SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
Class # 1--Building the Foundation: Effective Practices in Special Education
Saturday, March 6th, 9am-12pm, Skybarn on SU's South Campus
Parents are central to the success of their child's educational program. The primary goal of Parent University is creating and strengthening effective advocacy skills for meaningful parent involvement leading to improved student outcomes. This first class session is focused on:
- Introducing and explaining the scope and sequence of the course
- The history and research around inclusive special education
- Strategies for establishing and maintaining an equitable relationship with school personnel
- Methods for communicating your child's strengths, gifts and needs
Class #2--Knowing Your Rights and Making the Law Work for You
Tuesday, March 9th, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Goldstein 201BC @ Goldstein Student Center
Knowing your rights and understanding educational law is essential for parents to effectively advocate. This class session will focus on:
- History and progression of litigation and important legal decisions
- Your rights and how to be a partner in education and policy
- Mediation and dispute resolution--What are the options if I disagree?
Class #3--Friendships and Behavior: Creating Positive Social and Behavioral Supports
Tuesday, March 23rd, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Skybarn on SU's South Campus
Parents often report that dealing with the behavioral and social climate within schools create some of the most challenging issues to navigate. This third class session will address:
- Best practice in supporting behavior
- Strategies for working with teachers on behavioral and social issues
- Examples of positive behavioral and social supports
Class #4--Making the Dream a Reality: Articulating Your Vision with Personal Futures Planning
Saturday, April 10th, 9:00am-12:00 pm, Skybarn on SU's South Campus
This class session features a powerful collaborative planning process that brings together the key people in a child's life. Your team and a facilitator will gather to discuss and record the dreams and goals of your child and brainstorm ways to make these dreams a reality. Your child and school team are encouraged to attend and participate in this session.
Class #5--Making the IEP Work for You: Using the Individualized Education Plan to Provide Specific Support
Tuesday, April 13th, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Goldstein 201BC @ Goldstein Student Center
When used effectively, the IEP can be most powerful tool in advocating for your child's educational program. Understanding how to participate as an equal team member in the process is vital to ensuring that specific needs are addressed. In this class session we will discuss:
- How to create a strength-based IEP
- How to be truly prepared for a CSE meeting
- How to be an equal member of the CSE team
Class #6--Parent University Round Table
Tuesday, April 27th, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Goldstein 201BC @ Goldstein Student Center
This class will be designed around your needs. We will be gathering your input on specific topics you would like to learn about and presenting this information on this date. We will end this class with a closing celebration and presentation of your Parent University Core Training Certificates.
