National Lewis UniversityNational College of Education

Special Education 561

Special Education 561 :Administration and Supervision of Programs

for Exceptional Children and Adolescents

Who Are You?

• Name• Strength• Challenge• Something you hope I say/do• Something you hope I do not say/do• Something you will do to make class better for

all of us!

History of Education

• History• Separate is Not Equal

Special EducationThe Bottom Line

• Addressing individual differences• Systematically monitoring procedures• Adapted equipment and material• Accessible settings• Specially designed interventions

More than the Typical Classroom Offering!

Common Special Needs

• Challenges with Learning• Communication Challenges• Emotional/Behavioral Disorders• Physical Disabilities• Developmental Disorders• Intellectual Giftedness (study this too!)

LAW• IDEA– Entitlement to FAPE– Entitlement to comprehensive evaluation– Entitlement to an IEP (Individual Education Program)

– IEP with Annual Goals– Entitled to “related services”– Entitled to Private if inappropriate Public placement– Entitled to as close to home as possible– Mediation if Parents do not agree with

placement/services– Parental approval of changes to IEP

FAPE/504 (1973 Rehabilitation Act)

• Who is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?

• How is an appropriate education defined?

• How is a free education defined?

Wait a Minute!

IDEA Does not require that the school district provide

the best possible program! Really?

Appropriate, Free, Goals, Great???

FantasySportsMath

Harlem Success Academy

Trip to the Zoo

What do you think?

You Lead“Parents Perspective”

• Being Your Child’s Advocate• Organization, Organization, Organization• Always Ask Why• Style• Your Child’s Teacher• Setting Realistic Goals• Getting Help from Others

Attorney Lawrence M. Siegel (2011). The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child, 7th edition. Delta Printing Solutions, Inc., pgs. 5-6.

Ancillary Issues

• Procedures for children under 3 years old

• Transition services and independent living skills

• Suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary issues

Director of Special EducationJob Duties

• Directs and coordinates special education programs in public school systems, public agencies, and state institutions to teach students with mental or physical disabilities: Formulates policies and procedures for new or revised programs or activities, such as screening, placement, education, and training of students.

• Evaluates special education programs to ensure that objectives for student

education are met. Interprets laws, rules, and regulations to students, parents, and staff. Recruits, selects, and evaluates staff. Prepares budget and solicits funds to provide financial support for programs. Prepares reports for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. May contract with agencies for needed services, such as residential care. May administer achievement tests to measure student level of performance.