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IDEA Leadership Communities of Practice (CoPs)

Lead IDEA’s CoPs bring together state, local, and school-level leaders committed to working together to build and sustain high-quality special education and early intervention programming. In 2026, we are planning to offer two IDEA Leadership CoPs: One in winter 2026 for teams of principals and special education directors, and one in spring 2026 for teams of state Part C lead agency coordinators and local early intervention program directors.

Winter 2026: IDEA Leadership CoP for Principals and Special Education Directors

To champion the success of students with disabilities, principals and special education directors must work together to ensure students with disabilities experience meaningful academic and functional growth, feel a sense of belonging, and thrive within school communities.

What You'll Gain

This virtual CoP strengthens collaboration between special education directors and school building principals or assistant principals in the same district. By participating as a team, general and special education administrators will:  

  • Engage in shared learning, and problem-solving  
  • Align special education services with district-wide goals  
  • Build leadership capacity across roles 

Who Should Join?

Teams of at least 2 (special education director + Principal/Assistant Principal) from the same district are eligible and invited to participate in this CoP. Teams must register and attend together to ensure a collaborative experience that reflects the shared responsibility of leadership across roles.  

Register Now

Each team can register using one form. Space is limited—save your spot today to reflect, learn, and lead for students with disabilities together! Priority consideration is given to registrations received by December 31, 2025.

 

CoP Session Details

Virtual Session DetailsSession Objectives

Session 1 - Partners in Progress: A Leadership Collaboration for Student Success  

 

Tuesday, January 20 from 4:30-5:45pm ET 

  • Examine the complementary leadership roles of principals and special education directors in supporting students with disabilities.
  • Explore strategies for building effective, trust-based collaboration to drive students' success.
  • Engage in case-based discussions to strengthen joint decision-making and promote access and progress for students with disabilities. 

Session 2 - From Insight to Impact: Leveraging Data for Success with Students with Disabilities

 

Tuesday, January 27 from 4:30-5:45pm ET 

  • Understand how data can serve as a catalyst for collaborative leadership and improved outcomes.
  • Identify key data sources and explore strategies for using data to inform instruction, services, and supports.
  • Strengthen data literacy and shared accountability between building and district leaders. 

Session 3 - Unlocking Potential: Leveraging Resources to Accelerate Success for Students with Disabilities

 

Tuesday, February 3 from 4:30-5:45pm ET 

  • Identify and evaluate key instructional, behavioral, and community-based resources (e.g., vocational rehabilitation, early intervention programs, family resource centers) that support academic and functional skill growth for students with disabilities.
  • Explore collaborative planning strategies to align with student needs using data-informed decision-making. 

Session 4 - From Compliance to Connection: Creating a Sense of Belonging for All Learners

 

Tuesday, February 10 from 4:30-5:45pm ET 

  • Cultivate leadership capacity by fostering strong partnerships among school staff to build or strengthen a culture of belonging and collective efficacy for children with disabilities.
  • Identify key leadership practices that actively promote a culture of belonging through partnership for students with disabilities across school settings.
  • Explore strategies and tools for fostering student-centered mindsets among staff, students, and families. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the IDEA Leadership CoPs.

Who can participate in the CoP?
District teams that include a special education director and at least one school building principal (either a principal or assistant principal) are invited to attend.  

Do participants need to attend all of the sessions?
Yes, to get the full benefit and grow the team partnership we ask that the team members attend all four sessions.

Will participants receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, certificates of attendance will be provided to teams members who attend 75% or more of each session. 

When will the Spring 2026 CoP be announced?

Stay tuned for information on the CoP for teams of state Part C lead agency coordinators and local early intervention program directors happening in Spring 2026! Sign up to receive periodic announcements and updates from us. 

Register Now