The 2004 IDEA reauthorization emphasized the importance of robust regular education to ensure that IDEA eligible students receive needed IDEA services. Response to Intervention and Early Intervening Services highlighted in 2004 now provide deeper, more individualized services in regular education. As regular ed is doing more, and sometimes even adopting strategies and providing services once limited to special education, what impact does that expansion have on IDEA eligibility? Veteran school attorney Dave Richards will discuss the burning question at the center of the controversy: What is specially designed instruction in an environment where resources and services are made available through regular education, RTI, dyslexia programs, and Section 504? He'll explain how SDI is interpreted by courts and the Department of Education, so you'll be prepared with possible responses to the problem and paths to address child find concerns with school district clients.
The stress of school crises and emergencies is exacerbated by the confluence of complex practical and legal issues that demand immediate response and a facile, solution-oriented approach. Drawn from years of lessons learned the hard way, Karen Haase will prepare school attorneys for their multifaceted role that encompasses crisis management; public relations; interagency cooperation; threat assessment; investigations; proactive and reactive risk mitigation; and litigation strategy. This three-hour symposium will take you chronologically through the stages of emergency preparedness, response, and resolution with a focus on the overlapping obligations of the IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA. Karen will highlight how special education programming and placement processes can be incorporated into effective response decisions, and how schools can legally, effectively, and efficiently communicate critical information.
