Episode 11: Dr. Tim Gilson on Preparation for Special Education for School Leaders

What this episode covers

In this episode, Dr. Tim Gilson from the University of Northern Iowa joins us to talk about preparing school leaders to better support special education programs. Sparked by recent reports showing that only 12% of principals feel ready to meet the needs of students with disabilities, Dr. Gilson shares research-driven insights and practical strategies for bridging that gap. We discuss UNI’s unique model that combines coursework, field experiences, and professional learning to build real-world competencies. You’ll also hear how school leaders can move from compliance to collaboration, making a real difference for students and teachers alike. 📚 Research & Standards Preparing Administrative Leaders to Support Special Education Programs in Schools: A Comprehensive Multi-dimensional Model by Dr. Timothy Gilson and Dr. Susan Etscheidt  – Highlighting the need for stronger preparation of school leaders in special education. Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) – Framework guiding leadership competencies, including those related to special education. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards – Used to guide high-quality special education practice and evaluation. Iowa Teaching Standards (ITS) – State-required teacher evaluation model. Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL) - State-required administrator standards.  Court Cases Board of Education v. Rowley (1982) – Established the “reasonably calculated to enable the child to receive educational benefits” standard for FAPE. Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District (2017) – Raised the standard, requiring IEPs to enable students to make progress appropriate to their circumstances.  Professional Development Opportunities SAI’s Fall Legal Lab with Matt Carver  – Essential PD for Iowa administrators around special education and legal issues. Special Education Leadership Camps – Led by Dr. Susan Etscheidt through the Institute for Educational Leadership.