Project SEAL gathered a number of teams and individuals from across the State of Minnesota to participate in a training opportunity focused on special education decision making in alternative settings. The primary goal was to train individuals to serve as regional contacts for individuals or IEP teams seeking support on a variety of special education issues. Training was centered upon the Procedural Guidelines Manual for Special Education In Alternative Programs that was been developed in the past year and a half.

The SEAL Project Team feels that by continuing to provide opportunities for dialogue amongst special education and regular education practitioners involved in alternative education, that statewide compliance with federal and state statutes and rules will improve. It is hoped that by promoting best practice in the unique context of alternative education, all parties will benefit by practical application of solutions designed to remain within the context of those rules and regulations.

Training participants will…

• Provide ongoing support to the SEAL Project by suggesting additional additions / deletions / modifications to the Procedural Guidelines manual.

• Make themselves available by e-mail and/or phone to act as a clearinghouse for information on issues related to special education and alternative learning.

• Compile and forward queries and responses gathered from contacts by practitioners for inclusion on a website Q&A and/or a FAQ document.

• Advocate locally and regionally for better awareness of best practices for special education in alternative learning environments.

• Assist in facilitation or arrangements for presentations of the SEAL Procedural Guidelines Manual at regional conferences or meetings. (Doug Millaway and/or Laurie Osterman may serve as primary facilitators.) If circumstances and time allow, regional teams could facilitate those group sessions on the presentation of the SEAL Procedural Guidelines Manual independently.