learn-a-latte - il 2
The slide deck presents a workshop led by Dr. David Bateman for Illinois district leaders and special‑education staff, focusing on preparing for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Cyclical Monitoring audit. It outlines the structure of the monitoring cycle, risk‑based cohort assignment, and the two main audit components—comprehensive policy assessment and IEP file review. The presentation enumerates common violations (non‑measurable SMART goals, missing procedural notices, inadequate transition plans, documentation misalignment, etc.) and explains why they trigger findings. It then shifts to practical guidance on redesigning IEP goals to be student‑centered, measurable, and tied to quantifiable baselines, addressing issues such as the “80% problem” and vague SDI descriptions. The deck emphasizes a transition in progress monitoring from mere data collection to data‑driven decision‑making, including setting decision thresholds, documenting instructional adjustments, and using a “neutral reader” test for defensibility. Strategies for audit readiness are provided: conducting pre‑audits using ISBE‑aligned tools, building cross‑role review teams, identifying systemic patterns, and developing corrective action plans (CAPs) with root‑cause analysis and verification timelines. The material also showcases Parallel Learning’s service model (technology, compliance, staffing), Dr. Bateman’s extensive legal and educational background, and offers follow‑up resources such as an AI clone for ongoing Q&A, scheduling a virtual coffee with the district partnership director, and contact information for further support.
Topics
Parallel Learning’s Service Model and Clinical Difference
Overview of Parallel Learning’s technology, compliance, staffing offerings, and its partnership‑based pathway for districts, including credentialed staff, clinical management, and support teams.
ISBE Cyclical Monitoring Framework and Risk‑Based Cohort Assignment
Explanation of the six‑year, cohort‑based monitoring cycle, risk factors (indicator findings, complaint findings, percentage of IEP students, fiscal findings, disproportionality, ESSA designations) that determine cohort placement and potential reassignment.
Common Violations Identified in IEP File Reviews
Detailed list of frequent audit findings such as non‑measurable SMART goals, missing procedural notices (PUNs), outdated PLEPs, incomplete transition plans, lack of ABLE account info, and documentation misalignment.
Designing Student‑Centered, Measurable IEP Goals
Guidance on moving from vague to precise goals: establishing quantifiable baselines, defining skill, measurement method, timeframe, avoiding the arbitrary 80% mastery benchmark, and aligning SDI to explicit instruction.
Progress Monitoring as Decision‑Making System
Shift from data collection to interpreting data, setting decision thresholds, documenting instructional adjustments, and using the “neutral reader” test to ensure defensibility.
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and Verification Process
Steps for developing CAPs: root‑cause analysis, assigning responsible staff, correcting individual and systemic issues, and meeting the one‑year verification requirement.
Practical Audit‑Readiness Strategies for Districts
Actionable recommendations: conduct pre‑audits of 10 IEPs using ISBE criteria, build cross‑role review teams, use ISBE‑aligned review tools, identify patterns, train staff, and communicate expectations clearly.
Dr. David Bateman’s Expertise and Consulting Role
Summary of Dr. Bateman’s background as a Due Process Hearing Officer, mediator, special‑education teacher, professor, author, and consultant, establishing credibility for the workshop.