Parker Poe's Education Team offered insights at the ExceptiCON Conference, Cobb County School District's annual professional development conference focused on championing students with disabilities.
Atlanta partners Ashley Akins, Beth Morris, and Reagan Sauls along with Atlanta associate Cullen McDonough presented practical strategies for navigating special education legal compliance, including discipline requirements, individualized education program (IEP) development and implementation, and avoiding common legal pitfalls while maintaining consistency, documentation, and effective communication.
In "Avoiding Pitfalls: Special Education Discipline Compliance," Ashley Akins covered key legal requirements surrounding discipline, including manifestation determinations, removals, and documentation for students with disabilities, along with how to avoid common compliance pitfalls and balance school safety with consistent discipline practices.
In "Leading with the Law: An Administrator’s Playbook," Reagan Sauls focused on how to spot potential red flags before they escalate, respond strategically to parent concerns, and build systems that support consistency and accountability, helping administrators make informed decisions and stay grounded within the law.
In "Avoiding Legal Landmines in IEP Development and Implementation," Ashley Akins walked through how seemingly small missteps in IEP development, implementation, and communication can lead to major legal challenges, using real-life examples to highlight documentation pitfalls, communication misfires, and practical ways to stay compliant and proactive.
In "AI Got You Spiraling? How to Lasso the Tornado," Beth Morris and Reagan Sauls explored the emerging legal landscape of AI in special education, emphasizing how these tools can support (not replace) professional judgment and offering thoughtful, legally sound approaches for planning, drafting, and responding to AI-generated content.
In "Compliance Under Pressure: Special Education Legal Insights," Beth Morris and Cullen McDonough explained how to navigate complex situations involving students with disabilities while reducing risk, supporting school teams, and leading with confidence. They provided real-life examples and pragmatic strategies for maintaining compliance under pressure, including effective documentation, timely decision-making, and clear, consistent communication with families and school staff.