Online Advocacy Training
Free Training: Advocating for Children in School Proceedings
Learn how to effectively advocate for a child during school disciplinary hearings and special education manifestation determination reviews. This self-paced online training gives parents, guardians, and other advocates the tools to help children stay in school and access the support they need.
This free online course includes 8 short lessons (10–15 minutes each) divided into two parts:
Part A: School Disciplinary Hearings
Part B: Manifestation Determination Review Meetings
Each module is designed to help you understand school discipline and special education processes, know your rights and responsibilities, and feel confident advocating for a child.
What You’ll Learn
Part A: School Disciplinary Hearings
Why Advocacy Matters – How your involvement can change a child’s future.
Early Advocacy – Steps to take before discipline escalates.
Preparing for a Tribunal Hearing – What to expect and how to prepare.
Advocating in a Tribunal Hearing – How to effectively present your case and support the student.
Part B: Manifestation Determination Review Meetings
Overview of Special Education – Services offered at school, common disabilities, and how to request an evaluation.
Introduction to Manifestation Hearings – When and why these meetings happen, and how to prepare.
Advocating in a Manifestation Hearing – Ensuring fair treatment for students with disabilities.
Manifestation Meetings: Scenarios and Outcomes – Real examples and strategies that work.
Why This Matters
When children are suspended or expelled, it can change the course of their lives. A suspension of more than 11 days can reduce a child’s chance of graduating to just 52%. Students who graduate earn, on average, $500,000 more over their lifetime and live 10 years longer.
Advocates—especially parents and caregivers—can make the difference. Understanding the process, knowing your rights, and speaking up effectively can help keep kids in school, ensure fair discipline practices, and prevent unnecessary pushout.
Start the Training
Take the free online course today and learn how to make a lasting difference in a child’s education.
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Related Training
If you are a caseworker or other advocate supporting children in foster care, explore our companion course:
Advocating for Children in Foster Care