Audience

Special Education Administrators

Presenter Name(s)

Dr. Claudia Rinaldi, Dean of Curricular Integration, Venture Educational Collaborative

Dr. Maria Serpa, Emeritus Professor, Lesley University

Dr. Patricia Garcia, Assistant Professor, Lasell University

Presenter Bio(s)

Description

Session 1: Supporting Multilingual Learners: Best Practices for Prevention, Evaluation, and Specially Designed Instruction 

As the number of multilingual learners (MLLs) continues to grow across districts, special education leaders face increasing challenges.   During this two-hour session, you will receive information on best practices for supporting MLLs in general education, tiered interventions. conducting evaluations to determine eligibility for special education and key components to developing IEPs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of MLLs.  Structured small-group discussions will be incorporated to foster peer learning, share school and district-level insights, and generate practical ideas to bring back to your teams. 

Session 2: Assessment of Multilingual Learners with Disabilities: What’s Different—and Why It Matters

This case study–based session equips Special Education administrators with practical assessment strategies to ensure compliant, equitable eligibility decisions for multilingual learners. Learn how to reduce over- and underrepresentation, strengthen nondiscriminatory assessment, and meet FAPE in LRE through culturally and linguistically responsive practices you can implement immediately. 

Session 3: Building Bridges: Strengthening Connections with Building Administrators

With the implementation of the updated IEP requirements, there is now only one required signature. While this may create a tendency for district-level administrators to assume sole responsibility for approval, it remains essential that principals are informed, engaged, and actively involved in the IEP process.
This session focuses on: 

• Clarifying shared leadership responsibilities between principals and special education directors 
• Strengthening principal understanding of IEP development and implementation 
• Ensuring building-level ownership, accountability, and instructional alignment 
• Supporting principals in their role as instructional and inclusive leaders 

Session 4: Shifting Mindsets: From Silos to Integration 

As the number of dually identified students continues to increase, districts are increasingly challenged by fragmented systems between special education and multilingual/EL services. This session addresses: 

• Breaking down silos across departments and instructional teams 
• Building shared understanding of services, data, and student needs 
• Promoting collaboration between special education and multilingual educators 
• Clarifying the principal’s role in facilitating, monitoring, and sustaining integrated practices at the building level 

These sessions are designed to be interactive and grounded in authentic leadership scenarios, with practical strategies that Directors of Special Education can apply immediately. 

Synchronous / Asynchronous

Synchronous

Location

ACCEPT Collaborative, 4 Tech Circle, Natick

Dates & Times

Fridays, March 27th, April 17th,  May 29th and final date TBD;  1pm – 3pm

PDPs

2 PDPs per session

Credit

n/a

Cost

$195 per session for ACCEPT members;  $235 per session for non-members

$700 for entire series for ACCEPT members; $800 for entire series for non-members

Registration Deadline

March 20, 2026