Cara Nissman

5 more states get fed’s approval for Covid relief spending

Promoting transparency with the public about decision-making and expectations regarding the use of stimulus funding is just one of the priorities in Tennessee's plan.

5 ideas for in-person early literacy interventions

For many young students in the early stages of literacy, the interruption in learning brought by the pandemic has resulted in a need to go back to basics.

7 ways to strengthen your leadership skills during pandemic

To continue to lead staff effectively as the pandemic continues, special education directors may want to take cues from strong leaders in other industries.

3 keys to assessing your district’s mental health needs

The unpredictability of the learning environment because of changes back and forth from remote to face-to-face learning has taken a toll.

3 ways to teach students with executive functioning deficits to visualize time

Students with disabilities may become anxious when faced with an assignment or task, and they may disengage completely because they lack executive functioning skills.

How play helps children with disabilities express, understand feelings

Using certain play therapy techniques may not be an option while children are learning remotely. Instead, school psychologists may have to use alternative strategies.

LRP’s National Institute will be live, virtual in 2021

 The National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, a three-day conference, kicks off on April 19. Register today.

How to lessen trauma when students with disabilities change learning models

Engaging students with disabilities in consistent activities and giving them choices helps them feel more rooted to school regardless of the learning environment.

6 ways to teach SEL skills remotely

Creative ideas for addressing social-emotional learning to meet an IEP goal for a student with disabilities

Don’t assume remote learning is safest for students with disabilities

Is a student with an IEP plan being denied FAPE if a school team expresses a preference for that student to learn from home? Here's how to avoid opening up the district to litigation.

Responding to IEE requests for students who are learning remotely

When a parent asks for an independent educational evaluation for a child with a suspected disability, school teams should be proactive to avoid liability exposure.

4 steps to creating contingency plans to implement IEPs

When schools aren't able to operate under standard conditions, IEP teams must ensure there are plans in place for special education students are still receive services.

Independent study vs. distance learning for students with disabilities

School teams should respond with FAPE in mind when a parent of a student with a disability requests independent study from home.

Don’t dismiss a doctor’s prescription for a student to be evaluated

Here's what school teams should do when a parent presents a doctor's note calling for an evaluation, service, or IEP for a student.

5 ways to give students virtual work-based experiences

With a little creativity, those who support students with disabilities can help ensure they gain work experience, even while learning remotely.