Strategic Leadership and Disability Compliance: Making Sense of Reading Policy

This session will help leaders create an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities under Section 504 and Special Education. A primary focus will be on understanding reading legislation and policy research, identifying collaborative pathways for professional development, and supporting educators through sensemaking to adapt practices to serve all students.Participants will be able to: 1. Understand the current literacy policy landscape in the United States, including both state-level dyslexia and science of reading laws. 2. Increase their own self-efficacy in the fundamentals of Section 504 and special education, including legal frameworks, leadership, coordination practices, and the development and implementation of plans for diverse learners served under Section 504 and IDEA. 3. Identify collaborative pathways within districts and schools to design professional development that helps educators make sense of evolving reading policy and translating policy to implementation in classrooms.