Special Education Law, Conflict and Resolution

Instructor Michael Opuda of Drummond Woodsum & MacMahon

Students will study special education law and regulations with a specific emphasis upon the 2004 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The evaluation and identification of eligible students, the development of appropriate educational programs and placements, issues in the discipline of students with disabilities and options for resolving disputes will be discussed. This class will utilize readings from selected cases, federal and state regulations, small group discussions and the application of the principles of special education law and regulations to hypothetical situations.

Instructor Michael Opuda of Drummond Woodsum & MacMahon brings a wealth of experience to share with educators. He has held positions as a special education consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and the State Departments of Education in New England; Due Process Coordinator and consultant for exceptional students with the Maine Department of Education; as a teacher and administrator at the Regional Learning Center in Bangor, Maine; and program director of the Maine Disability Rights Center.

Dr. Opuda obtained his doctorate in Special Education Administration, from Virginia Tech. He also holds an M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.A. in Psychology, both from the University of Maine. Two fall follow-up days, scheduled as release days will be required for course completion.

4.5 CEU's or Graduate Credit