We’re currently planning the 2025 agenda, but for now take a look at the Pre- and Post-Institute Symposiums that were offered in 2024. These extended-length Symposiums are presented by nationally recognized experts who bring you the case law, research, and tools needed to address your toughest challenges as you strive to serve students with disabilities and their families.
2025 Symposium details will be announced in the Fall!
SIGN UP FOR AGENDA UPDATESWhat’s the next step beyond a crisis? Whatever it is, that’s where we are with mental health. As data pours in from a variety of sources and perspectives — including the U.S. Surgeon General — on the impact of social media use and mental health, it’s clear mental health implications are present in nearly every aspect of education: academics, attendance, extracurricular activities, discipline, and social interactions inside and outside of school. Attorneys Karen Haase and Bobby Truhe will examine a school’s legal obligations to identify and serve students with mental health challenges. They will analyze pertinent decisions and guidance to ensure you come away with best practices to manage student threats, discipline issues, and First Amendment challenges. Don't miss this symposium to discover what mental health services a school can, should, or must provide to students in need.
Attorney, KSB School Law, PC, LLO, Lincoln, Neb.
Attorney, KSB School Law, PC, LLO, Lincoln, Neb.
IEP teams depend on accurate progress monitoring data to develop appropriately ambitious programs for students with disabilities. IEP teams that skip or skimp on these critical steps can easily end up facing a unilateral placement or sizable compensatory education award. This means school personnel need a solid understanding of the type and amount of data to record, as well as their duty to provide periodic progress reports. Attorney Kendra Yoch will explore this often-underappreciated component of FAPE and show attendees the power of effective progress monitoring. She'll highlight common missteps using case law and real progress reports. You'll take away strategies and practice pointers for developing robust progress reports that will help demonstrate the provision of FAPE under the standard the Supreme Court set forth in Endrew F.
Attorney, Thompson & Horton LLP, Dallas, Texas
Join Anne Bradley and Betsey Helfrich, two attorneys from the "Show Me State," for a fun and engaging presentation examining the Section 504 process. From mock 504 scenarios on referrals to 504 meetings and communications with parents, this not-to-be-missed presentation will be chock-full of real-world examples and compliance tips. These 504 veterans will show you how to handle your trickiest Section 504 situations. Most importantly, they'll break down any new 504 regulations and what practices and procedures to revise at your school.
Attorney, Section 504 Solutions, L.L.C, Overland Park, Kan.
Attorney, The Law Office of Betsey Helfrich, Washington, Mo.
The thought of participating in a due process hearing can be daunting for school and district-level administrators alike, especially if they're relatively new to special education. Attorney Marcy Gutierrez will discuss the “ins and outs” of due process, starting from the initial steps to take when you receive a complaint, to what you can do to try to resolve it, and to how to put yourself in the best position for a hearing. You will leave this comprehensive session for nonattorneys with a due process toolkit, plus valuable documentation and recordkeeping tips to help minimize a district's potential liability for IDEA violations and boost overall compliance. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind training opportunity!
Attorney, Gutierrez, Perry & Villarreal, LLP, Sacramento, Calif.
High-conflict situations frequently arise in IEP meetings, and most school staff lack the knowledge and experience to navigate them. IEP teams can become anxious when families bring along advocates or attorneys, or if unexpected requests arise. Attorney Robin Day and former Special Education Director Kelly Raf have developed proven systems that will help your team diffuse conflict and ensure legally compliant IEP meetings. They know the more prepared a team is for responding to contentious situations, the better the outcomes for all parties involved. This presentation will focus on practical strategies to address common points of conflict before, during, and after IEP meetings. The presenters will highlight key legal guidance regarding permissible pre-meeting activities and best practices for post-meeting follow-up. Leave this symposium with a notebook full of practices designed to increase confidence and skills of school staff, improve compliance, encourage collaboration with families, and reduce due process and mediation requests.
Special Education Attorney, Mediator & Complaint Investigator, West Linn, Ore.
Special Education Administrator and School Psychologist, Hillsboro School District, Hillsboro, Ore.
Whether it’s emergency drills, compliance with evolving laws related to violence prevention and response, or ongoing safety training, educators often ask: “Where does special education ‘fit’ in this legal, medical, educational, sociological, and psychological crossroads?” Attorneys Denise Hays and Paula Roalson will navigate requirements arising from a complex web of federal and state laws and review recent cases to directly address the school’s responsibilities in dangerous situations posed by students with disabilities. After identifying the three theories of liability correlating to this serious topic, they'll pass on legally defensible strategies to address students victimized by school violence and those who are feared to engage in future dangerous situations. You'll leave this symposium with practical guidance and responsive measures required under the IDEA to address threats or violent behavior.
Attorney, Walsh Gallegos Trevino Kyle & Robinson PC, Austin, Texas
Attorney, Walsh Gallegos Trevino Kyle & Robinson PC, Houston, Texas
Writing behavior goals can challenge the most experienced education professional, especially during this Post-COVID-19 era where social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care must be considered! Taking an emotional construct and creating a clear goal that meets the criteria of being observable and measurable is a feat in and of itself. Then, the school team must determine how to implement the goal and monitor progress. In this interactive and experiential symposium by Attorney Lorie Gerkey and certified School Psychologist, School Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist Dana Holtz, you’ll review recent case law related to behavior-based goals. Then, the presenters will provide sample behavior-based goals to be dissected and evaluated for being clear, observable, measurable, individualized, and achievable. Participants should bring their most-challenging scenarios in hopes of developing behavior-based goals they can incorporate into IEPs.
Law Office of Lorie A. Gerkey, PLLC, Tucson, Ariz.
RPT-S, C-AdPT, NCC, Las Vegas, Nev.
How many IDEA procedural safeguards can you name? Prior written notice, consent, IEEs, due process hearing procedures, and attorney fees may come to mind. With his charismatic presentation style, Attorney David Hodgins provides a thorough understanding of these issues and more to assist you with everyday compliance. His review of key IDEA regulations and legal decisions, with solid practice tips and examples, will help your district avoid and/or respond effectively to potential IDEA litigation.
Attorney, Thompson & Horton LLP, Houston, Texas