Training Staff

Addressing the needs of your staff is very important. Professional development can be tailored to make sure it is much more than just a one and done. Trainings can be provided on targeted areas, or for targeted schools, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals or parents.

Progress monitoring

One of the biggest problems schools have is not changing programs when students are not making progress. However, you only know how what changes to make if you are taking appropriate data on goals and objectives. It is more than just saying a student is making progress, there are legal requirements in addition to notice requirements that need to be addressed.

expert testimony

I've observed hundred of students in schools, reviewed hundreds of educational reports, taught special education, worked as a professor for over 25 years, and co-authored multiple books in the field. I know special education. I know a good program from a not so good program. I've also been involved in several hundred due process hearings. I know what is expected as a part of testimony.

I’ve also recently worked as an expert on some of the big cases, and am leading the fact-finding in a class action lawsuit against an SEA.

IEP reviews

IEP's are the contract between the district or charter school and the parents. I've reviewed hundreds of IEP's for schools. My goal is to give you feedback that is consistent with Federal Regulations, but also can help with future IEP's. I authored one of the IRIS Modules on Legally Compliant IEPs. I also recently co-authored a book on legally compliant IEPs.

IEP Meeting assistance

Sometimes a person from the outside needs to be brought in to help move both parties forward. Having worked as both a mediator and a due process hearing officer, I understand how important developing a legally proficient IEP can be to the process, but also realize it takes time and listening to both sides to transfer the information in the present levels to an appropriate program.

Observation of teachers and Students

I'm a former special education classroom teacher. I've observed student teachers for several universities. I know how to give feedback. I also know what to look for to help determine if a teacher is doing his or her job.

Sometimes one of the best things is having a professional from outside of the district or charter school to observe a student, ask questions about the program, and to review the files and to do an audit of services provided. Paper compliance is great, but you need to be able to answer is the student really receiving an appropriate education.

FBA Reviews

FBA's are the foundation for effectively determining how to work with student's who have behavior problems. Done right, they can make a big difference for all involved. They need data. They need graphs. They also need someone who knows the difference between a basic A-B-C chart and an assessment that can help a student move forward.

compensatory education analysis

I can review files and historical programs for a student and make a compensatory education recommendation. This was expected as a hearing officer, and a pre-hearing analysis can often save a lot of time and frustration.

Special Education Questions

I can help get answers to disability related questions, be they about specific categories, procedures, effective teaching techniques, or how to lead a meeting where there may be disagreements.