Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services Fall Leadership Conference is the principle statewide in-service training and professional development forum sponsored by the State to address the leadership development needs of local school system/public agency special education/early intervention administrators, and stakeholders, birth through age 21. This Conference is an essential component to implementing the mission of the Division, the goals and activities of its Five Year Strategic Plan, and the provision of support to local administrators in the quest to narrow the achievement gap for children and students with disabilities, birth through age 21. The training offered through this Conference is designed to increase the knowledge and awareness of early intervention/special education requirements, as stipulated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The principle goal is to improve developmental and academic achievement performance results for children and students with disabilities through the provision of a comprehensive and coordinated system of quality care and services. The main objectives are to: (1) maximize learning opportunities for all children through the implementation of research-based or evidence-based practices. (2) utilize knowledge of early intervention/special education services to enhance the effectiveness of local programs (3) develop strategies to be included in locally specific action plans to support improved child development/student achievement and compliance outcomes and (4) identify and be able to use local, state, and national resources to support data-based, research-driven decision-making leading to improved outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and their families. The training model consists of the following components: pretraining planning based upon State/local data, internal & external stakeholder planning time, and presentations by national, State, and/or local experts, evaluation, and identification of next steps for follow-up. This model is consistent with Marylands Teacher Professional Development Standards. During the two full days of training, the local school system teams engage in content specific sessions as well as local planning discussions. A large meeting space, small meeting rooms and appropriate lodging are used to house all participants. Teams leave the conference with action steps for following up in their school systems. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has received funds from the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education to sponsor the training
