SESSION DETAILS

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.

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 2025, including the Supreme Court's decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279, as well as her predictions for litigation trends for the coming year!

Student behavior challenges tip the scales when it comes to the most litigated special education issues, especially when a situation involves a change of placement to a more restrictive setting. From IEPs to BIPs and FBAs, attorney Brandon Wright will reveal the red flags associated with the IDEA's least restrictive environment requirement in the context of student behavior. He'll account for what the law and regulations say about behavior and how courts and hearing officers have interpreted them. Come away with how to best document changes of placement in the IEP and what adds up to compliance with the IDEA's LRE mandate.

Discipline is scary for students and schools. The complexity of making disciplinary decisions involving students with disabilities leads to many misperceptions and compliance missteps. Attorneys Kendra Yoch and Andrew Tatgenhorst present in-depth analysis of the application of the rules surrounding the discipline of students with disabilities so that districts don't inadvertently reject reality and substitute their own. They’ll identify and dispel common myths, and then, using real-world scenarios, analyze common discipline pitfalls and address prevalent (but legally risky) practices. These speakers don't just tell the myths: They put them to the test. Leave with a notebook of truths to apply during the next discipline dilemma in your district.

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

Go beyond the basics and get clarity on the most misunderstood aspects of Section 504. With limited federal guidance and no new regulations in sight, districts are left navigating complex compliance issues with little direction and a lot of risk. In this advanced session, attorneys Pam Leist and Jeremy Neff cover the nuanced challenges that trip up even experienced teams. Using case examples, legal interpretations, and practical tools, they'll explore the subtle distinctions between Section 504 and IDEA, when dual eligibility applies, and how to address invisible and episodic disabilities, mental health conditions, and temporary impairments. Plus, they’ll address disciplining students with 504 plans, responding to parental disagreements and OCR complaints, and strengthening documentation, team decision-making, reevaluations, and plan revisions. Secure the knowledge you need to train staff, avoid common pitfalls, and build a more consistent, compliant 504 program across your district.

With student mental health needs on the rise, teams must be equipped to determine when those needs qualify a student under Section 504 or IDEA. Attorney Jeremy Neff untangles the legal and practical complexities of evaluating and serving students with mental health conditions. Using real-world examples, he’ll guide you through distinguishing between clinical diagnoses and educational impact, documenting defensible eligibility decisions, and responding effectively when parents or providers disagree with team conclusions. You’ll get just the tools your teams need to support defensible evaluations, clearer communication with families, and legally sound eligibility determinations.

Buckle up for a legal road trip through the complex transportation requirements under Section 504 and the IDEA. In response to parent requests for assistance at home before and after their child's travel to school, along with recent and conflicting case law, there’s a need to examine the definition and boundaries of special transportation. Attorney Courtney Stillman will guide you through special transportation eligibility factors, behavior issues on the bus (and when an MDR is required), and transportation for students placed in remote locations. Learn how to respond to parent requests, prevent disability discrimination in transportation, and steer clear of legal potholes. With real-life examples and practical takeaways to share, she’ll help your district to stay on track — no GPS required.

The IDEA requires meaningful parental participation throughout the entire IEP process, from eligibility determinations through placement decisions. Since many litigated disputes involve claims that parents did not have an opportunity to participate, school leaders must understand the requirement and how to navigate and avoid related challenges. Go to the movies with attorney Laura Anthony and get 13 parental guidance tips. She'll clarify the legal standard, explain parental rights in blended and non-traditional families, and answer your questions about what makes participation "meaningful." Find your seat and get ready to defend denial-of-FAPE claims and strengthen parent-school relationships — minus the popcorn!

Do your general education teachers fail to recognize the importance of their role in providing accommodations to students with disabilities? If so, this session is for you. Although general education teachers are in another hamlet, it takes a village to support them in accommodating the needs of students with disabilities. Administrator Larry Brunson offers innovative strategies to guide and motivate your general education staff in implementing IEPs with fidelity. Take Shakespearean information back to your staff to bust common fictions that may hinder general education teachers from appropriately providing assistance. Larry will answer your questions about effective collaboration with all teachers to develop and model implementation of students' accommodations.

Sometimes getting through the manifestation determination review is just half the journey. That’s why attorney MaryGrace Bell Kittrell will traverse the basics of what to do after the MDR. She answers the tough, complex questions that sometimes arise, such as: "Has the MDR revealed a potential new area of eligibility?" "How does the IEP team decide how to amend the IEP at an interim alternative education setting?" And, "Is the student still entitled to an MDR under Section 504 if the parent has taken a detour and revoked consent for services under the IDEA?" Sidestep mistakes after MDRs with MaryGrace’s compliance tips in hand.

EdTech expert Leslie Fisher explores how the myriad of available artificial intelligence solutions and prompts can elevate instruction, increase access, and streamline supports for diverse learners. Designed for educators and administrators, Leslie offers a clear look at tools that help bridge learning gaps, enhance classroom accessibility, and even reduce workload through innovative, responsible use of technology. While not offering legal advice, Leslie will decode how these tools align with best practices, supporting inclusive practices, and IEP implementation. Expect real demos, fundamental tools, and genuine laughs.