For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.
In this five-part webinar series, Attorneys Michael Joyce and Craig Kowalski will provide timely updates on significant legal developments and the practical implications for school leaders and educators. The presenters will provide an overview of Title IX requirements and best practices for investigating claims. Participants will also learn about recent changes to laws and regulations, including physical restraint regulations and determining eligibility under IDEA. Additionally, presenters will share practical strategies to prepare for Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) proceedings, as well as common pitfalls to avoid throughout the process.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions, either live or via the recording, and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Within 24 hours of the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session.
This session will provide a comprehensive review of the updated legal requirements in responding to reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault in schools under Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972. The presenters will focus on the legal and procedural requirements of Title IX investigations, highlighting the key steps, effective methods, and best practices needed to ensure a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation process.
This session will provide a comprehensive review of recent changes to state and federal regulations governing the use of physical restraints in educational settings. It will examine the legal definitions of restraint, updated procedural requirements, reporting obligations, and implications for staff training and student safety. Presenters will also highlight best practices for compliance under the updated regulations as well as provide practical guidance for implementing legally sound intervention practices in school environments.
This session provides an overview of state and federal laws prohibiting bullying and discrimination in educational settings including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and state laws protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and religion. The presenter will focus on defining the legal obligations and potential school district liability under state and federal law, while highlighting practical strategies for conducting thorough, reliable, and comprehensive investigations and implementing effective remedial measures to eliminate bullying and/or harassment. This session does not include Title IX, which was addessed in Session 1.
This session focuses on the timely identification of students who may have disabilities and require special education services, as well as the procedures used to determine eligibility. The presenter will review the procedural and substantive requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), M.G.L. c. 71B, and the Massachusetts special education regulations. Participants will learn best practices to conduct thorough, reliable, and comprehensive eligibility determinations. The session will also include a comprehensive review of significant Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) decisions and their impact on special education practice.
Speakers
- Michael J. Joyce, Esq., MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C.
- Craig F. Kowalski, Esq., MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C.
About the Speakers
Michael J. Joyce, Esq
Michael J. Joyce, Esq. (he/him) is a former public school teacher and currently an attorney with MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C. specializing in general education and special education law in public schools. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Joyce served as a Civil Rights Attorney for the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), conducting investigations and trainings throughout New England concerning a wide range of civil rights concerns arising in public schools, including the enforcement of Section 504 and the federal statutes pertaining to harassment and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender and age.
Craig F. Kowalski, Esq.
Craig F. Kowalski, Esq. (he/him) is a Partner at MacAvoy, Joyce & Kowalski, P.C. who represents school districts on general education and special education matters. Craig assists clients with bullying and harassment investigations, special education law and policy, student discipline, and a multitude of other matters involving public school students. Craig also frequently represents clients before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals. Craig is a current member of the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Council of School Attorneys.
Membership Information
Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.
PDPs and CEUs
MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.
Event Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.
For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen with any questions regarding registration.