he’ll review recent cases to identify dangerous liability scenarios that can help special educators ascertain how to prevent and avoid retaliation claims when working with campus administrators, and if necessary, strategies on how to successfully defend against these cases.

Is your subconscious interfering with your district''s ability to provide students FAPE? Find out in this one-of-a-kind journey through the human brain! Join mediator Jason Harper for an expedition to unearth the implicit biases lurking within all of our minds. He''ll start with a deep dive into why and how we form implicit biases. He''ll then show attendees how to navigate their own implicit biases to prevent them from surfacing during special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP meetings. Attendees also will discover how microaggressions and other manifestations of implicit biases negatively affect relationships with families and school officials alike. Go back to your district prepared to identify implicit bias and its effect on case management and credibility.