JUSTIFICATION TOOLKIT: SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

We have prepared this Toolkit to provide you with the necessary resources in preparation for seeking support for your decision to apply to participate in the Special Education Leadership Institute (SELI). 

The Toolkit includes

• Email Template: Use the editable template to create the perfect letter for your supervisor. 
• General Information: Use this information for the logistics related to attending the Institute.
• Benefits: Use the list of talking points below when speaking to your supervisor about attending the 2025 CASE Special Education Leadership Institute.
• Cost Analysis: Use the details provided to help you outline the costs of attending the Institute, from registration to travel.

What is the CASE Special Education Leadership Institute?

CASE is committed to leadership development that will continue to drive the profession forward. Based upon the core values at the heart of CASE, the Leadership Institute provides an opportunity for current and future educational leaders to strengthen their foundation in the components related to administration of special education programs. The CASE Special Education Leadership Institute is a 10-month series of both in-person and virtual professional learning sessions focused on providing administrators and leaders in special education with advanced training, cutting-edge strategies, and leadership insights. Participants engage in interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions tailored to enhancing leadership effectiveness in special education.  

Benefits

Cutting-Edge Professional Learning: The Institute offers the latest research, best practices, and innovative strategies to help leaders address key challenges in special education, including, but not limited to instructional processes, stakeholder engagement, accountability, fiscal oversight, and crucial conversations. The CASE Special Education Administrator Standards is the basis for all professional learning.

Enhanced Leadership Skills: Sessions are designed to improve your leadership and decision-making abilities, making you more effective in managing special education programs, ensuring compliance, and supporting staff development.

Networking Opportunities: Engage with a national network of special education administrators, legal experts, and thought leaders within the profession. This interaction provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, strategies, and solutions to common challenges in the field. 

Tools for Advocacy and Equity: Gain insights on advocating for equitable education on inclusion, including strategies to ensure all students, particularly those with special needs, have access to high-quality education and support. 

Resources: Return with practical tools, templates, and strategies that can be applied to improve special education services and systems within your district. 

Improved student outcomes: By attending, you will learn evidence-based strategies that can help improve academic achievement and social-emotional well-being for students with special needs. 

Strategic Leadership Development: The leadership skills gained will enhance your capacity to lead special education initiatives, promote equity, and effectively implement changes that align with your district's strategic goals. 

Compliance and Policy Understanding: Stay up-to-date with federal special education policies, ensuring your district's programs remain compliant and proactive.

Attending the Leadership Institute provides an opportunity to bring back actionable knowledge that can directly enhance your district's special education services, ensuring long-term benefits for students and educators. The strategies, tools, and leadership development offered will be immediately applicable, leading to improved outcomes across multiple dimensions--academic, operational, and relational.

Cost Analysis

• High quality professional learning designed to enhance the specific role of the special education administrator based on the Special Education Administrator Standards
• Expert instructors for each professional learning opportunity
• Six in-person professional learning days and seven virtual professional learning days
• CASE Academy of Law and Leadership registration, conference provided meals, approximately $525
• The CASE Conference registration, conference provided meals, approximately $550
• Professional Learning, Discipline Boot Camp,  with nationally recognized Attorney, Julie Weatherly, approximately $350
• Breakfast and Lunch at each in-person meeting in Springfield, MO
• Networking Event at each in-person meeting in Springfield, MO
• Materials, Supplies, and Refreshments at each in-person meeting in Springfield, MO

• Travel and lodging, along with some meals for each of the in-person events. CASE will have a block of rooms available at a discounted rate for each in-person event.

NOTE: By customizing this toolkit, you can make a strong, compelling case for attending the CASE Special Education Leadership Institute, highlighting the tangible benefits for both your professional growth and your school/district's success.