"I'm a retired school administrator. I'm interested in training to become a special education advocate. Where should I begin? What is the certification process?
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No Current Certification for Advocates
Currently, there are no educational requirements for an individual to serve as an advocate, nor are there federal or state guidelines to inform the practice of “special education advocacy”.
There is no regulation or licensing of advocates so there are no guidelines other than your personal standards of competence.
Listed below are two programs that address the needs of families and professionals for special education advocacy training.
William & Mary Law School Institute of Special Education Advocacy (ISEA) is an intensive 5 day training program in special education advocacy for experienced advocates, law students, new attorneys, and attorneys who are new to special education law.
Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) has three levels: a ten-week course for beginners; a year-long program; and a web-based curriculum and distance learning program that provides participants with training become special education advocates.
Here is What You Need to Learn
You will need to:
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be able to read evaluations and write measurable IEP goals based on evaluations and student present levels of performance.
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learn what is in the curriculum standards for each grade/age for your state.
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know about different types of tests and what they measure.
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learn about the disabilities and research based methodologies.
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be knowledgeable about Section 504, ADA, IDEA, ESSA, FERPA, and general education and transportation laws.
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know what is available as post-secondary options so your student is prepared when he/she completes his education.
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be knowledgeable about resources in your community -- schools, evaluators, attorneys, private providers, and other advocates.
Other Available Training
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Wrightslaw offers a variety of special education law and advocacy programs taught by nationally-recognized experts in the field of special education law and advocacy. The goal is to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for children with disabilities. Find the complete training schedule here.
Wrightslaw Multi-Media Training Programs are available to download 24/7 - wherever you live, whenever you want. Work at your own pace. Eliminate distractions and schedule your study periods at times that meet your needs.
Training from the your Parent Training and Information Center
Check the Parent Information Center (PIC) directory for the PTIC in your state.
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Read all the books you can on the information you need.
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Go to as many conferences as you can
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Keep current on information about legal trends and research-based educational methods
The PIC training requires you to volunteer with PIC for a period of time.
Join the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
In addition to several training programs, COPAA hosts a listserv. After you join COPAA, join the COPAA listserv. Over time, you will get a strong sense about the difference between good advice and bad advice, a poor resource or a good one.
Tip: After you join the listserv, don't post for a while. Just read. See if your solutions make sense when compared to the solutions posted. Make note of the resources you see posted by other members.
Here is Your Reading List
For starters, read these
Read books from the Wrightslaw Store and listen to the training downloads from the Wrightslaw Webex Training Center.
Read your state Special Education Regulations. You can order a copy or download a copy online from your State Department of Education.
Read Tests and Measurements for the Parent, Educator, Advocate and Attorney
Read information posted on these websites
Wrightslaw
Ask the Advocate
Doing Your Homework
National Center for Learning Disabilities
LD Online
Department of Education for your state
US Department of Education
Monitor these websites for conferences to enhance your knowledge base.
Learning Disabilities Association of America
International Dyslexia Association
Association of Specialists in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
SERESC Educational Consortium
Autism Society of America
Join the state chapters of the national organizations and read their newsletters
Check organizations listed in your state directory of organizations on the Yellow Pages for Kids.
More Resources
This is a good booklist: The Advocates Bookstore
Subscribe to all the free education newsletters you come across. You can start with these: Free Newsletters
Go to Free Publications to download information on relevant topics.
As you do these things you will come across other books and websites that can provide valuable information.
You'll Know You Are Ready When...
...you get to the point where a parent comes to you and you know what to do and how to do it.
At that point, you are ready to work as an advocate. Butkeep up your reading and self-education.
Good Luck ,
Sue
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