We are excited to introduce the launch of our 2026 Special Education Learning Collaborative webinar series. The one-hour webinars will focus on an important topic related to special education. They also provide a collaborative space to connect with charter school educators from across the state while gaining insights from our facilitators, Dr. Sara Holding and Dr. Jacqueline McDougal.
Audience: General and Special Education Teachers, Building Administrators
Recordings and Resources: We will record each session with the presentation slides and webinar recording available on this webpage following each live event.
SCECH Requests: SCECHs are available for participants on the live webinar.
| Date | Time | Topic | Session Description | Webinar Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Data Driven Decision Making | This session focuses on defining data driven decision making, using meaningful, ongoing data to drive high-quality IEP development. Participants will learn how to select appropriate data sources, analyze assessment results, and use data to write clear PLAAFPs, measurable goals, and aligned specially designed instruction (SDI). Emphasis is placed on progress monitoring and decision-making to ensure IEPs are individualized, defensible, and designed to support meaningful student progress. | Register |
| April 22, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) | This session focuses on understanding and implementing specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with IEPs. Participants will learn how to design and deliver explicit, individualized instruction aligned to IEP goals to support skill development and student progress. | Register |
| May 27, 2026 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Six Shifts of Improvement | The "Six Shifts in Special Education," popularized by Nathan Levenson's book, focus on transforming interventions to boost achievement for students with disabilities, moving from traditional models to more effective, integrated practices like emphasizing core instruction, leveraging general educators, focusing on skills over deficits, using data better, and shifting roles, aiming to close achievement gaps through practical, research-backed strategies rather than separate, remedial programs. | Register |
Facilitators
Dr. Sara Holding
Special Education Compliance Advisor
The Charter Collaborative at Saginaw Valley State University
Dr. Jacqueline McDougal
Special Education Consultant
The Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University