https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n A collection of resources for SPED law and practice. en-us 2021-08-28 15:33:30 UTC 2023-01-28 16:07:03 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f34e.png millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1702035522 This is a vital resource for both parents and teachers concerning special education law and advocacy. It includes countless topics available to explore to answer all of the frequently asked questions about SPED policies, rights, and laws. Wrightslaw is a great resource to share with parents who are confused about their child's rights, as well as teachers and administration as we navigate the sometimes complicated field of free and appropriate education. ]]> 2021-08-28 15:43:52 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1702035522 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1784991169 This is an excellent source for both parents and teachers as it summarizes and explains the key components of Section 504, as well as specifies the obligations schools are under in regards to complying with 504. It provides hypothetical situations and analyzes the compliance or noncompliance with Section 504, as well as the next steps that should be taken. This is a critical resource going into SPED, as I will want to have a reliable but accessible handbook to refer to when I'm worried that either my administration or I am not meeting all the lawful rights of a student. I fully intend on sharing this resource with parents as well, as often they do not know their specific protections and accommodations required by law.]]> 2021-10-01 19:22:14 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1784991169 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785395299 This Parent's Guide to Special Education in North Carolina is incredibly comprehensive, structured, and understandable which is why it is a key resource I will continue to use. It is a great resource to offer to parents, as it begins with basics like IDEA and SPED terms and concepts, and develops to guide parents to approaching IEP meetings and dispute resolution. I will also use it for myself, as the frequently asked questions are incredibly helpful for certain scenarios, and I will absolutely reference this again throughout dispute resolutions, 504 eligibility, and questions about school discipline. ]]> 2021-10-02 02:30:40 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785395299 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785400448 This is North Carolina's Every Student Succeeds Act Consolidated State Plan, it provides information on NC's initiative to fulfill the requirements of the ESSA, including data, practices, and an accountability model as well as long-term goals. It proposes organized support for schools in the margins within three levels of support, intensive support with modeling, moderate support with coaching, and general support with consultation. This resource will come in handy as I explore practices and initiatives of the school to ensure success, as well as make sure we are following the ESSA. ]]> 2021-10-02 02:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785400448 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785410642 This article provides explicit steps in how to self-advocate to school administrators by using your knowledge and expertise. This was a great reminder for me, that I am a specialized instructor arriving in the field with data and knowledge to back up my decisions and needs: it suggests to first decide communication styles, seek clarification, determine communication styles, and demonstrate expertise. I will continue to reference this article as I continue to student teaching and beyond, as I consistently struggle with self-advocacy, but this source poses many different ways I can do that clearly and professionally.]]> 2021-10-02 02:48:17 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785410642 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785413020 This article breaks down the relationship with families, proposing that parents are partners in our mission rather than opponents. First it explores how we can use this partnership to gain better understanding and goals for our student, as well as how to use our knowledge and expertise to help them receive their rights and the best education for their child possible. It also covers how to maintain boundaries and advocate for ourselves to parents. This is a crucial document to me, as it gives practical pointers and resources on how to do all of this, and especially going into being a first year teacher, I need to practice exercising these skills and have a source for my resources.]]> 2021-10-02 02:51:02 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785413020 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785870370 This website contains countless resources and up-to-date information on reform and change in NC's Exceptional Children Division. It provides links to webinars, information on conferences, extended content standards, as well as contact information to every EC director in the state. I fully intend on being a current SPED educator and this resource will help me attend conferences, apply new standards and practices, as well as be able to connect to the director of my county if issues or questions arise. ]]> 2021-10-02 13:12:39 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785870370 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785878691 This is the website for Watuaga County Schools, where I will be working for at least practicum and student teaching. This link provides access to all the forms necessary in meeting 504 guidelines, such as the initial evaluation, the 3 year evaluation, the exit plan, and more. This will be a vital source for me in the upcoming years, as I will be required to both understand and complete this documentation to ensure that student's rights under 504 are being met. ]]> 2021-10-02 13:19:13 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1785878691 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1786055390 The IDEA was created to ensure that every child with a disability has a right and access to a free and appropriate education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for future education, employment, and independent living. This law introduces Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which require that educators set curriculum-based goals, accommodations, and plans for their students, and reevaluate those at least every year. This law determined that schools must be held accountable for the education of their students with disabilities, through setting goals, collecting data, and offering the least restrictive environment possible.
Takeaways

