TAKE YOUR ADVOCACY SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH JUST 12 ONE DAY CLASSES.

INDIVIDUAL TO SYSTEMS ADVOCACY 

 
Unleash Your Power as an Education Advocate:

Master the Strategies and Ethics of Effective Advocacy

COURSE NUMBER:          1200- ISA

DURATION:                       16.93 hours

Lecture 5.93 hours in 25 videos with out of class assignments of 11.00 hours 
Academic institutions may accept 1.69 quarter credit hours or a no-credit / non-certification grade per course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In today's complex educational landscape, being an effective advocate for students with disabilities requires a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted world of advocacy. Through an in-depth exploration of the six steps of advocacy, you'll learn how to craft powerful arguments, leverage different advocacy types (self, systems, individual, and professional), and navigate confidentiality protocols. Dive into the development of a clear advocacy vision, explore the nuances of ethical guidelines and practice acts, and discover strategies to differentiate yourself as a skilled, trusted advocate.

This course is designed to be a transformative experience, providing you with a broad knowledge base that covers a wide range of advocacy-related topics. From understanding the importance of working with community partners to mastering the art of functional, competency-based outcomes, you'll gain the expertise to navigate the complex world of education advocacy with confidence and success.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or aspiring professional advocate, this course is an invaluable investment in your advocacy journey. Embrace the opportunity to elevate your skills, expand your impact, and become a true champion for the students and families you serve.

SUMMARY

This comprehensive, collegiate-level course equips you with the essential knowledge and strategies to become a highly effective education advocate. By mastering the six steps of advocacy, ethical guidelines, and relationship-building techniques, you'll be empowered to navigate complex systems, secure appropriate services, and drive positive outcomes for the students and families you serve. This course provides a thorough, in-depth exploration of advocacy types, best practices, and professional development – ensuring you have the expertise to excel as a champion for your clients.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

By equipping advocates with this breadth of knowledge, ethical guidelines, relationship-building skills, and strategies for navigating complex systems, this course becomes an invaluable resource for educational advocates to enhance their effectiveness and make a lasting positive impact on the lives of students with disabilities and their families.

RELATED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Article- Parent Special Ed Lawyer

NSEAI Practice Guidelines

NSEAI Policy Statement

Inspection & Review of Educational Recommendations

HOW THIS COURSE BENEFITS EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATES

Breadth of Knowledge:

The course provides a broad introduction to different types of advocacy, including self-advocacy, systems advocacy, individual advocacy, and professional advocacy.

This diversity of advocacy approaches equips advocates to effectively navigate the complex landscape of special education and address their clients' needs from multiple angles.

Advocacy Process and Techniques:

The course covers the 10 steps to effective advocacy and reviews crucial advocacy techniques.

This training gives advocates a structured framework and practical strategies to approach their advocacy work in a more systematic and impactful manner.

Ethical and Professional Development:

The course delves into ethical guidelines, practice acts, conflicts of interest, and the importance of relationship building.

This knowledge helps advocates maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and client-centered practice.

Navigating Complex Systems:

The course covers crucial skills in areas like IEP development, due process, and working with various stakeholders (e.g., agencies, service providers).

These skills and strategies are essential for advocates to successfully navigate the intricate legal and bureaucratic processes inherent in special education.

SPECIFIC SKILLS AND STRATEGIES PROVIDED BY THE COURSE

SKILL 1. Understanding Practice Acts and Ethical Guidelines:

STRATEGIES:

• Advocates learn about the purpose and key components of practice acts and ethical guidelines, which guide their professional conduct and decision-making when advocating for their clients.

SKILL 2. Developing Effective Relationship-Building Skills

STRATEGIES:

• The course emphasizes the importance of relationship building with clients, service providers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong relationships and collaborative partnerships are crucial for advocates to effectively advocate and secure the necessary services and supports for their clients.

SKILL 3. Identifying and Managing Conflicts of Interest

STRATEGIES:

• Advocates learn to identify potential conflicts of interest and develop strategies to manage them, ensuring their advocacy efforts remain focused on the best interests of their clients.

SKILL 4. Mastering IEP Development and Due Process

STRATEGIES:

• The course provides in-depth training on reviewing records, developing IEPs, and navigating the due process procedures.
• This knowledge equips advocates to effectively advocate for appropriate evaluations, services, and support plans for their clients.

 
COURSE OUTLINE
6 Steps to Advocacy
Effective Advocacy
6 Types of Advocacy
Confidentiality
Developing a Vision - Start big!
Ethical Guidelines vs. a Practice Act
Differentiating Yourself
Working with Strengths
Partnering in the Community
Functional Competency Based Outcomes vs. goal oriented outcomes 
Review of Records for IEP Development vs. Due Process
Judging Clients
Relationship Building 
Learning to Learn (mistakes, successes and flukes)
Contracts 
Conflicts of Interest
Insurance
The importance of Giving Back

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After completing the program, participants will:
•    Define what a practice act is and 3 types of advocacy
•    Identify key components of ethical guidelines
•    Identify key components of relationship building
•    Identify conflicts of interest

________________________________________