The William & Mary Law Institute of Special Education Advocacy

The purpose of this program is to provide training in special education advocacy for experienced advocates, law students (credit & non credit), new attorneys, and attorneys who are new to special education law.

Nationally recognized speakers donate their time to train attorneys and advocates from all over the country in advanced advocacy. All proceeds go towards funding William and Mary Law School’s PELE Special Education Advocacy Clinic. The Special Education Advocacy Clinic was formed to assist students with disabilities and their families with eligibility or Individualized Education Program meetings, discipline matters, mediation, and administrative hearings. Law students, working under the supervision of a managing attorney, offer these services to families at no charge.

This five-day training program will begin in Williamsburg, VA on Sunday evening, July 29, 2018 with the registration session and welcome reception and conclude on Friday afternoon, August 3, 2018. The program will include approximately 22 sessions on applicable laws, ethics, best practices in advocacy, strategies in working with parents and schools, and dispute resolution procedures, taught by national leaders in the field.

Attendance is limited to 55. Applications will be reviewed on a bi-weekly rolling basis until the class is full. Early applications are recommended.

Tentative Agenda

Topics:

• History and Applicable Laws
• Ethics in Special Education Advocacy (CLE credit)
• Case Review and Analysis
• Understanding Evaluations, Tests, and Measurements
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Section 504
• Eligibility
• Behavioral Issues at School
• Discipline & Bullying
• Juvenile Justice
• Transition Planning
• Dispute Resolution and State Complaints
• Preparing a Case for Due Process
• Evidence Strategies
• Legal Claims and Remedies
• Creating Systemic Change in Your State

Registration

The registration fee includes the opening reception, all lunches and scheduled breaks, a mid-week evening group dinner with program speakers, over $200.00 in books, and all ISEA course materials.