With disputes between families and schools on the rise, professionals tasked with implementing IDEA and Section 504/ADA must navigate the complex challenge of balancing legal requirements with practical solutions. In this session, Janet Decker, an attorney and education law professor, will discuss five common issues that lead to lawsuits including 1) adversarial IEP meetings; 2) failure to recognize that all school staff need to be legally literate; 3) discipline mistakes; 4) failure to identify students with hidden disabilities; and 5) staff shortages. These real-world scenarios will pave the way for Angie Balsley, a seasoned special education director, to share practical recommendations so that school leaders can better prevent and navigate conflict. Regardless of your professional role, in this session you’ll increase your legal literacy and practical toolkit to effectively support your work in ensuring student success and maintaining productive family-school relationships while mitigating future liabilities.
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