Course Description
Understanding Massachusetts' Updated IEP Form equips Massachusetts educators with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate and develop effective plans that support students with disabilities using the state's revised Individualized Education Program (IEP). Participants will gain a detailed understanding of the specific changes made to the IEP form and their implications to the IEP development process. They will learn actionable strategies for applying the new IEP guidelines and developing individualized support plans tailored to each student's unique needs. Upon completion of Understanding Massachusetts' Updated IEP Form, participants will gain the confidence and expertise to create comprehensive IEPs using the new form, collaborate with all team members, including supporting and reflecting the voices of students and their families in IEP, and ultimately ensure compliance and foster student success by improving the educational experience for students with disabilities.
Audience:
Massachusetts Educators:
- Special Education Teachers: Learn how to create exemplary IEPs that are compliant with the new form, include the student and family voice, and effectively support students with disabilities.
- General Education Teachers: Gain an understanding of how to read the new IEP form, how their input is incorporated, and how to implement the accommodations and modifications outlined.
- Administrators: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the new IEP form, acquire exemplar IEPs, and establish district-wide language and practices for consistency and compliance.
Mode: This course is conducted entirely online, using a combination of asynchronous and synchronous sessions to accommodate participants' schedules while fostering collaboration and practical application. The total instructional hours for the course are 37.5. A small winter break has been built into the schedule.
Dates: 3/3/25 to 6/13/25, with a course break from 4/15 to 5/2/25
Synchronous meeting dates: 3/3; 4/13; 5/5 and 6/9 (participants need to attend these sessions)
Remainder of course is asynchronous.
Times: 4 to 7 p.m.
Total instructional hours: 37.5
37.5 PDPs
Cost: $627
Course Number: PRDV 6235P CRN: 38817
3 Graduate Credits (requires additional assignments)
Cost: $1,041
Course Number: PRDV 6235 CRN: 38816
Registration
*IMPORTANT*: The CRN and Course Number will be needed when you register so please make sure to write down this information. Follow the directions listed on the registration site.
Registration begins November 7
Please Note:
- Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pay for your course. The registration may take 24-48 hours to process.
- You are required to pay within 48 hours of receiving your course payment email. Not paying for a course does not constitute a withdrawal from the course. You may withdraw prior to the start of a course. Once a course starts, you are not eligible for a refund.
Additional Information
Rae Pritchett
Rae Pritchett is a dedicated curriculum author and Special Education Facilitator with over 20 years of teaching experience in the field of Special Education. She holds a master’s degree in Education, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership, and Board Certification in Special Education. Rae has worked as an academic coach and facilitator for Special Education programs, a Special Education Teacher, adventure education trainer, crisis management and de-escalation trainer, and IEP team chair. She is also a certified Level 2 Project Adventure trainer. Rae's extensive experience and qualifications drive her commitment to providing high-quality education to all students.
Dustin Pritchett
Dustin Pritchett brings more than 16 years of experience in the field of Special Education to his role as a graduate-level instructor. Throughout his career, he has held various positions, including Special Education teacher, crisis prevention and de-escalation trainer, behavior management supervisor, academic coach, and IEP team chair. Dustin's diverse experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Special Education. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, an SEI Endorsement, and an M.Ed. in Special Education. Dustin is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
- Exemplar IEP Using the new form: participants will learn how to create exemplar IEPs that meet the new Massachusetts standards, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
- Understanding how to navigate the new IEP form: participants will gain a thorough understanding of the new IEP form, including how to incorporate and reflect the voices of all team members—students, families, special education and general education teachers, and administrators. They will also learn best practices for supporting students through individualized and tailored plans.
- Comprehensive guide covering all course content.
- Additional readings and content to deepen understanding.
- Practical examples to illustrate key concepts.
- Access to a wealth of resources including checklists, forms, lectures, discussions, and Q&A sessions.