Want to avoid those explosive landmines in decision-making? This session is
a must to attend!
An understanding of the purpose and legal requirements surrounding the Response
to Intervention process, Section 504 requirements, discipline regulations and
due process hearings under IDEA 2004 is a must for school administrators, central
office administrators and staff members.
Issues and mistakes leading to non-compliance with regular and special education
policies that create challenging situations and take time/energy away from educational
initiatives will be discussed. Based on relevant scenarios, participants will
explore common legal pitfalls related to the following questions -
- Is your district failing to evaluate for special education services?
- Is your district using or misusing Section 504 requirements?
- Are administrators and staff members taking the necessary steps when implementing
discipline, manifestation determinations and behavior plans?
- Are the steps and timelines related to State complaints and due process hearings
being correctly implemented?
JAMES A. KEITH, ESQ. is a partner in the law firm of Adams and Reese,
LLP in Jackson, Mississippi. He serves as board attorney for several school
districts throughout Mississippi, providing advice and counsel on numerous school
law issues such as employment matters, student issues and education of the disabled.
Mr. Keith's areas of practice include education, administrative and employment
law, with a particular emphasis on special education matters in public school
systems. Mr. Keith is a frequent speaker at national and state conferences and
has conducted numerous seminars on legal issues for local school personnel and
attorneys.
CAROLYN BLACK is the Director of the Center for Special Education Services
(C-SPED) that provides a network of services designed for educators. Ms. Black
consults with districts on the development and implementation of policies and
procedures under IDEA, Section 504, FERPA and Response to Intervention (RTI).
She provides training on inclusion practices and research-based strategies.
Ms. Black is a frequent presenter and speaker on subjects related to the implementation
of IDEA, Section 504, Inclusion, RTI and Differentiated Instruction.
Repeated Session (Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning
-
IEPs and LRE: Participation vs. Making Progress in the Regular Ed Classroom
Are students with disabilities being placed in regular education classrooms
with the curricular modifications/supports needed to make progress or simply
to fulfill a requirement for participation? Are transition services aimed at
making progress towards meeting student goals?
While school districts often meet the State goals of students with disabilities
attending regular education classrooms, compliance with the LRE requirements
are focused on maximum exposure to the grade-level curriculum. This session
will address the changing role of LRE under IDEA 2004 and NCLB and factors to
consider when IEPs are written.
Participants will explore practical methods for administrators and teachers
to ensure progress monitoring data indicates remediation, along with appropriate
curricular modifications. The following processes will be explored during this
informative session -
- How to determine if a student is actually making progress towards meeting
the curriculum requirements.
- How to modify a curriculum objective for students with skills below grade
level while trying to teach grade level material.
- How to provide grades reflective of a student's work.
- How to plan for high school transition services.
- How to explain transition services and graduation options to parents.
DIANNE ENIS is the Director of Network Services for C-SPED. Ms. Enis
is a MDE and NASP certified school psychologist. She began her career by serving
as a school psychologist in a public school. She retired from the Mississippi
Department of Education, Office of Special Education, where she provided training
in the areas of evaluation and eligibility. She frequently provides onsite consultation
and training on C-SPED's compliant Intervention/TST process, positive behavioral
interventions, inclusion and cultural diversity.
CECILIA LEACH is a consultant with C-SPED and works with districts throughout
the State. She retired as the Director of Special Education for the Senatobia
School District after twenty-two years of public service. Ms. Leach has expertise
in the relationship between IDEA and NCLB, student data analysis for improvement
in achievement, "Habits of the Mind," and issues pertaining to IDEA
and Section 504. She has presented in the State and out-of-state on the "Nine
Essential Instructional Strategies That Work" and is a valued resource
in working with teachers regarding effective interventions, the response to
intervention process and inclusion practices.
Repeated Session (Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning
-
Playing by the Rules: Issues, Actions and Decisions
Think you have seen it all? Guess Again! During this session, the presenters
will provide up-to-date information regarding new issues on the horizon, as
well as, the steps you need to take to ensure readiness for the latest legal
matters. Participants will enjoy this session, as the presenters discuss relevant
topics, including -
- National emphasis on restraint and seclusion techniques, including time-out
procedures.
- When and how to handle parent demands.
- District policy regarding observations in the classroom by advocates and
parents.
- The U.S. Supreme Court's Forest Grove opinion, which granted parents an opportunity
for private placement reimbursement even though the district had not previously
provided services.
Got questions you want answered? Time will be allocated for participants to
ask questions of the presenters related to those "tricky" educational
issues. So, participants get your questions together!
Presenters: James A. Keith, Esq. and Carolyn Wooten Black
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