The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network is pleased to present its

2009 EDUCATION ADVOCACY

LUNCHTIME TELECONFERENCES

Teleconference presentation from 12:00-1:00 with Q&A from 1:00-1:30 pm

2009 Education Teleconference Materials

May 27, 2009                 Early Intervening Services:  This teleconference will provide information on Early Intervening Services (EIS) under IDEA, including the circumstances under which EIS must be provided in response to disproportionality in special education.  Information on New Jersey’s Intervention and Referral Services process will also be addressed.  Presented by:  Diana Autin, Esq., SPAN Executive Co-Director

June 3, 2009                  Response to Intervention: This teleconference will provide information on the   use of Response to Intervention (RTI) for students struggling academically and/or behaviorally as well as its use in making determinations of eligibility for special education and related services as a student with a specific learning disability.  Presented by:  Diana Autin, Esq., SPAN Executive Co-Director

June 10, 2009                 Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act:  This teleconference will highlight the rights of children with special needs in the school setting, including children who require a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, children who need reasonable accommodations and modifications to receive an equal education, and children who face discrimination based on disability or special healthcare needs.  Section 504 will be contrasted with IDEA and New Jersey’s Special Education Code.

                                       Presented by:  Martha Brecher, Esq., SPAN Legal Director and Director of Technical Assistance

June 24, 2009                 The Individualized Education Plan (IEP):  This teleconference will discuss the legal requirements for notice to parents, IEP meetings (including excusal of IEP team members from the IEP meeting), revising IEPs without a meeting, parental consent (including the ability of parents to withdraw consent for special education services), and the contents of the IEP.  Presented by:  Carolyn Hayer, SPAN Director of Parent/Professional Development

July 1, 2009                    Inclusion and Least Restrictive Environment:  This teleconference will feature an overview of the legal requirements for placement in the “least restrictive environment” as well as the research base and effective strategies for inclusive services.  Presented by:  Paula Lieb, Executive Director, NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education

July 8, 2009[*]                  Discipline, Manifestation Determination, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Positive Behavior Supports:  This teleconference will highlight the legal requirements for functional behavior assessments and the inclusion of positive behavior support plans in IEPs for students with challenging behavior, and the discipline protections under IDEA, NJ Special Education Code, and Section 504, including the requirement for manifestation determinations.  Presented by: Diana Autin, Esq., SPAN Executive Co-Director

July 15, 2009                  Transition to Adult Life and Graduation:  This teleconference will summarize the legal requirements and effective strategies to develop and implement meaningful transition services, and graduation requirements, including the right of students to “walk” in graduation ceremonies even if they are continuing their education to age 21. Presented by:  Alice Hunnicutt, SPAN Director of Transition to Adult Life

July 22, 2009                  Creating Agreement:  This teleconference will highlight effective strategies for parents and professionals to “create agreement” and avoid or minimize conflict in the early intervention and special education processes.  Presented by:  Carolyn Hayer, SPAN Director of Parent/Professional Development

July 29, 2009                  Procedural Safeguards and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms:  This teleconference will focus on the rights of parents and youth who have reached majority in the Section 504 and Special Education processes, as well as the formal conflict resolution mechanisms available under IDEA, NJ Special Education Code, and Section 504.  Presented by:  Diana Autin, Esq., SPAN Executive Co-Director

To register please call 973-642-8100 x 116 or via email: trainings@spannj.org

All teleconferences are archived on the SPAN website with free access 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.  To view archived workshops & materials, go to www.spannj.org/resources/index.htm

This project is made possible by funding from the U.S. Department of Education.