The Proactive IEP: Avoiding Pitfalls from Evaluation to Implementation

Course Description

This course aims to provide training and assistance to South Dakota educators, administrators, other related professionals, parents, caregivers, and graduate students interested in learning more about the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process from start to finish. This course provides an in-depth, practice-focused exploration of the IEP process with an emphasis on proactive planning, legal compliance, and dispute prevention. Through six targeted sessions, students will examine common pitfalls and high-conflict areas in special education, learning how to anticipate challenges and implement strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Participants will develop competencies in IEP development, service implementation, placement decisions, parent collaboration, eligibility evaluation, and behavior intervention planning. Legal and ethical responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and South Dakota-specific regulations are addressed throughout.

Dates

January 21st at 4:00-6:30 PM

February 4th at 4:00-6:30 PM

February 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM

March 18th at 4:00-6:30 PM

April 8th at 4:00-6:30 PM

April 22nd at 4:00-6:30 PM

Requirements

There will be a requirement of 15 hours of mandatory class attendance, with each class being 2.5 hours in length. In addition to the required class attendance, there will be a short (1-2 paragraph) reflection to be completed prior to the next session. This course may be completed for 15 hours of Continuing Education Contact Hours for $40, or USD Graduate credit (1) for an additional cost of $40.

The development of these materials was supported in part by IDEA Part B Grant# H027 A 130166 and IDEA Part B Section 619 Grant# Hl 73A 130091 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs through the South Dakota Department of Education, Special Education Programs. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Education and should not be regarded as such.