On this page...
Featuring special education professional learning opportunities and recordings provided by the Iowa Department of Education.
Back to topLeast Restrictive Environment (LRE) Training
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Training for IEP Teams to Meet Requirements of SF 2428 - Recorded 9-29-26. Fulfills the requirements of Iowa Senate File 2428 by providing training for all IEP team members on the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Training provides an overview of the definition of LRE, including applicable state and federal legal requirements. It also examines the role of the IEP team in making LRE decisions and reviews specific examples of services and educational placements that support students with IEPs across a variety of educational settings.
Note: The same presentation will also be available in AEA Learning Online for district and AEA staff beginning in mid-October.
Back to topCourses
2026-27 School Year
Special Education New Staff Training
The Special Education New Staff Training is a self-paced professional learning series that provides new special education teachers with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to implement special education services in Iowa. The series is intended for first-year special education teachers, teachers new to Iowa, and other professionals seeking an introduction to Iowa’s special education systems and ACHIEVE.
Foundations for Success
Introduces essential components of special education practice in Iowa, including navigation of ACHIEVE, developing high-quality IEPs, special education processes, and social-emotional and behavioral practices. There are four modules within this course:
- ACHIEVE Basics: Navigating Iowa’s ACHIEVE system
- Developing Quality IEPs
- Special Education Processes
- Social Emotional Behavior
Foundations for Success Course
Preschool Special Education
Addresses requirements and practices specific to serving preschool-age eligible individuals, including evaluation, IEP development, early childhood outcomes, services, least restrictive environment (LRE), and transitions from Early ACCESS to preschool and preschool to kindergarten. There are five modules within this course:
- Transitions Out of Early ACCESS
- Preschool Evaluations and ECO Matrix
- Preschool PLAAFP and ECO Decision Tree
- Preschool Services and LRE/RECP Documentation
- Pre-K to Kindergarten Transitions
Preschool Special Education Course
Secondary Transition
Designed for educators responsible for secondary transition planning and services, with a focus on Iowa’s requirements and practices for developing meaningful, compliant, and student-centered transition plans. There is one module within this course:
- Secondary Transition in Iowa: Preparing Students for Life After High School
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.
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.
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.
Teaching for Impact 2027
Teaching for Impact 2027
June 16-18 in Des Moines. Strengthen skills to support learners with disabilities from birth to age 21, explore evidence-based practices and connect with peers.