About Angela Kirby Special Education Solutions
Our Mission
- Mission Statement: To provide mentorship, training, and specialized support to educational administrators and districts, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while fostering effective leadership and impactful special education programming.
- Key Services:
- Comprehensive Assessment of Special Education Programming
- Mentorship for Special Education Administrators.
- Training in state and federal special education requirements.
- Development and evaluation of district-wide special education programs.
- Assistance with compliance under IDEA and state laws.
- Professional development workshops for educators and administrators.
- Target Audience:
- School Districts
- School district administrators.
- Intermediate units and educational service agencies.
- Special education directors and coordinators.
- Schools needing guidance in compliance and program evaluation.
Our Approach
My Approach to Supporting LEAs under IDEA Compliance
Angela Kirby Special Education Consulting LLC
I employ a comprehensive, collaborative approach to assist Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in meeting compliance requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). My services focus on the following key areas:
Ensuring the Provision of FAPE
- Collaborating with LEAs to ensure students with disabilities receive Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
- Supporting the development of compliant, individualized, and effective IEPs aligned with federal and state standards.
Establishing a Continuum of Services
- Guiding LEAs in designing a continuum of services to meet the diverse needs of all students.
- Promoting inclusive practices and equitable access to general education settings.
Promoting the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Providing strategies to maximize placement in the least restrictive environments while meeting individual needs.
- Training staff on effective inclusion strategies, accommodations, and supports.
Leveraging IDEA Funds for Early Intervening Services
- Assisting LEAs in effectively utilizing IDEA funds to develop and implement early intervening services.
- Supporting initiatives to address academic and behavioral challenges early, preventing barriers to learning.
Integrating MTSS Frameworks
- Guiding implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to integrate academic and behavioral interventions.
- Aligning MTSS frameworks with IDEA compliance and school improvement goals.
Enhancing Educator Effectiveness
- Supporting professional growth for educators working with students with disabilities.
- Delivering training on evidence-based instructional and behavioral practices.
Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
- Conducting evaluations of special education programs to ensure IDEA compliance and best practices.
- Identifying service delivery gaps and providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
Professional Development and Capacity Building
- Delivering tailored professional development to administrators, teachers, and support staff.
- Building LEA capacity to sustain compliance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
About Me:
With over 25 years of experience in special education, I bring unparalleled expertise to supporting Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in meeting compliance and programming needs at the district, intermediate unit, and state levels. This broad perspective enables me to understand and address the diverse challenges faced by educational leaders. I bring unparalleled expertise to supporting Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in meeting their compliance and programming needs. My expertise spans the district, intermediate unit, and state levels, giving me a holistic understanding of the educational landscape. My professional journey spans roles as a teacher, administrator, and consultant, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in special education. Mentoring new special education administrators is central to my mission.
Curated Resources
Summary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 (USA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 is a U.S. federal law that governs how children with disabilities receive special education and related services. Key components of IDEA 2004 include:
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): IDEA ensures that eligible children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. FAPE emphasizes that services and accommodations should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Children with disabilities are to be educated in the least restrictive environment possible, promoting inclusion in general education settings alongside their non-disabled peers to the greatest extent appropriate.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): IDEA mandates the development of an Individualized Education Program for each child with a disability. The IEP is a personalized plan that outlines the child's educational goals, the services they will receive, and how progress will be measured.
- Appropriate Evaluation: IDEA requires schools to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine a child's eligibility for special education services and to identify their specific needs.
- Parental Involvement: The law emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in the special education process. Parents have the right to participate in meetings related to the identification, evaluation, and placement of their child, and to be part of the decision-making process.
- Procedural Safeguards: IDEA outlines procedural safeguards to protect the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. This includes the right to due process, mediation, and the option to resolve disputes through impartial hearings.
- Transition Services: IDEA 2004 places a strong emphasis on transition planning for students with disabilities as they prepare to move from school to post-school activities, such as further education, employment, and independent living.
- Discipline Protections: The law includes provisions to ensure that students with disabilities are not unfairly disciplined. It establishes guidelines for the removal of students with disabilities from their educational placement due to disciplinary reasons.
IDEA 2004 plays a crucial role in ensuring that children with disabilities in the United States have access to appropriate educational services, fostering their academic and developmental growth while promoting inclusion and parental involvement.
Summary of Education for Persons with Special Needs Act of 2004 (ROI)
The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 is a comprehensive piece of legislation in Ireland that addresses the rights and needs of individuals with special educational needs (SEN). Key provisions of the act include:
1. Definition of Special Educational Needs: The act provides a clear definition of special educational needs, encompassing a range of disabilities and conditions that may require additional support.
2. Inclusive Education: EPSEN emphasizes the principle of inclusive education, promoting the integration of students with SEN into mainstream schools to the greatest extent possible.
3. Individual Education Plans (IEPs): Schools are required to prepare and implement Individual Education Plans for students with SEN. These plans outline specific goals, strategies, and resources tailored to the individual needs of the student.
4. Parental Involvement: The act recognizes the crucial role of parents in the education of children with SEN. It emphasizes collaboration between parents and educational professionals to determine the best course of action for each student.
5. Assessment and Evaluation: EPSEN mandates the use of assessment procedures to identify and evaluate the special educational needs of students. This includes regular reviews to assess progress and adjust support strategies accordingly.
6. Provision of Resources: The act establishes a framework for the allocation of additional resources to schools to support students with SEN. This may include the provision of special needs assistants, assistive technology, and other necessary accommodations.
7. Dispute Resolution: EPSEN outlines procedures for resolving disputes between parents and schools regarding the provision of special education services. This includes the option of appealing decisions to the Special Educational Needs Tribunal.
8. Collaboration with Other Agencies:The act encourages collaboration between educational authorities, health boards, and other relevant agencies to ensure a holistic approach to meeting the needs of individuals with SEN.
Overall, the EPSEN Act 2004 serves as a foundational piece of legislation in Ireland, establishing a framework to ensure that individuals with special educational needs receive the necessary support and accommodations to access quality education in an inclusive environment.
Curated Resources:
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About Dr. Angela Kirby
Angela Kirby Special Education Consulting
