Know the Law. Apply It With Confidence.

This module provides an accessible overview of the legal foundations and core principles of special education. Participants build a shared understanding of IDEA requirements, roles and responsibilities, and key compliance concepts while centering equity, access, and inclusive practice. The focus is on what educators need to know to make legally sound, student-centered decisions in their daily work.

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Who this course is for

  • General and special educators who make placement and service decisions
  • New case managers who need the legal foundation fast
  • Building and program leaders who review IEPs and 504 plans

Educators will be able to

  1. Explain the historical purpose and equity foundations of special education law.

  2. Identify key federal laws and describe how they protect the rights and access of students with disabilities.

  3. Apply the six core IDEA principles to guide evaluation, instruction, and placement decisions.

  4. Evaluate and make placement decisions using the Least Restrictive Environment framework and continuum of services.

  5. Analyze team roles, responsibilities, and student data to ensure effective implementation of IEPs and meaningful student progress.

Course curriculum

See what's inside...

    1. Foundations of Special Education Law and Practice Introduction

    1. The History of Special Education in the United States

    2. Timeline of Events

    3. Part 1: The Federal Laws That Govern Special Education

    4. Part 2: The Federal Laws That Govern Special Education

    5. The Federal Laws - Quiz Check

    6. Which Law Applies? Scenario Activity

    7. The Six Core IDEA Principles

    8. IDEA Principles Matching Activity

    9. Reflection

    1. Mythbusting Activity

    2. LRE: Special Education Is a Service, Not a Place

    3. Understanding the Continuum of Placements

    4. Making Placement Decisions

    5. LRE - Quiz Check

    6. Reflection

    7. Placement Decisions Activity

    1. Roles and Responsibilities in Special Education

    2. Reflection

    3. Special Education Timelines

    4. Special Education Timelines - Quiz Check

    5. IEP Meeting Walkthrough

    6. Reflection

    7. Leading Compliance Systems

    1. Foundations of Special Education Law End-of-Module Quiz

    1. Foundations of Special Education Law and Practices Course Conclusion

About this course

  • $149.00
  • 27 lessons
  • 60-90 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this the same content as the school or district license?

    Yes, the course content is identical. Use this platform to purchase an individual course or bundle license. If you'd like access to an institutional license, please contact [email protected].

  • Do I earn a certificate or professional development credit?

    We are happy to provide completion certificates upon completion of the course. Please connect with our team at [email protected].

  • How long do I have access after I enroll?

    You will have access to the course content for one year after enrollment.

  • What if my school wants to bring this to our whole team?

    We'd love to help you bring this training to your school or district. We offer institutional licenses for a single course and the full bundle, which includes implementation support, office hours, progress reporting, and more.