MassPAC webinars, offered at lunchtime on weekdays, give PAC leaders the chance to access up-to-date information and resources on PAC leadership and on systemic issues in special education. Enjoy our webinars at work on in the comfort of your home - wherever you have access to a computer. One of last year's webinar participants wrote to us:
"I thought the webinar was fantastic - I had no technical issues and appreciated being able to listen to the presentation without having to leave my house!"
WHAT IS A WEBINAR? A webinar is a presentation that you attend simply by using a computer with access to the Web -- wherever you happen to be. You will hear the presenter speaking, and you can look at powerpoint slides on your computer screen. By clicking on the link that we send you in an email when you sign up, you will receive instructions explaining how to participate. You will need a computer that has speakers -- or you could choose to just telephone in and listen. We know that those of you who do not have high-speed internet sometimes have problems accessing webinars. We're sorry about this! However, we can assure you that MassPAC webinars are archived on the members-only portion of the MassPAC website and can be reviewed at any time.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Any MassPAC Basic Member or Membership Plus member can participate at no charge.
Combating Bullying and Harassment: What PAC Leaders Should Know October 12, 2010, 12-1:30 p.m.
This interactive webinar will provide PAC leaders with important practical information concerning the responsibilities of schools and the rights of students with disabilities when bullied or harassed. Participants will learn about the requirements of an effective school response under federal civil rights laws and the new Massachusetts bullying law, including the role of IEP teams in addressing the impact of bullying and harassment on a student's educational progress and the role of parents as partners in crafting and supporting district bullying prevention plans. It will also provide practical prevention and response strategies to bullying and harassment.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Attorney Richard W. Cole is a Civil Rights and Safe Schools Consultant from Boston, Massachusetts. He is a nationally known civil rights attorney, former Assistant Attorney General and Civil Rights Division Chief in the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General. Throughout his legal career, Richard has been a strong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. As a Civil Rights and Safe Schools Consultant, Richard assists and trains educators and law enforcement throughout the United States on promoting school safety, civil rights and equity, and in addressing harassment, bullying and hate crimes in schools and cyberspace. He has presented extensively on the topics of this webinar, including to Parent Advisory Councils. Richard also provides legal assistance to parents whose children are victims of bullying or harassment, to help ensure an effective school response, including drafting of a written school safety plan. Richard was national co-chair of the joint federal-state effort that resulted in the acclaimed U.S. Department of Education's publication titled, "Protecting Students from Harassment and Hate Crime - A Guide for Schools." He also co-chaired the "Massachusetts Safe Schools Initiative," a multidisciplinary collaboration with over 70 partners to provide educators the tools they need to address bullying, harassment, and hate crimes in schools.
TO SIGN UP FOR THIS WEBINAR: To participate, send an email to Amanda Green at agreen@fcsn.org by October 10, 2010. In your email, include your name, email address, phone number, school district, and MassPAC membership status (Basic or Membership Plus). You will then receive webinar registration and access information.