EDSPX505.ADVIEP - Advanced Essentials of the IEP

Course Description

Number of Credits: 1

This hybrid course includes a full-day, advanced training that invites participants to step back from the procedural checklists of special education and approach IEP practices through a broader, more intentional lens. Grounded in FAPE as the guiding principle for educational decision-making, the session blends interactive discussion, applied problem-solving, and structured practice to strengthen the way teams think, plan, and act. 
Participants will explore how to create IEPs that are cohesive, instructionally meaningful, and supported by sustainable systems, while also learning strategies for navigating complex situations and real-world challenges. Through active participation, participants will leave with clearer decision-making frameworks, increased confidence, and practical tools that elevate both individual practice and school-wide systems. 
This course is designed for experienced special education teachers, consulting teachers, special education directors, school/district administrators, related services providers, and any others looking to deepen their knowledge of FAPE and IEP development. 

Important Spring 2026 Dates:

• Enrollment opens March 16, 2026.
• The canvas course begins March 18, 2026.
• Enrollment closes April 12, 2026.
• All course content is due June 12, 2026.
• Grades will be posted June 26, 2026.

Instructor Information

Vanessa Staudacher

Phone - (208) 292-2528
Email- vstaudacher@uidaho.edu

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will apply comprehensive understanding of FAPE to ensure meaningful educational benefit for all students with disabilities. 
2. Participants will design cohesive and purposeful IEPs that address each student’s unique needs to support meaningful progress. 
3. Participants will evaluate IEP implementation for fidelity and effectiveness to promote positive student outcomes. 

Course Location/Format

This is a hybrid (part face-to-face, part online) course.

Credit requires

attending one of the following face-to-face statewide training locations:

• Idaho Falls – March 18, 2026
• Pocatello - March 20, 2026
• Boise - March 25, 2026
• Nampa - March 27, 2026
• Twin Falls - April 02, 2026
• Moscow - April 08, 2026
• Coeur d’Alene, ID - April 10, 2026

and completion of the Course Requirements as listed below

Course Requirements:

• Participation: Participants are required to attend the 1-day, face-to-face Advanced Essentials of the IEP training in their selected location. 
• Quiz: Students must earn an 80% score or better on the course quiz. Quizzes can be retaken until passed.
• Survey: Participants are required to complete a satisfaction survey at the end of the in-person workshop.
• Final Assignment:Write and submit a short answer response (minimum of 500 words) to 1 of 4 prompts (details provided in the final assignment within the canvas course)

Required Materials:

Provided at the face-to-face training.

Grading

• This is a Pass/Fail course. No incompletes will be given. Late work will not be accepted;
• Participants must earn an 80% or better on the course quiz;
• Participants must earn an 80% or better on the final assignment;
• Participants must complete the satisfaction survey at the end of the live workshop.