• Students are entitled to an evaluation if they are suspected of having a disability that affects their education
• The input of both the family and the student must be taken into account in the IEP and educational decisions
• Services must be provided in the least restrictive environment when possible, with their non-disabled peers
• Students are entitled to free and appropriate education, meaning they cannot be asked to pay for extra services, and education must be designed to fit their needs
• Provisions are also given to birth-2 years old, as families are required to receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which prioritizes goals and resources, as well as sets a plan with steps to a transition to formal education

]]> 2021-10-02 15:35:18 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1786055390 https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1786078925 Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in participating in federally funded programs. This was a social movement to get this law signed and prohibit the discrimination of people with disabilities from federally funded programs. This included granting physical accommodations, as well as providing services and aids to ensure access to education, participation in extracurricular activities, and the right to be free from bullying and discrimination.
Takeaways

• Provides protections through evaluation and placement procedures that ensure the least restrictive environment, as well as periodic reevalution and reevaluation before changing placements
• School districts must provide nonacademic services and activities in a manner that provides students with disabilities an equal opportunity for participation
• If there is a reasonable suspension that a student has a disability, schools must conduct an evaluation and to deny or delay that would be a violation
• A student is not required to stop taking medicine to take an evaluation
• It is considered a change in placement if a student is suspended for 10 or more days (consecutively or summatively)-this requires a manifestation meeting to determine if the behavior is a result of the disability, and therefore a violation of 504 to restrict placement of a student.

]]> 2021-10-02 15:55:02 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1786078925 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928912866 President Obama signed this law as a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and cleared up goals from the previous version of the law,  the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. This law focuses on the goal of preparing every student for college or careers by requiring, for the first time, that all students will be held to high standards, prepping them to succeed in college and careers. 
- Expands investments towards improving access to high-quality preschools
- Annual, statewide assessments implemented to measure achievement towards goals and provide that information to families, educators, and districts
- Upholds critical protections for disadvantaged students, both with disabilities and from low-performing areas
- Incentivises and grows innovations in evidence-based and place-based interventions 
- Holds an expectations for accountability and action in low-performing schools]]> 2021-12-04 17:04:17 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928912866 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928924801 The American's with Disabilities Act is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of any individual with a disability in all areas of public life; this includes jobs, schools, transportation and includes all public and private places that are open to the general public. It was enacted to provide equal opportunity for those with disabilities. There are five titles (or sections) that give specifications for each area of public life: Title I (employment), Title II (state and local government), Title III (public accommodations), Title IV (telecommunications), and Title V (misc. provisions).

- Requires public entities (including schools) to make their programs, services, and activities accessibly to those with disabilities
- Requires employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" (an accommodation required so they may do their job without causing undue hardship)
- Requires employers to provide the same opportunities to those with disabilities, such as health insurance benefits and promotion opportunities
- Requires evaluation to determine architectural barriers and effectively communicate with those with disabilities
- Businesses must make reasonable accommodations to serve those with disabilities 

