Ignorance Is Not Bliss; It Is the Fastest Way to Litigation: What Principals Need to Know about Special Education

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Title: Ignorance Is Not Bliss; It Is the Fastest Way to Litigation: What Principals Need to Know about Special Education
Language: English
Authors: Steven M. Baule, Jessica L. Cook
Source: AASA Journal of Scholarship & Practice. 2026 23(1):4-17.
Availability: AASA, The School Superintendent's Association. 1615 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-528-0700; Fax: 703-841-1543; e-mail: info@aasa.org; Web site: http://www.aasa.org
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Principals, Administrator Education, Special Education, Students with Disabilities, Administrator Role, Individualized Education Programs, Educational Legislation, Practicums, Special Needs Students, Knowledge Level, Legal Problems, Court Litigation
Geographic Terms: Minnesota
ISSN: 1550-9850
1931-6569
Abstract: This study investigated the foundational knowledge and skills new building leaders need to navigate special education aspects of their roles. A survey of 104 special education professionals in Minnesota ranked 18 topics related to special education on their importance for principal preparation programs. The top priorities were discipline issues involving students with disabilities, the principal's role in IEP meetings, integrating students with disabilities, and special education law. The findings recommend enhancing principal preparation curricula with comprehensive training on IEP processes, discipline protocols, inclusion strategies, and continuous professional development on special education law. Practicum experiences requiring special education processes are advocated to be included in preparation programs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Access URL: https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/ignorance-is-not-bliss-it-is-the-fastest-way-to-litigation-what-principals-need-to-know-about-special-education
Accession Number: EJ1504395
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Ignorance Is Not Bliss; It Is the Fastest Way to Litigation: What Principals Need to Know about Special Education
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Steven+M%2E+Baule%22">Steven M. Baule</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jessica+L%2E+Cook%22">Jessica L. Cook</searchLink>
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  Data: AASA, The School Superintendent's Association. 1615 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-528-0700; Fax: 703-841-1543; e-mail: info@aasa.org; Web site: http://www.aasa.org
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  Data: 14
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Principals%22">Principals</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Administrator+Education%22">Administrator Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Special+Education%22">Special Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Students+with+Disabilities%22">Students with Disabilities</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Administrator+Role%22">Administrator Role</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individualized+Education+Programs%22">Individualized Education Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Legislation%22">Educational Legislation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Practicums%22">Practicums</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Special+Needs+Students%22">Special Needs Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Knowledge+Level%22">Knowledge Level</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Legal+Problems%22">Legal Problems</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Court+Litigation%22">Court Litigation</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Minnesota%22">Minnesota</searchLink>
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  Data: 1550-9850<br />1931-6569
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  Data: This study investigated the foundational knowledge and skills new building leaders need to navigate special education aspects of their roles. A survey of 104 special education professionals in Minnesota ranked 18 topics related to special education on their importance for principal preparation programs. The top priorities were discipline issues involving students with disabilities, the principal's role in IEP meetings, integrating students with disabilities, and special education law. The findings recommend enhancing principal preparation curricula with comprehensive training on IEP processes, discipline protocols, inclusion strategies, and continuous professional development on special education law. Practicum experiences requiring special education processes are advocated to be included in preparation programs.
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  Data: 2026
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 14
        StartPage: 4
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Principals
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Administrator Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Special Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Students with Disabilities
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Administrator Role
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Individualized Education Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Legislation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Practicums
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Special Needs Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Knowledge Level
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Legal Problems
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Court Litigation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Minnesota
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Ignorance Is Not Bliss; It Is the Fastest Way to Litigation: What Principals Need to Know about Special Education
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              Y: 2026
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