Special Education Coffee Hour
The Special Education Coffee Hour series is designed to provide relevant and practical information across a broad range of topics to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Information will be shared, and resources and tools will be provided that assist educational staff in providing compliant special education programs and services with high quality student outcomes.
Audience: K-12 Teachers (General and Special Education), K-12 Itinerant/Support Staff, K-12 School Leaders
Session Schedule and Registration
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Topic |
Details |
Date and Time |
Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
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Hot Topics in Special Education: Dos and Don’ts |
Participants will be provided guidance focused on best practices and common pitfalls in the field of special education. |
HELD: October 30, 2024 |
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Discipline in Special Education |
This session will cover appropriate procedures to follow to ensure FAPE to students with disabilities. Discussion will include Disciplinary Removals, Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs), Dangerous Misconduct (Big 3), Disciplinary Procedures, Short Term and Long-Term Suspensions, Expulsions and Interim Alternate Placements. |
HELD: November 14, 2024 |
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Discipline in Special Education: Part 2 |
There will be a short recap of the November 14 discussion. Part 2 will cover Expulsions, Interim Alternate Placements, the Ten Tenants of Discipline and review several discipline scenarios working with Students with Disabilities (SWD). |
HELD: December 12, 2024 |
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Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) |
Discussion will include legal requirements for LRE, considerations for placement decisions, and strategies for inclusive practices. Participants will explore best practices to meet the unique needs of students while fostering an environment of inclusion and compliance with IDEA. |
HELD: February 5, 2025 |
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IDEA Grant Funded Initiatives |
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Office of Special Education (OSE) supports numerous IDEA Grant Funded Initiatives in providing support to school districts and families, which includes Public School Academies in Michigan. The February 20, 2025, Special Education’s Coffee Hour session will include presentations and conversation with staff from three of those Initiatives: Alt+Shift, Michigan Alliance for Families and Special Education Mediation Services. Participants will learn specifics about the supports and resources schools and families in Michigan have available to them. |
HELD: February 20, 2025 |
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Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities |
Join us for an in-depth presentation on Special Education Transition Services in Michigan, designed to support students with disabilities as they prepare for life beyond high school. Learn about legal requirements, best practices, and the critical role of State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicator 13 in ensuring effective transition planning. Gain insights into key resources, collaborative strategies, and actionable steps to enhance student success in education, employment, and independent living. |
March 20, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Presenter Information
From left to right: Jan Weckstein (GVSU), Dr. Jacqueline D. McDougal (CMU) and Dr. Sara Holding (SVSU)
Introducing Jan Weckstein
Jan Weckstein is the Special Education Consultant for Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office. She was formerly the Deputy Director of the MDE-Office of Special Education. Prior to that Jan served in numerous roles in public education including ISD Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, Compliance Director, Supervisor and Principal. She also served as a local district Director of Special Education and taught both general education and special education classes throughout her career. Jan holds an M.Ed. from GVSU in Special Education Administration, an M.A. from MSU in Curriculum and an undergraduate from EMU in English and Special Education. Jan is a Past-President of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC). In 2011 she was awarded the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award, A MAASE award presented annually each December to a peer exemplifying the characteristics of Leadership, Honesty, Integrity, and Dedication.
Introducing Dr. Jacqueline D. McDougal
Dr. Jacqueline D. McDougal, who is married to Julius McDougal and has two adult children, retired in January 2023 after over 30 years in education, specializing in special education. She joined Farmington Public Schools in 2013 as a Supervisor and soon became the Executive Director of Special Education, a role she previously held for Pontiac Public Schools. Her leadership extended to managing staff, directing operations, and providing guidance to multiple departments and services. Additionally, she worked as a Consulting Psychologist, School Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor. Dr. McDougal was recognized with the Gwisdalla Award in 2019 and the Beekman Award in 2022 for her excellence in supporting students with disabilities, staff, and parents.
Introducing Dr. Sara Holding
Dr. Sara Holding, with over 30 years of experience in education, is a member of the School/University Partnership Office at Saginaw Valley State University. She specializes in special education and school administration, with a strong focus on inclusive and equitable education. Her past roles include Director of Special Education and Lead Principal at Grand Ledge Public School. Dr. Holding earned her doctorate in 2024 from Gwynedd Mercy University, her research focus continues in the areas of student progress measured through data collection and race match within the special education environment.
SCECH Availability
Up 8.0 SCECHs (1.0 for each session) can be earned at no cost to participants of our "Special Education Coffee Hour" series, which will conclude in May. Learn more about SCECHs and our process on our SCECHs guide.
Questions?
Please contact Jayme Lesperance, Manager of Educator Enrichment and Outreach, if you have any questions about this series.