ElevatEd SpEd

ElevatEd SpEd is a yearlong professional learning and coaching series developed by the Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative (SESC) to support new and early-career special education teachers. The program is designed to build foundational skills and confidence in critical areas of special education practice, including:

• Due process and compliance requirements

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) development

• Progress monitoring and data collection

• Instructional strategies tailored to diverse learner needs

• Behavior supports and eligibility processes

Through a sequence of eight virtual training sessions delivered via Zoom, participants engage in practical, hands-on learning aligned with Kentucky regulations and best practices, focusing on key areas such as ARC meeting processes, alternate assessment participation, progress monitoring, and the development of high-quality IEPs; follow-up Community of Practice sessions provide ongoing opportunities for beginning teachers to connect, collaborate, and share experiences with peers.

In addition to the structured sessions, ElevatEd SpEd offers personalized coaching, which may be provided in person or virtually, to support implementation of new knowledge and skills in real-time classroom contexts.

This program ensures that novice special educators are equipped not only with the technical knowledge to remain compliant, but also with the instructional tools and confidence needed to positively impact student outcomes.