KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Lincoln Memorial University wants to inform parents, educators, and advocates about the rights of students in special education. At a symposium on Saturday, it will host interactive discussions and sessions on the evolving field of special education.
John McCook, the Assistant Dean of LMU's Carter and Moyers School of Education, said the symposium will include discussions about a mock Individual Education Program. Students with disabilities usually have the documents, guiding education decisions and special education services that children need in public schools.
"Making parents aware of what their rights also are, but also making school teachers and school personnel aware — this is what the law requires us to do and providing a service to be able to teach them about the law and become a resource for them," he said.
He said the discussion will show participants what IEP teams are meant to look like. Discussions could also include discipline plans, laws surrounding students with dyslexia and the different stages of developing an IEP for students.
Cortney Piper, a parent and member of the Knox County Schools Education Council, also said she will be attending the meeting because her son is in special education.
"My son is autistic and I started advocating for him when he was in the early intervention system. I saw how much more effective it was for him and how much more beneficial it was for him when I knew and understood his rights and was connected to other parents and resources," said Piper.
She said she hopes to learn more about federal laws, as well as how different kinds of supports and services could be used to help students. She also said she wants to learn how school systems can establish better cultures within special education departments.
Rhonda Kerr, another LMU professor, said parents, educators and advocates are highly encouraged to stop by the symposium to learn about special education. The symposium is free to attend, but LMU is asking for people to register in advance. The event will last from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.