Louisiana Special Education Advocacy Training for Parents
COPAA is thrilled to partner with Families Helping Families Louisiana of GNO, which serves as the Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center, to bring you a FREE 10-session online beginner-level course designed just for parents who want to confidently navigate the IEP and 504 Plan process and become powerful advocates for their children.
This course is open to families living in the Greater New Orleans Metro Region and will feature:
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Louisiana-specific resources and legal updates
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Practical tools and strategies you can use right away
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Guidance and training to help you gain the confidence to speak up and make a difference in your child’s education
Don’t miss this chance to gain knowledge, skills, and community support—all at no cost, thanks to the generosity of the Oak Foundation!
Topics Covered: Education is a Civil Right, Section 504 & ADA To Advocate For Student Rights, What Makes Special Education Special (review of specially designed instruction, SST, RTI, MTSS, difference between accommodations and modifications), Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), The IEP Process, Evaluations, The IEP Document and Special Education Services, Written Communication in Advocacy, Managing The IEP Conversation, and updates to Louisiana Laws, Policies, and Resources.
Class Format: The class includes a live 1.5 hour live online course with interactive activities and Q&A, one open-book midterm, one written assignment, and several forum activities. Every student receives personalized feedback on assignments and can reach out to course instructors between class sessions to ask clarifying questions. Classes are recorded and course materials are provided in advance (PDFs of the PPT used in a recording or live session, handouts, videos, etc.) to support student understanding and engagement. Please expect 4-5 hours of work a week (including class time).
Audience: No experience is required prior to registering. Registration priority is given to those who live in the New Orleans area.
Cost: There is no cost for the class, thanks to the grant from the Oak Foundation.
Registration Policy: Per COPAA bylaws, any individual who currently receives more than 50% of their income from state, local, or, in the case of an attorney, who has represented such an agency or school district within the past five years, shall not be permitted to register or attend a COPAA educational event unless a formal exception is granted. Click here for more information regarding membership, guest membership, and the full eligibility policy.
Registration & Class Dates: If you are interested in the class, please click here. The class will run for 10 sessions from October 9th - December 18th at 10 am - 11:30 am CST.
