AJE has launched two new initiatives aimed at supporting education, advocacy and empowerment of parents and professionals engaged in our special education and disability community: Monthly Lunch & Learn Public Policy Forums and Special Education Thursdays Webinars!

AJE’s Lunch & Learn Public Policy Forum: Designed with YOU in Mind!

Our monthly public policy forum brings together local professionals and advocates for an intimate discussion on special topics, and to share knowledge and resources.  To date we have covered topics such as: Kids & Mental Health Services in DC, Health Services in Schools, and our January 9th topic is: “The impact of the new education leadership locally and nationally”.  Generally held on the first Monday of each month, from 12-1:30pm at our AJE Offices at 25 E Street, NW, our upcoming schedule includes:

February 6, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Discussing disproportionate and disparate treatment of children of color in school discipline

February 13, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: New Leadership: Impact at DCPS and US Dept of Education, Guest speaker: Laura Kaloi, Washington Partners, LLC (download FLYER)

March 13, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Understanding and Navigating OSSE Special Education Student Transportation, Guest Speakers: Kim Davis and Shaneika Webb, OSSE, Division of Student Transportation Community Engagement

April 3, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: PARCC Testing: Opting In or Out?

May 1, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: All About Schools and Food, Guest speaker: DC Greens

June 5, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Supporting LGBTQ Students, Guest speaker: Diana Bruce, DCPS

July 10, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Supporting Homeless Students, Guest speakers: Nicole Lee-Mwanda, OSSE;  Andrea Allen and Tierra Washington, DCPS; and Diana Sission, Children’s Law Center.

NO LUNCH & LEARN IN AUGUST!

September 11, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Barriers to Successful Transition Planning – Planning for life after high school is a vital part of a student’s IEP, but we know that all too often it just isn’t happening the way it should be.  This Lunch & Learn will discuss both policy changes and student/school level changes to improve students’ post high school outcomes. Guest speaker: TBA

October 2, 12-1:30 pm – Topic: Best Practices for Serving Over-age & Under-Credited Students  – This Lunch & Learn will discuss both policy challenges and student/school level changes to improve outcomes for students who are over-age and under-credited. Guest speakers: Milo Howard & Deshundria Fortson, DCPS Student Placement Office; Isaac Hammond-Paul, OSSE ReEngagement Center; and D.D.Davis, Children’s Law Center.

 

AJE’s Special Education Thursdays: Offering a better understanding of DC special education in a “bite-size” format

Held every other Thursday, these 30-minute sessions available online give parents and professionals: information, education and a better understanding of DC special education issues in a “bite-size” format.  Special Education Thursdays are provided FREE for parents and professionals to answer your questions about special education in DC, where to go for help, and to learn how to advocate for a child with a disability or learning need.

Check our our Special Education Thursday Schedule!

Join us every other Thursday from 12:30-1:00 pm or listen to the archived recordings.  We’ll be asking the experts questions that parents really want to know.  To sign up or for more information, email: information@aje-dc.org