Leadership Challenges Affecting Special Education

The presenters will co-host an exploration of the leadership challenges that are impacting the delivery of special education services. As schools and districts struggle to bridge the chasm between traditional paradigms of separation of general education and special education and what is required today, the role of the leader becomes key in establishing appropriate values and creating the cultural shift that is needed. Participants will be asked to consider the implications of current trends in general and special education (i.e., inclusion, principal oversight of special educators, RTI/PBIS, universal design, professional learning communities, etc) on leaders in education. Through a discussion-based approach, participants will identify leadership needs, potential barriers to change, and the opportunities inherent in a redefining of the role of education-based leaders.