Responsive Collaboration for IEP and 504 Teams

Albert E. Johnson-Mussad, Ph.D., is a Leadership and Instruction Continuous Improvement Consultant at the Collaborative for Educational Services in Massachusetts. Albert holds a Ph.D. in applied linguistics (language teaching, testing and learning) from Georgetown University. He has worked in PK-12 schools for 30 years as a teacher, professional development facilitator, and instructional leader. He currently consults nationally to provide professional development, coaching and technical assistance in PK-12 schools. Albert's interest in language, culture and responsive practice began as a child of immigrants from Egypt to the United States. Albert lives in Greenfield, Massachusetts, with his husband, Glenn. Laurel Peltier, Ed.D., is a Curriculum and Instructional Specialist in Special Education at the Collaborative for Educational Services in Massachusetts. Laurel holds an Ed.D. in special education leadership from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She has worked in public schools and postsecondary colleges and universities, teaching English and special education courses for the past 33 years. Laurel is trained and has experience in facilitating person centered planning, educational advocacy, and mediation. Her interest in disability advocacy and education began when her youngest child was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. Currently, Laurel lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her husband, Chris, and her son, Elijah. She also has an amazing daughter, Sarah, who has fled the nest and lives in the midwest.

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Why do we need responsive teams? Chapter 3: Referring Students and Obtaining Parental Consent Chapter 4: Evaluating Students and Determining Eligibility Chapter 5: Developing the Plan and Determining Placement Chapter 6: After the Team Meeting: Implementing the Plan and Monitoring Progress Chapter 7: Additional Opportunities for Responsive Teaming: Re-evaluations, Independent Educational Evaluations, and Manifestation Determinations Chapter 8: Leading Teams through Reviews and Changes in Eligibility Chapter 9: Summary

"Teaming is essential to many aspects of special education, and when teams are not successful, it is the child who suffers. There is a great need for this book, which provides practical, down-to-earth ways of thinking about the IEP/504 process and making it work FOR kids." -- Annika Barton As an undergrad student first learning how to lead meetings, this would have been a valuable resource. It is also valuable for seasoned leaders to strengthen and become more cohesive with their teams." -- Erin Schons