“National Institute” Attendees Benefit from Comprehensive Content and Engaging Speakers

May 21, 2012 - PRLog -- The nation’s top experts in special education gathered in San Antonio last week for the 33rd Annual LRP’s National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities®. The conference provided a comprehensive overview of significant special education court cases, best practices for meeting legal mandates, critical updates on the law and regulations, along with opportunities to exchange ideas and network.

“Of all the conferences I attend, LRP's Institute tops my list,” said Beth Boggs, Director of Special Education, Deming Public Schools. “Every single year I come away with ideas and information that make a difference in how services for students with disabilities are delivered."

The 2012 event featured well-known speakers, including consultant Carol Kosnitsky and veteran school attorney Dave Richards.

Richards presented on the dramatic change in Section 504 eligibility since the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act went into effect.

"Dave Richards cleared up a great deal of confusion on Section 504 eligibility in his informative session, offering crisp and insightful interpretation of recent OCR guidance and an analysis of what it means for schools," said John Norlin, Director of Special Education Legal Product Development, LRP Publications.

Kosnitsky communicated timely advice to help special education administrators address a cutting-edge issue. Specifically, Kosnitsky insightfully articulated how special educators can have a voice in district-based discussions on the Common Core State Standards. Without a plan, she explained, IEP teams will fall further behind in efforts to help students with disabilities access the general education curriculum.

"This year’s speakers and sessions provided great solutions to everyday special education challenges, living up to the Institute’s well-deserved reputation for high quality. And, looking forward, the 2013 conference will do the same,” said Candace Gallo, Executive Editor, LRP Publications.

The 34th Annual LRP’s National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities® is now seeking proposals for the April 28 - May 1, 2013 event in Long Beach, California.

“Proposals should focus on a specific, innovative aspect of the law regarding the education of individuals with disabilities,” said Gallo, “rather than on a broad topic such as “the IDEA” and “discipline.”

Proposals must be directed toward experienced professionals and aim to promote discussion about special and general education laws and proven practices for compliance and implementation. All proposals are due Friday, June 29, 2012.

For more details and to access the Request for Proposals (RFP) form, please visit www.LRPInstitute.com.