Online Course - “Advocating for Students: The Special Education Process and Beyond”

An online, self paced course, based on Rich Weinfeld's, "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book.”  The book is Available on Amazon

The course provides a strong foundation in the principles of special needs advocacy, with an emphasis on practical application of the fundamental legal requirements that drive special needs education.  No matter what your role is in the school system or outside of the school system it’s important that you understand why special needs identification and planning works the way that it does.

This six-module, 45 hour graduate-level course offers options for 3 credits or a certificate of completion. 
 
Course objectives include:   

• Gain a foundational understanding of special education law

• Learn the process for developing 504 plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• Improve plan effectiveness by writing S.M.A.R.T. goals and choosing appropriate accommodations and adaptations

• Access tools to effectively implement IEP or 504 plans, monitor the plan’s effectiveness and track student progress

• Know the steps to requesting functional behavioral assessments and creating behavioral intervention plans

Click here to read more about this course or to register. 

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Course Reviews

michaeldelnegro 

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7/25/2017 11:39 AM 

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I have learned how important it is to ensure the parents’ rights as well as the rights of the child are met.  I have also learned that there are timely steps and processes put into place for a reason and not just to delay the results.  I learned how to write SMART goals, what to include in the (current academic levels, strengthens, weaknesses, strategies used, accommodations made, etc.) and how to speak to parents at the meetings. Additionally, I learned who needed to be included in the IEP team and what parents’ rights are if they do not agree with the recommendations.  I was not aware of all the different types of meetings that could be initiated and to be able to compare/contrast them.

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Nicoley90

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7/24/2017 12:23 PM  

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I have learned so much in this course as a new DOE Employee and I am so happy I decided to take it.  I intend to implement what I have learned and I am ready to be a full advocate for all students in a variety of situations.  I learned the ways in which students are eligible for an IEP and plan to implement my knowledge when assessing them. This course taught me that collaboration is VITAL and helped me learn the role of a general educator. I also learned that parents can be an essential part of the IEP. This course helped me develop stronger writing skills in order to write SMART goals and present levels of performance (PLOP) for students. I loved how this course helped me think of students that I can help and gave me different situations to work through. It definitely made me a stronger clinician because it helped me develop and implement resolutions for this student. I feel that I am ready to be an advocate for students with special needs. The course was very informative and organized.

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EDelio1212

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7/24/2017 10:52 AM 

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I now feel better prepared to answer questions about what RTI is and the differences between a 504 plan and an IEP.  I enjoyed learning about different accommodation options and ways to foster a positive parent teacher relationship. There were some very useful tips and on how to foster positive relationships and make the parent feel part of the team.  It was very helpful to review different ways to mediate a disagreement including the state complaint, administrative meeting and a mediation meeting.  Also, to know the timelines of each stage and the due process hearing and how this may affect me or what my role would be as a speech teacher.  I feel better informed and prepared to handle this situation if it unfortunately arises in my teaching career.  Overall, this course was very informative on my student's and parent's legal rights.

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LHerskovitz

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7/22/2017 7:40 AM 

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Throughout this class, I have learned a great deal. It begins with FAPE. Parents are their child's biggest and greatest advocates. I learned how to recognize that a student may have a learning disability and how to "spot" these signs. I also learned the differences between a 504 and an IEP. Being a part of my school's IEP team will be so much more important this coming year. I know fully what my position will be as the general education teacher. This class has helped prepare me to help my students in the best possible way that I can.

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Ellynrose

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7/22/2017 6:33 AM 

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This was a very informative and beneficial class and I believe all educators should take this course. I appreciate the overview of the IEP process. I think this information is beneficial because we can help the parent's understand the process as well. We can help diffuse a difficult situation when the parents want a "quick fix" and the process takes some time. Reviewing the members that must attend an IEP and 504 meeting was also beneficial in understanding each individual's role. I feel that often times, general educators feel that IEP meetings are a burden, but I don't think they realize what they can do to benefit the child in a positive way. This information certainly sheds a new light on the role of the general educator. Parents need all the resources (that includes staff too) to do what is best for their child to succeed. Parents, often, settle because they do not realize all the options they have. Thank you for this wonderful class.

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iramnauth2220

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7/18/2017 9:23 AM 

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I now know that it is important for the IEP team to work closely with the parents and to provide information and collaboration in a timely manner with respect and understanding. With all the information learned in this course, I intend to put into practice this new found knowledge to better improve my teaching and the lives of my students. Excellent course! I now have the skills necessary to advocate for the needs of both my special needs and general education students.

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mssehayes

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7/12/2017 1:28 AM 

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It is always best for parents and schools to work together but it is nice to know that there are so many supports in place for both parties when this communication breaks down. I also learned a lot about writing SMART goals. I write goals regularly but will now take the time to ensure that my goals are including all of the necessary parts. It was also helpful to take time looking at the reasoning and ideas behind each of the parts of the IEP. When I write IEP's in the future I will definitely being taking into account all that I learned so that I can be sure to write the best IEP's I can to give my students the best education that they deserve.

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melissalalli

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7/11/2017 7:26 AM 

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First and foremost, this course has taught me how to successfully take a student through the RTI process and acquire the necessary supports to become successful. More importantly I have learned the difference between an IEP and a 504. I have also learned about parent's rights and all the different ways they can dispute an IEP. I learned that a facilitator and mediation can occur if the dispute can be settled within the school. However, I also learned that if the parents do not think there can be resolution at this level they can write a letter to the state or initiate a due processing hearing. Lastly, I have learned all about the different types of meetings. Additionally, I was helpful to learn about why students require FBA's and BIPs as well as the process behind collecting the data, analyzing it and then developing a plan. I found the charts to be useful as well. Now when I have to collect data, I have resources to use.

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