Thursday, 8:30-11:30; 1:00-2:15 and 2:30-3:30
Coming Your Way: Currently Showing in a School Near You! Presenters: James A. Keith, Esq., Ann Deaton Box, Jessica
I. Morris, Esq., and Carolyn Wooten Black
Back through popular demand, the day will be organized to address
an array of pertinent topics. With so many issues facing school personnel, the
presenters will collaboratively provide up-to-date information on a variety
of issues! School administrators and lead staff members will not want to miss
this informative day! The presenters will address the following hot topics and
answer questions from the audience.
Bullying and harassing behavior – With attention on
this important subject, the presentation will address the latest information
regarding the laws and issues surrounding situations that schools face. Questions
such as: What is the responsibility of an IEP Committee to address the issues
surrounding bullying and harassing behavior of a child with a disability? May
a parent file a complaint or due process hearing under IDEA based on their child
being bullied at school? What evidence should the school district maintain to
support their case concerning bullying behavior?
Services for students identified as Emotionally Disturbed
– As we know, MDE has placed emphasis on the identification of students
with the disability of ‚emotionally disturbed.. Following the eligibility,
what special education services should IEP Committees consider to address the
unique needs of the student? The presenters will discuss the pitfalls in determining
services and placement for emotionally disturbed students under IDEA.
Latest legal issues – The latest pertinent legal issues
surrounding special education will be discussed, including findings of recent
court cases. Participants will be provided up-to-date information as well as
the concerns on issues surrounding court decisions. Also, participants will
be provided information regarding pitfalls in decision-making regarding discipline
and placements in alternative school programs.
Parent complaints – The presenters will address factors
to consider when dealing with parent complaints as well as pitfalls that may
happen when ‘emotion’ enters the situation of determining compliance.
ADA amendments – You will not want to miss this presentation!
The changes made to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the impact
on decision-making by school district personnel will be addressed. School administrators,
IEP Committee members and Section 504 Coordinators need to be informed of these
significant changes to the law.
IDEA Reauthorization – Where are we in the reauthorization
process? The presenters will discuss the issues relevant to numerous organizations
and the recommendations that are being proposed to Congress. While funding remains
an issue, changes to State Performance Goals/indicators, parent authority and
State testing are a few of the regulatory concerns that are being discussed
through-out the nation. Participants will hear the latest ideas being presented
to ‘enhance’ the regulations under IDEA.
Friday, 8:30-10:00
The Trail of Tiers: How Section 504 Requirements and
the Three-Tier Process May Blend
Presenters: James A. Keith, Esq. and Carolyn Wooten Black
Have you had a request for a Section 504 Accommodation Plan due
to the lack of academic support in regular education? Is there a difference
between a Three-Tier Intervention Plan and a Section 504 Accommodation Plan?
Are parents informed of their child’s participation in the Three-Tier process?
These questions, along with the legal implications surrounding Section 504 and
the Three-Tier process will be discussed by the presenters. School administrators
and lead teachers within the Three-Tier process will not want to miss this session!
Tuesday, 10:15-11:45 The Proof is in the Files! Presenter: Carolyn Wooten Black
Ever had a parent compliant or site visit? Situations often occur that require
documentation being available to support the decisions made by school personnel.
During this session the presenter will discuss the pitfalls regarding documentation
within the intervention, referral, evaluation and IEP processes that may lead
to unnecessary problems for the district.
Friday, 10:15-11:45
The Proof is in the Files! Presenter: Carolyn Wooten Black
Ever had a parent compliant or site visit? Situations
often occur that require documentation being available to support the decisions
made by school personnel. During this session the presenter will discuss the
pitfalls regarding documentation within the intervention, referral, evaluation
and IEP processes that may lead to unnecessary problems for the district.Alternative
Schools and Programs: Who's In and Who's Out?
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