Pre-Conference Two Day Skill Seminars

Thursday, March 6, 2008 and Friday, March 7, 2008

Research Skills Training - Practical Experience in Finding What You Need SOLD OUT
This is a one and a half day, hands-on session on research. Through demonstrations and exercises with expert supervision, participants will learn effective online search techniques and the use of databases to locate peer-reviewed research. Participants will also learn how to compile a legislative history. The class will be taught by an experienced law librarian knowledgeable about special education issues. The course will be taught at the UCLA Law Library, located in Westwood on the west side of Los Angeles. This class is open to parents, attorneys and advocates. This is a fast-paced class that assumes computer proficiency. Participants are encouraged to reserve rooms at the UCLA Guesthouse for Wednesday and/or Thursday nights, across the street from the law school, www.guesthouse.ucla.edu. Please identify that you are attending training at the UCLA Law School, and book early as space is limited. Transportation to UCLA is on your own. Transportation will be provided to the COPAA Conference site in Anaheim on Friday at 2:00 p.m. to ensure participants are back for the opening keynote session.
Seminar Leader: Linda Karr O'Connor
Limit: 10 participants to allow everyone to receive individualized attention.

Advocate Training: A Case Study and Practical Application
This training is for experienced advocates (more than 4 years) who have a good working knowledge of the IDEA and its procedures. Participants will have the opportunity to work through an actual Alaska case and will review case records, determine case strategy options, and develop strategy by writing a mediation plan, state complaint or case summary for an attorney referral. Participants will learn time saving tips for intake, complete a records review, write a case summary/state complaint, strategize and complete a resolution meeting. The format for this training will include lectures, individual work, small group activities, large group discussions/feedback, writing a case summary/state complaint, and role-playing.
Seminar Leaders: Sonja Kerr, Esq. and Teresa Holt, Advocate
Limit: 50 participants

Multi-sensory Reading Instruction
The two day session on multi-sensory reading instruction will begin with the NICHD studies and the conclusions drawn by the National Reading Panel.  These research conclusions point to the five critical areas for reading instruction for all children, and most especially for those with reading disabilities and dyslexia.  This current research will serve as the focus for the 14 hours of training. Dyslexia myths will be discussed, followed by detailed descriptions about dyslexia. Multi-sensory reading instruction will be presented in detail along with the stages of reading and language, the structure of the English language, the importance of spelling instruction, and vocabulary development.  Fluency will be reviewed along with comprehension needs of students with reading disabilities and dyslexia.  This session will most relevant for parents, advocates, and attorneys and the reading issues facing their children. Successful completion of this 2 day training will qualify the participant for the Subscriber Level membership in the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.
Seminar Leader: Elaine Holden, Ph.D.
Limit: 50 participants

Survival Guide to the IDEA: From the First Call Forward
This program is designed for attorneys with no previous background or professional experience in special education law.  The course will feature a review of relevant law and practice issues including a discussion of key IDEA statutes, regulations and major cases; the relationship of IDEA, 504, and ADA; research tools; and an overview of federal resources, including Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The practice segment will allow participants to take a case from the first client call through a due process hearing request.  Groups will learn how to structure the first interview, organize and review documents, analyze and prioritize issues, prepare for an IEP meeting, and prepare a due process hearing request.  There will be discussion of alternative dispute resolution tools.  Participants will have hands-on practice sessions in small groups.
Seminar Leaders: Barbara J. Ebenstein, Esq., and others
Limit: 20 participants

Skills Training for Due Process Hearings
This program is designed for attorneys familiar with the basics of IDEA who want to focus on practice skills for due process hearings. Participants will review records, identify key issues and establish a trial plan with a selection of witnesses and exhibits.  There will be discussion and demonstrations of how to prepare and organize direct and cross examinations, including guidelines on cross-examining expert witnesses. Each participant will complete an opening statement, direct examination, and cross examination.  Each participant will receive individual critiques from experienced special-education attorneys during class activities.
Seminar Leaders: Franklin J. Hickman, Esq., and others
Limit: 30 participants

Advanced Training for IDEA Cases
Designed for attorneys who are familiar with IDEA basics, this program focuses on strategic analysis and development of effective due process strategies. This training includes identifying non-traditional or alternative strategies (i.e., political, media, community based and/or administrative) which may supplement or substitute for due process hearings.  Participants will identify systemic issues and review alternatives for establishing a record for possible appeal in State and Federal Court. Registrants must have participated in at least two due process hearings in order to qualify for this session.
Seminar Leader: Matthew Cohen, Esq.
Limit: 20 participants

Advanced Attorneys Skills Training: The Federal Court Experience
This workshop is for more experienced attorneys who have IDEA litigation experience. The program is skills-based; focusing on litigation strategies and techniques for use in federal court. Also addressed will be the protection of the record for review. The course features new practice materials. Each participant will be individually critiqued during the small group exercises. Registrants will be asked to complete a pre-conference questionnaire to determine level of experience/grouping assignments. Some limited pre-conference reading may be suggested. This course is only open, except upon special request, to attorneys who have participated in the COPAA Skills Training for Due Process Hearing which has been offered at previous COPAA conferences. For those who have previously participated in the Federal Courts workshop, please consider participating in the "Advanced Attorney Seminar" which is offered on Friday, March 7.
Seminar Leaders: Attorneys Selene A. Almazan, Mark B. Martin, Alice K. Nelson, Stephen A. Rosenbaum and Dawn Smith.
Limit: 50 participants

Law Student Special Education Law Training Conference
This two day conference is designed for the law student who is interested in practicing in the area of special education law. The presentation style is interactive and seeks maximum participant involvement. The conference materials will provide a comprehensive documentary foundation, including important legal references and resources. The basic structure of special education law, including advocacy and litigation strategies, will be covered. Emphasis will be placed upon practical application of special education law, providing essential advocacy and legal skills training. Experienced advocates are also welcome to attend this training.
Trainers: Mark S. Kamleiter, Esq., Wayne Steedman, Esq.
Limit: 40 participants

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