Best Practice in Special Education Case Management, Campbell, Spring 2025

Course Number:	EDX 5710 S32
Instructor:	Dawn Campbell, Ed.D.
Location:	Online
Dates and Times:	February 27 - May 15, 2025. Zoom meeting dates and times: Thursdays (2/27/25; 3/13/25; 4/3/25; 4/24/25; 5/15/25)
Credits:	3 Graduate Credits
Tuition:	$1,195

Course Description

This course explores the development of an Individual Education Plan following best practice expectations. Vermont Agency of Education review documentation for compliance will be a template for the course. The course is designed for case managers to address the development of the Individual Educational Program from beginning to certification and implementation, specifically addressing areas of need identified through informal reviews of current IEPs and case manager questions. This will promote increased awareness of special education rules/policies/procedures and best practice along with improving service development and delivery in special education as a system.

Audience: Special Education Teachers with an earned bachelor’s degree

Course Goals & Objectives

Course Goals:

Developing a comprehensive agenda for an IEP meeting
Gain confidence in chairing an IEP meeting, following guidelines and expectations.
Learning the parts of the evaluation and how to use the information to develop the IEP.
Working through the sections of the IEP
Entering correct demographic information/updating demographic information
Present levels of Performance with the goal of increasing parent input into the IEP development and increased collaboration with general education partners
Determining goals aligned to the present levels that guide the student to accessing the general curriculum successfully
Using clear and achievable objectives to give students the tools to reach their goals
Development of process to provide documentation of modified curriculum
clear documentation of student performance in relation to non-disabled peers
more accurate representation of student time in general education/special education settings for state reporting requirements
Using data to determine accommodations and modifications for students on an individual basis in the classroom and for assessments
Examples of accommodations for classroom and assessments/how to determine which are needed
Demonstrations of effective ways to modify assignments to support general education teachers instructing students with diverse learning needs
Post-secondary transition planning
Quick look at academic assessments for initial and triennial evaluations
Using a management system to create all the necessary forms and elements for the student:
Following a timeline to create a draft IEP
Sharing IEP with guardians
Holding the IEP meeting
Producing the final document in a timely manner
Completing the process by updating electronic records and student SPED folder
Communication with families- contact log
Documentation-meeting minutes, forms alongside the IEP
IEP Revisions
IEP Amendments
Consent for Initial Provision of Services
Member Not Attending
Form 7A: Prior Written Notice of Decision
Reviewing the IEP along with the report card- evidence/proficiency
Time frames to follow throughout the process
Annual IEP
Triennial Evaluations
Initial Evaluations
Initial IEP meetings
Medicaid Compliance

Course Objectives:

Participants will develop an understanding of the evolution of special education in relation to current practice.
Participants will examine the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals working with students eligible or assessed for special education services.
Material covered will include practical information on programming formats, teaching strategies, and resource materials appropriate for students.

Instructor

Dawn Campbell, Ed.D., is a lifelong learner who just celebrated her 28th year in the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union! She spent the first part of her career as an elementary school special educator. She feels fortunate to have worked in some great schools throughout her career. She decided to work on her administrative license and also has experience as a Director of Special Education. She is current serving as an Associate Director of Student Services. She has taught college courses at VTSU-Castleton and the Community College of Vermont, and contracted courses within her district through the Vermont State University Center for Schools.

Required Texts

Required texts are not included in the course tuition.

Twachtman-Cullen, Diane & Twachtman-Bassett, Jennifer. (2011). The IEP from A to Z, How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives.

For additional course information

Dawn Campbell, (802) 733-6617

For additional registration information

Center for Schools Team (802) 468-1325