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Featuring special education professional learning opportunities and recordings provided by the Iowa Department of Education.
Back to topCourses
Summer 2026
New Special Education Directors Learning Series
A 3-part summer learning series is designed to equip special education administrators with the essential tools, timelines, and resources needed to lead a successful special education program in Iowa. The series will cover:
- Special Education Finance – Understand how IDEA Part B funds work, what expenses are allowed, and how to navigate the application and reporting cycles throughout the year.
- ACHIEVE – Learn how to set up user access in ACHIEVE, Iowa’s online system for developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Teacher Rosters and Licensure – Learn how teacher rosters are built, what licensure levels mean for service delivery, and how the District Developed Service Delivery Plan guides the process.
- Child Count and Assessments – Prepare for the fall Child Count process and Iowa’s Alternate Assessment (IAA/DLM) windows.
Dates for live webinar sessions:
- Wednesday, July 22 from 9-10 a.m.
- Monday, Aug. 10 from 12-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 3-4 p.m.
Note: Webinars will not be recorded.
Use the following contact for questions and information on how to join:
2026-27 School Year
Legal/Ethical Foundations and Effective Instructional Practices for Emerging Special Education Teachers
Designed for emerging special education teachers, this comprehensive, foundational course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to support students with disabilities through legally compliant and effective instructional practices. Participants will:
- Explore the legal and ethical responsibilities of special education.
- Develop fluency in using Iowa’s SDI Framework to guide instruction.
- Gain an understanding of procedural requirements within the ACHIEVE system.
The course follows a flipped learning model and will run from September 2026 through May 2027. See the Emerging Special Education Teachers Course Flyer (342.19 KB) .pdf for details about course expectations and time commitments.
Use the following contact for questions:
Special Education Leadership Series for Administrators
The Special Education Leadership Series is designed for administrators who lead and support special education programs. This course builds leaders’ capacity to create legally compliant, instructionally effective, and student-centered systems that ensure eligible learners receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Participants will strengthen their ability to lead special education programs through a systems-based approach that integrates legal requirements, instructional frameworks, and organizational leadership practices.
The course follows a flipped learning model and will run from September 2026 through May 2027. See the Administrators Course Flyer (309.47 KB) .pdf for details about course expectations and time commitments.
Use the following contact for questions:
Back to topPolicy & Practice Webinar Series & Recordings
Policy & Practice Webinar Series & Recordings
Stay current on special education policy updates and emerging topics in Iowa schools through monthly webinars, practical guidance and live Q&A with Division of Special Education staff.
ACHIEVE
ACHIEVE Training & Resources
Access ACHIEVE system trainings, tools and resources on key special education topics, including family engagement, FBAs/BIPs, progress monitoring, enrollment count and more.
Accredited Nonpublic Schools
Accredited Nonpublic Schools Webinars & Recordings
Access webinars and recordings on special education in Iowa’s accredited nonpublic schools, including information on AEA level consultation, Child Find, IEPs and more.