We are taking our Institute virtual again for 2024 using Zoom, a cloud based video conferencing service. This program has been designed with busy educators in mind. Participants will cover materials that would traditionally be taught in a semester-long course. This will be accomplished through significant reading in advance from Eric Herlan’s Maine Special Education Law, as well as collected court and hearing officer rulings. Participants will also complete a written exercise in advance of the course, and a written project either during or after the completion of the course. Class members will be required to prepare a written brief on one of the cases, participate in virtual mock IEP meetings, and then finish the course with an interactive mock disciplinary exercise- virtual of course! Participants will come out of the course with a strong knowledge of all the important procedural and substantive requirements of Maine special education law, including the disciplinary issues that impact this field, Section 504, FERPA, and other key issues impacting the delivery of services to students with disabilities.
The Institute is an intense and exciting learning experience for administrators, so we encourage participants to be fully present during their online sessions. Because of the small class size and casual nature of the Institute, Eric Herlan will be available to continue discussions and talk informally with participants throughout the 8-day period.
A course in Special Education Law is required for new administrator certification in Maine. What better way to meet your requirements than to learn from the best and have fun doing it!
Topics Include:
The IEP and team process
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Special education procedures
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
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Least restrictive programming/classroom accommodations
Eligibility
Discipline of students with disabilities
Section 504 and FERPA
Staff shortages and Special Education
Required Texts
Maine Special Education Law (2nd edition) and customized case readings. The appropriate texts and assigned topic for the first paper will be forwarded to each student by May 30, 2024.
Assignments, Readings, and Papers
By the first class, students must read the full text of Maine Special Education Law (2nd edition) and the selected cases. By July 1, all students will be required to submit one paper (5 pages, double spaced, conventional type) answering a variety of relevant questions, based on the readings. That paper will be read, commented on, graded, and returned to each student by the first day of class. A second assignment will then be due by July 30.
Case Summaries
For the first day of class, each student will have prepared a short summary, or “brief,” reviewing an identified special education case they have read and will assist Eric in the discussion of that case at some point during the course.
Online Participation
Participants are required to have their own tablet, PC, or laptop with internet connection. Participants will also need to be able to connect via video and audio. Spirited class discussion is an important part of this course. Students will have multiple opportunities to participate in discussions and virtual group exercises, including a mock manifestation determination and an interactive student discipline activity.
Grading
Grades will be based on the papers, on active class participation, on the written brief, and mock exercises.
Registration and Payment
Registration and payment are due in full by July 1. Payment may be made by registering online, or by check (made payable to schoollaw.com) mailed to PO Box 7570 DTS, Portland, ME 04112.
Registration: $1250.00 (includes tuition & required materials)