NCLB & Special Education Audio Conference

The No Child Left Behind Act: What Does it Mean for Special Education? A 90-Minute Interactive Audio Conference October 20, 2003, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET The nation's public schools are starting to experience the dramatic effects of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation and its regulations. Its intersection with those children covered by the IDEA and/or Section 504 is increasingly significant in two, opposite directions: -- the effects of students with disabilities on the accountability of schools and districts -- the effects of NCLB accountability requirements on the formulation and implementation of the standards under the IDEA and Section 504. Thus, this intersection affects regular educators generally as well as special educators specifically. At this audio conference on October 20, Perry Zirkel, author, presenter and a university professor of education and law at Lehigh University, will provide a systematic overview of the most significant issues in this area, along with the opportunity to participate in a live question-and-answer discussion with colleagues from across the nation. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: During his presentation, Mr. Zirkel will: -- Explain how the NCLB differs from the IDEA and Section 504 in terms of legal enforcement, including litigation -- Answer questions such as: - What are the effects of IDEA and Section 504 coverage in terms of AYP testing, including alternative assessments and the graduation-rate criterion? - Why is the approved state's minimum number for disaggregation so important in terms of school accountability? - What are the implications of the "highly qualified" standard for teachers and paraprofessionals in special education? - What are the likely effects of the NCLB's accountability testing and parent reporting requirements on IDEA litigation? -- Discuss the "gamesmanship" that district and school leaders are likely to engage in to cope with the intersection of NCLB and IDEA/Sec. 504 -- Identify web-based sources to keep current with the pertinent developments Plus, time will be set aside for an interactive Q&A session after the presentation. Listen in and get the chance to ask your specific questions! To register, please visit www.thompson.com/nrcpara or call 1-800-925-1878. Please be sure to mention your code FMMD89200. SPEAKER: Perry A. Zirkel recently completed his five-year term for the Iacocca Chair in Education. and is a university professor of education and law at Lehigh University, where he formerly was dean of the College of Education. He has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and a J.D. from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Laws degree from Yale University. He has written over 925 publications on various aspects of school law and is a popular presenter across the country. He is the primary author of "Section 504, the ADA, and the Schools," writes regular columns in "Phi Delta Kappan" and "Principal" magazine, and is a frequent contributor to "The Special Educator." Mr. Zirkel is also an active labor arbitrator and serves as co-chair of the special education hearing appeals panel for Pennsylvania. In addition, he is a past president of the Education Law Association (formerly NOLPE).