The New Jersey Association of Learning Consultants Spring Conference 2026

~PRESENTATION~

Writing Legally Defensible IEPs & Emerging Trends in Special Education: A Focus for LDTCs

Presenter

Katherine Gilfillan, Esq.

Katherine Gilfillan, Esq., has more than 15 years of experience providing advice and counsel to public institutions, including boards of education, college trustees, and public administrators in the area of labor and employment, contracting, governance, teacher and student discipline, FMLA/FLA, Title IX, FERPA, constitutional matters, collectively negotiated agreements/labor issues as well as special education.

As a special education attorney, Ms. Gilfillan regularly provides in-service trainings on topics such as writing legally compliant and defensible IEPs/504 Plans, eligibility determinations, HIB matters, pupil discipline, DCPP reporting, mental health evaluations, the necessity of home instruction services and confidentiality of pupil records. When a district and parent cannot resolve a disagreement over a student’s program, Ms. Gilfillan litigates due process complaints in the Office of Administrative Law and prosecutes and defends appeals in both state and federal court. Further support is provided to clients for OSEP and OCR complaint investigations.

Workshop Description

This targeted workshop is designed specifically for Child Study Team members, with an emphasis on the critical role of Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultants. Participants will strengthen their skills in developing legally defensible IEPs that clearly connect evaluation data, present levels, goals, and services while meeting state and federal requirements. Practical guidance will be provided on documenting eligibility, justifying recommendations, and avoiding common compliance pitfalls that can lead to disputes. In addition, the session will explore current and emerging trends in special education in New Jersey, including evolving guidance on inclusive practices, data-driven decisionmaking, MTSS connections, and collaborative problem-solving with families and school teams. LDT-Cs will leave with concrete tools, updated knowledge, and renewed confidence to support sound educational planning and defensible recommendations for students with disabilities.