Orientation to Special Education
Date:
October 7 @ 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Price:
Topics:
- Special Education
Instructor(s):
Jennifer Patenaude, M.A.
Event Type:
In-Person
Professional Learning Hours:
12
Intended Audience:
New special educators, special educators new to Vermont, and those seeking a comprehensive refresher of current special education processes. This workshop will not cover content specific to Essential Early Education (EEE) providers.
Participants must attend both days:
- October 7, 2026
- October 8, 2026
This two-day workshop will provide an overview of the thread of special education, from the comprehensive evaluation through the development of a standards-based IEP. Participants will understand the rationale behind the process that ensures a free, appropriate, public education, an educational benefit, and evidence-based best practices for special education. The series aligns with Vermont special education regulations.
Participants will build an understanding of:
- Criteria for determining high incidence disabilities and associated impact on learning.
- How to determine whether a disability has had an adverse effect upon educational performance across basic skill areas, including functional skills.
- Determining need for special education – what makes it special?
- Identifying and documenting present levels of educational and functional performance.
- Developing specific, measurable goals and objectives.
- Selecting accommodations and modifications related to disability impact that ensure access to general education and foster learner independence.
- Decision-making related to special education service delivery models.
- Effective meeting facilitation tips, including strategies for engaging parents and other team members.
