This December 10, 2026 professional learning event is designed for Tennessee school and district leaders who are responsible for ensuring legally compliant, instructionally sound, and student-centered implementation of Special Education (SPED), Section 504, and Title IX requirements. The session will help principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and district leaders strengthen their legal literacy, clarify leadership responsibilities, and connect compliance decisions to safe, inclusive learning environments that support educator effectiveness and student success.

Participants will examine Tennessee-specific responsibilities, review practical scenarios, and collaborate with other administrators to identify leadership actions that prevent compliance gaps and improve services for students and families. Key outcomes include: 1. Clarifying the role of school and system leaders in implementing and monitoring SPED, Section 504, and Title IX policies; 2. Strengthening administrator understanding of federal and state mandates that affect instructional access, service delivery, and civil rights protections; 3. Building leader capacity to guide cross-functional teams in developing compliant, student-centered support systems; and 4. Identifying documentation, communication, and accountability practices that align with Tennessee Department of Education expectations and district procedures.

Who Should Attend:

Building-level administrators, district SPED coordinators, Title IX coordinators, 504 chairs, and other ALI or SLI members who wish to learn more about these programs and their work with our public-school students in Tennessee.

Facilitated by Wanda Shelton and presented by Tennessee Department of Education representatives Shaundraya Hersey and Taylor Jenkins, this session will provide timely guidance for Tennessee leaders as they prepare for the second semester of the 2026-2027 school year and continue strengthening services, safeguards, and supports for students.

*** 4 HOURS TASL CREDIT ***