Current Members | Calendar |
The COOP’s Special Education Leader Development Series is comprised of four different thematic units designed to address the major roles and responsibilities of special education coordinators and other leaders in special education at the charter school and network/management organization level. COOP Members may elect to participate in any or all of the units, either piecemeal or in their entirety. The units and their objectives are as follows:
Case Management and Policy:
Special Education Fundamentals
This unit covers the legal and professional fundamentals for special education leaders. Participants will develop an understanding of federal and state law governing the education of students with disabilities, broadly speaking, as well as focus on the myriad laws related to discipline of students with disabilities. In addition, participants will develop a comprehensive and measurable job description covering the various aspects of a special education leader’s role, and will have the opportunity to engage with other special education leaders to problem-solve around challenging cases encountered in our schools.
Management and Coaching:
Special Education Leadership
Participants will have the opportunity to think about their role as the manager and/or coach of other adults. Sessions will address adult development and learning theories and their implication for special education leaders’ approaches to management and support, as well as effective systems and structures for managing and coaching adults including: writing measurable job descriptions, meeting structures, and facilitating opportunities for effective two-way feedback.
Behavior, Language, and Communication - Supporting Students with Unique Needs:
Students with behavioral and more severe autism spectrum disorders may be some of the most challenging students to support effectively. In addition, as the demographic makeup of our city changes, schools must supporting a growing population of English Language Learners – and this work often falls to special education coordinators or other intervention staff. Therefore, this unit focuses on systemic and instructional supports and interventions that may facilitate the success of students with emotional or behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and limited English proficiency.
Funding and Support: Promoting Financial Sustainability
Providing all of the appropriate accommodations and supports to students with disabilities can be very costly! This series is designed to help schools and networks maximize the funds they receive to support their work with students with disabilities, and to enhance financial sustainability. Sessions address effective strategies and resources for receiving Medicaid reimbursements, the process for identifying and securing grant funding, and accessing state and local high cost services funds to support students with the most intense needs.
Funding and Support: Promoting Financial Sustainability
Providing all of the appropriate accommodations and supports to students with disabilities can be very costly! This series is designed to help schools and networks maximize the funds they receive to support their work with students with disabilities, and to enhance financial sustainability. Sessions address effective strategies and resources for receiving Medicaid reimbursements, the process for identifying and securing grant funding, and accessing state and local high cost services funds to support students with the most intense needs.