]]> 2021-12-04 17:24:57 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928924801 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928934796 This is a useful form not only to remind myself of the key aspects of providing FAPE, but also to provide to families. It breaks down the key components of where students may not be achieving FAPE and not getting what they need. It helps parents structure their thoughts, as well as provide helpful examples of what they can say to their child's IEP meeting if one of the areas is not being met. ]]> 2021-12-04 17:42:56 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928934796 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928939184 I love this resource particularly as it breaks building a collaborative relationship with parents into a systematic checklist. I will most definitely be printing this list off and taping it on my desk as it holds you explicitly accountable for each step of the process. It specifies what to do for each stage, including before coaching, during coaching, after coaching and throughout. This holds me accountable to doing the most I can to ensure successful collaboration so that the student has the best chance to succeed. ]]> 2021-12-04 17:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928939184 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928948301 This is a great resource for breaking down and highlighting the six principles of IDEA. This could be a good resource to share if other educators or families are interested, but the main reason I am putting it here is it is a great resource for the practicum. When I am studying for it, I will be sure to reference and note this video as these principles will show up throughout the exam, across questions and contexts. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928948301 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928953911 This article is filled with differing examples of who the "parent" is in a variety of scenarios. I fully expect to be in complex situations that are confusing as to who the responsible party is. This provides guidance in dealing with that, from the do's and don'ts, to a reference list of laws by state, to a flowchart helping you figure out documents to gather at enrollment. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:18:52 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928953911 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928956377 This is a case study on a real due process hearing in which the parents were seeking reimbursement for the failure of the state to provide a free and appropriate education, as well as an independent evaluation. I found this helpful as it takes you through the process, both before, during, and after the hearing with the final decision. I hope not to find myself in this position, but this article serves both to familiarize myself with the process, and also helps me reflect on what could have been done to prevent the situation. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:23:40 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928956377 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928959764 This is a comprehensive resource on providing compensatory education in the time of corona. The question and answer format makes it easy to navigate and highlight the significant aspects of compensatory education during this unprecedented pandemic. I'm saving this information as I do not expect Covid-19 to be entirely over as I am entering the field. After witnessing less-than-ideal compensatory practices given in my field placement, I want to ensure I am providing the best education possible to my students, even if they are distanced. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:29:44 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928959764 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928964318 This was an incredibly significant resource to me, as placement is possibly the biggest factor determining success in our students. This article covers both the IDEA requirements in deciding placement, as well as the court-case determined standards states must use to determine the least restrictive environment. I most definitely will reference this source, both the flowchart in determining where in the continuum my student best fits, as well as the common errors to avoid. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:38:15 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928964318 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928967183 This is one particularly helpful document I plan to reference often, especially in my first year of teaching. Creating an IEP is a daunting task for new teachers, and this sample provides step by step tips for each section of the IEP. This will ensure that I am meeting all the requirements and providing the best Individualized Education Plan possible for my student. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:43:59 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928967183 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928970358 This is another critical resource I plan to use while developing my IEPs, as I believe an accurate PLAAFP is one of the most significant factors in providing students with FAPE. I plan to print off the worksheet, which systematically takes you through each of the parts to be addressed, so that I may be held accountable in providing a comprehensive PLAAFP. There are dozens of considerations needed, and provided with this and the samples I will better be able to ensure an appropriate education for my students. ]]> 2021-12-04 18:50:47 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928970358 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928974349 This article dives in to creating goals for the IEP, as they must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It also provides the acronym MAD for creating your condition, as it must include the materials, assistance, and directions necessary for students to achieve the goal. The examples and nonexamples are extremely helpful for me to structure my goals, and with the extensive information on how to create each part of a SMART goal, I will employ this resource in making the best goals possible for my students.  ]]> 2021-12-04 18:59:29 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928974349 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928977140 Data is admittedly my least comfortable aspect of special education. This module breaks down the best practices for collecting and analyzing data, using it to inform your teaching practice. The module allows you to practice with sample scenarios and the essential data-based intervention steps. I included the graphic of these steps below to reference as I practice, ensuring that I accurately collect and assess my students' performance to make informed educational decisions. ]]> 2021-12-04 19:05:38 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928977140 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928977450 2021-12-04 19:06:18 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928977450 millervm https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928980626 This Wrightslaw page faces the difficult but too common scenario, as parents of students without disabilities complain that their child is included with students with disabilities. Pam offers incredibly thoughtful advice to navigating this situation. She provides a list of questions for the general parents, insisting that we listen to them as they are simply concerned for their child's education and do not understand the extensive benefits inclusion has on their children as well. I will pull this out as the situation occurs in my classroom, making a list of helpful questions and reminding myself to listen. ]]> 2021-12-04 19:14:00 UTC https://padlet.com/millervm/ivscl9qe3v0t633n/wish/1928980626