AEE - Training

Advocates for Educational Excellence has presented to parent and professional groups on a variety of topics. We are available to present these various trainings for your parent and/or professional group/organization upon request. Training sessions can be tailored to meet your parent and/or professional group/organization needs.

For your information

Organizing your child's education file

Special Education 101

All about IEPs and 504s

Special education and Discipline

a. Organizing your child's education file

This course provides an overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the special education process, parent and student rights, evaluation team reports, independent education evaluations, school district responsibilities, key terms and acronyms, effective communication, and best practices

b. Special Education 101

c. All about IEPs and 504s

Learn the difference between medical and educational diagnoses, understand your child’s IEP goals and objectives, and recognize the distinctions among accommodations, modifications, and interventions. Participants will receive an overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its processes, and they will grasp the difference between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 plan. They will also learn how to review progress reports to evaluate their child's progress or lack thereof.

d. Special Education and Discipline

This training will explain how school discipline applies to students with IEPs, including when a manifestation determination review is needed, what occurs after 10 days of removal, and the continuation of services. Parents and professionals will learn about the roles of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and required documentation, as well as how to actively participate in meetings to help ensure discipline decisions are fair, lawful, and focused on the student.transition planning

e. Transition Planning

Participants will learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act and its procedures. Understand the transition section of the IEP, informal and formal transition assessments, and how to create and implement suitable postsecondary goals. Explore accommodations for SAT and ACT exams, as well as how to request accommodations at work and on college campuses.

Making Parents Partners in their Children's Education

Parent Advocacy Masterclass

Skills for Organization, Advocacy, and Resilence

Pathways to Employment Program

a. Making Parents Partners in their Children's Education

This session is a thorough professional development program designed to help educators foster strong, trusting, and collaborative relationships with families. This training provides school teams with communication skills, cultural awareness, and practical tools needed to involve parents as genuine partners.

b. Parent Advocacy Masterclass

This course provides a thorough overview of special education laws, regulations, and procedures. Participants will learn the key parts of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, understand how to track student progress, and gain insights into effective teamwork and negotiation during IEP meetings. The course also offers guidance on organizing and managing educational records. The goal is to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to become effective advocates in the special education process.

c. Skills for Organization, Advocacy, & Resilience (SOAR):

This interactive course is designed for students in grades 7–12 who want to enhance their academic, organizational, and self-advocacy skills. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively with teachers, peers, and employers; manage homework, school projects, and part-time job responsibilities; and apply executive functioning strategies to stay organized and focused.The course also teaches practical skills such as goal setting, time management, task prioritization, and breaking large assignments into smaller steps. Students will gain confidence in using their accommodations and advocating for their needs, helping them build self-esteem and independence both in school and beyond.

d. Pathways to Employment Program - teen edition (PEP):

A course designed to prepare teens for successful employment by developing essential workplace skills, confidence, and professionalism.

This program's curricula include: Cover Letter, Resume, Thank -You Notes, and Follow-up, Professionalism and Soft Skills,Professional Image and Workplace Behavior, Administrative and Practical Skills,Interview Preparation

ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

A Special Education Advocate is not an attorney. Advocates possess knowledge and expertise regarding the special education process, as well as state and federal laws governing education.