Special education due process filings can be stressful and time-consuming—but many disputes can be prevented with the right strategies. This session provides school administrators with practical, legally grounded guidance for staying ahead of conflicts and responding effectively when a filing occurs.
The work of school personnel focuses on students, instruction, and daily responsibilities. When an advocate or attorney unexpectedly attends a meeting, it can feel intimidating, create emotional distress, and even derail the intended purpose of the meeting. Without preparation, staff may react defensively, lose focus, or unintentionally escalate tensions. This presentation provides strategies for maintaining professionalism, composure, and confidence in these difficult situations. The presenters refer to a familiar song about not letting others rattle you to serve as a lighthearted but effective anchor point for serious professional development about responding with calm, controlled energy and remaining focused on student success.
Starting the school year as a new administrator can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the complexities of special education. In this session, experienced special education leaders from across the state will share the most critical information new administrators need from day one. From understanding the process of referral to dismissal and everything in between, participants will gain practical guidance to ensure compliance and support student success. This session is designed to build administrator confidence, strengthen decision-making, and set new administrators up for a successful start in leading special education programs.
Starting the school year as a new administrator can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the complexities of special education. In this session, experienced special education leaders from across the state will share the most critical information new administrators need from day one. From understanding the process of referral to dismissal and everything in between, participants will gain practical guidance to ensure compliance and support student success. This session is designed to build administrator confidence, strengthen decision-making, and set new administrators up for a successful start in leading special education programs.
This presentation will explore how transformational leadership builds a positive, collaborative school culture through intentional action. We will discuss gathering and responding to authentic feedback from students and staff, motivating and incentivizing student effort, promoting strong team building, and maintaining high leadership visibility. The session will also highlight the importance of data-driven discussions and decision-making to guide improvement efforts. Ultimately, the focus will be on turning feedback and data into meaningful action that strengthens climate, culture, and student success.
