Special Education in Practice: Real Answers to Real Issues
August 13, 2026
A focused, one-day professional learning experience designed for special education leaders, CST members, and related service providers navigating complex, real-world challenges.
This forum moves beyond theory and into practice—addressing the day-to-day issues districts are actually facing, including compliance, documentation, parent conflict, and decision-making.
Through a combination of targeted legal insight, applied discussion, and facilitated roundtables, participants will work through real scenarios, share strategies across districts, and develop practical approaches they can implement immediately.
The goal is not just to inform, but to equip professionals with the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to lead effectively.
Core Learning Modules
A comprehensive deep dive into the legal developments and practical leadership strategies defining the current landscape of special education.
IDEA Legal Updates
- Recent federal court rulings
- U.S. Department of Education guidance
- State-specific regulatory changes
Section 504 Compliance
- Defining eligibility standards
- Developing defensible 504 plans
- Addressing OCR complaint trends
Discipline & Behavior
- Manifestation determination reviews
- Functional Behavioral Assessments
- Legal constraints on restraint and seclusion
IEP Development Skills
- IEP Deep Dive: How to analyze, challenge, and strengthen key components
- How to handle private evaluations
- Facilitating productive IEP meetings
Litigation
- Effective dispute resolution
- Strategic documentation standards
- Mediation preparation and mindset
- Trial preparation
- Witness preparation
Leadership & Ethics
- Ethics for administrators and staff
- Maintaining institutional integrity
- Managing stress and maintaining sustainability in your role
Event Agenda
August 13, 2026
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Welcome Breakfast & Opening Reflection
Light breakfast, coffee, and targeted networking. Opening reflection: Identify a key challenge or priority for the year ahead.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Year Ahead: Legal Trends & Practical Implications
Current trends and recent case law in special education compliance • Identifying legal risks before they escalate • Implications for day-to-day decision-making
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
From Policy to Practice
Translating legal requirements into clear staff guidance • Practical decision-making frameworks • Supporting staff while maintaining compliance
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Facilitated Roundtable Breakouts
Managing parent conflict and difficult conversations • Effective IEP team collaboration without burnout • Real scenarios and structured problem-solving • Legal insight and peer discussion
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
Informal discussion and peer connection - LUNCH provided for all attendees.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Real-World Scenarios & Documentation
Documentation that protects you and your district • Participant driven scenarios and challenges • Structured Problem Solving • Practical takeaways for immediate use
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Reset, Reflection & Key Takeaways
Practical strategies for managing stress and sustaining leadership • Brief guided reset (movement and breathing) • Identify one actionable next step to implement immediately.
Secure Your Seat
The Summer Forum is a premier professional development event for educational leaders. Registration includes all materials, breakfast, and a networking lunch.
Seating is strictly limited to 50 attendees to ensure a practical, collaborative environment. Register early to guarantee your participation.
Registration Fee
$249
Deadline
July 1, 2026