Tri-State Webinar Series: Master Your Role: What Every General Education Administrator Needs to Know About Special Education

Webinar Description:

In this engaging webinar, school leaders will gain clarity on their legal, instructional, and collaborative responsibilities in supporting students with disabilities. Whether you're serving as the LEA representative in IEP meetings, making discipline decisions, or leading school-wide systems, your leadership plays a pivotal role in compliance and inclusion. This session equips general education administrators with the tools and mindset to confidently navigate their role in supporting special education students, staff, and families. Learn how to avoid common legal missteps, advocate for appropriate services, and create systems of support that benefit every learner.

After attending this webinar, participants will:

• Define the legal and leadership responsibilities of a general education administrator in special education contexts.
• Identify the key components of the LEA representative role in IEP meetings.
• Recognize common compliance pitfalls and strategies to avoid them.
• Describe how to support inclusive practices, including Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and continuum of supports.
• Develop an action plan to improve collaboration, compliance, and student outcomes through better leadership alignment.

Presenter Information:

LaKrystal McKnight is a passionate leader in education who has devoted her career to advocating for students with a variety of different backgrounds and needs, especially for the students who have been unable to advocate for themselves. Her extensive experience working directly with students with challenging behaviors has helped her support principals, special education teachers, and teams to think outside of the box to ensure that every student receives the resources and attention they need to succeed. Skilled in developing and implementing effective systems for collaboration, LaKrystal helps schools to cultivate an environment where both educators and students can thrive. 

Certified in Elementary Education, ESOL, Special Education, and Building Leadership, LaKrystal has served in many roles throughout her fifteen-plus years in education, including substitute teacher, Elementary school teacher, Autism Special Education Teacher, InterRelated/Resource Special Education Teacher, and she is currently serving as a Special Education Coordinator. 

LaKrystal is committed to promoting inclusive practices and collaboration, and she empowers teams to develop and implement changes that drive positive educational outcomes for all students. As a co-founder of Ascend Krystal Clear Education Consulting Group, LaKrystal has historically been an innovative change agent in schools who helps teams dive deeper to discover more effective ways to collaborate, resulting in improved student outcomes and an increase in staff reporting that they feel like a valued part of the school team. 

Ascendra Donald is a highly accomplished educational leader, consultant, and advocate for inclusive practices in education. With over two decades of experience as a student services director, special education director, school psychologist, and parent educator for the Parents as Teachers program, Ascendra has cultivated a deep passion for special education, the development of data-driven systems, and fostering collaborative partnerships. Her dedication to empowering students, educators, and families has been the cornerstone of her career.

As a leader, Ascendra has successfully navigated complex special education due process situations with professionalism and empathy, maintaining strong collaborative relationships with staff and families. Her innovative approach has driven meaningful change, including the implementation of standardized operating procedures and the achievement of measurable outcomes, such as reducing out-of-school suspensions for students with disabilities.

As the co-founder of Ascend Krystal Clear Education Consulting Group, Ascendra combines her expertise and passion for holistic wellness with her mission to equip educational leaders with the confidence, tools, and strategies they need to lead effectively. She is committed to promoting equity and creating inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

Ascendra’s work continues to inspire educators and school communities to embrace collaboration, prioritize student needs, and foster environments that celebrate diversity and belonging.