Advanced - Supreme Court Caselaw Review
Seminar Room (live-stream)
Sarah Dragotta, Andrew E. Faust, Caryl Andrea Oberman, and Charles W. Jelly, Moderator
Join a vigorous review of important decisions impacting this area of practice. The panel shares the critical facts and their analysis of each case to help you understand the impact that the Court’s decisions will have on your practice and the country as a whole.

Basic - Introduction to Special Education Law
Studio
Araesia King and Mark J. Burgmann
This course will provide an overview of the basic principles of special education law. It will cover the evaluation process, IEP creation/implementation, placement options, and the dispute resolution process.

Basic - Extended School Year – It’s Not Summer School
Multi-Purpose Room
Christopher J. Conrad and Kathleen M. Metcalfe
What is Extended School Year? This program defines Extended School Year, covers factors for determining eligibility of Extended School Year in Pennsylvania, and examines what makes an Extended School Year program appropriate.  There will also be a discussion of the latest case law as well as tips as to how to litigate an Extended School Year due process hearing.

Intermediate - Discipline and the Role of Virtual School Post-Covid
Seminar Room (live-stream)
Nicole D. Snyder and Kristen C. Weidus 
In this engaging session, participants will gain insight into legal issues surrounding the discipline of students with disabilities who are enrolled in virtual programs and/or cyber charter schools.  Issues such as student enrollment, student attendance, participation in extra-curricular activities, removals or transfers of students from brick and mortar school buildings into online learning, pendency, due process rights with regard to suspensions and expulsions, FBAs, positive behavior support, academic honesty and adherence to technology policies, the provision of FAPE in online programs, and 45 school-day interim alternative settings will be addressed.  

Intermediate - What Is Pendency?
Multi-Purpose Room
Jacqueline C. Lembeck and Beth N. Shore 
Join this panel as they explore the obligations for parents to invoke and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to maintain pendency in the last agreed upon placement. They will also review the statutory language as well as recent decisions determining when a placement is considered the “stay put,” and the facts relied on by courts to make this determination. Finally, there will be a discussion of practical considerations for invoking and maintaining pendency, particularly when the stay put is a private school.

Advanced - Changing Landscape of Title IX and PHRC Regulations
Studio
Shannon R. Pierce, Michael Raffaele, Charles W. Jelley, Moderator 
Between new Title IX regulations in 2020, anticipated new regulations in October, 2023, and updates to the PHRC, the landscape of what constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex is changing rapidly. Join us for a discussion about the latest guidance on regulations, case law, and the intersection with special education protections.

Heidi B. Konkler Goldsmith and Brooke E. D. Say
Join dynamic duo Heidi Goldsmith and Brooke Say as they recap the year in legislative and case law developments. It’s a crash course on the year’s top picks and includes analysis from two sharp and analytical minds!

Basic - Intersection of Family Law & Special Education
Seminar Room (live-stream)
Jessica L. Patton, Ed.D. 
When family and education law collide, difficult and emotionally charged issues arise.  A parent moves out of the child’s district, parents disagree about a child’s IEP, parents separate and/or divorce during your representation, parents lose custody to grandparents and other third parties.  In an interactive and fast paced format, learn best practices for handling and resolving these and other problems.

Intermediate - Truancy & Outgrowth of School Phobia 
Studio
Amanda M. Meighan and Maria C. Ramola, Esq.
As truancy rates have soared both around the country and within Pennsylvania, it is critical for Parents and Schools to work together to engage our students and actualize regular attendance. This session will take a look at reasons for truancy, the laws in place for pursuing truancy and ways in which collaboration between parents, students, schools, courts and community entities can assist students to be successful in school and as a positive blueprint for their post-graduation lives.

Intermediate - First Amendment Issues & Social Media
Multi-Purpose Room
Erin D. Gilsbach 
Our Bill of Rights ensures the freedom of speech, including communication on social media platforms. While there is clear legal precedent that children are allowed to freely express themselves to a certain degree, there is also strong precedent for reducing the scope of that right. Learn about caselaw that is influencing actions taken on these issues and join a discussion that explores both sides of the debate.