Each webinar in this NEW quarterly series delivers exactly what special educators need to know to consistently develop educationally meaningful and legally defensible IEPs. When legal challenges arise regarding the provision of FAPE to a student with a disability, the appropriateness of the student's IEP becomes the primary focus. In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court has referred to the IEP as the "centerpiece" for ensuring that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all students with disabilities. In reviewing an IEP, courts and due process hearing officers apply a two-pronged legal test that examines both the procedural and substantive aspects of IEP development. In this interactive workshop we will explore the essential considerations for the process of IEP development and essential content considerations for IEPs and address questions you may have about the process.

*The same event was offered on September 13th as an alternate date. We will continue the series in 2024. 

Dr. Mitchell Yell earned his Ph.D. in Education Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He is currently the Fred and Francis Lester Palmetto Chair in Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Yell has extensive experience teaching students with mild disabilities using evidence-based practices, special education law, progress monitoring, IEP development, classroom management. His primary area of research and writing is on IEP development, legal issues in special education, classroom management, progress monitoring, and evidence-based practices in special education. He also serves as a state review officer in South Carolina, where he reviews appeals of rulings by due process hearing officers and frequently serves as an expert witness in special education cases.  Dr. Yell is a current Board of Directors member for the Council for Exceptional Children.