COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to help school leaders increase their knowledge and skills in responding to situations in a school setting that may have legal implications. Participants will learn to analyze and interpret complex issues; become more confident in decision-making; use sensitivity and judgment in responding to situations; and sharpen their oral and written communication skills.

FORMAT: Two days

MAJOR OBJECTIVES:
Be able to exercise good judgment in responding to situations with potential legal implications including the ability to reach logical conclusions and make high quality decisions based on available information, exercise priority and caution, seek relevant information, and analyze and interpret complex issues.
Be able to exercise decisiveness in responding to situations with potential legal implications including the ability to recognize when a decision is required, assume responsibility, take prompt action as potential legal situations arise, and balance short-term solutions with long-term objectives.

Be able to exercise sensitivity in responding to situations with potential legal implications including the ability to perceive the needs and concerns of others, deal tactfully with others in emotionally stressful situations or in conflict, know what information to communicate and to whom, and relate to people of varying backgrounds.

Be able use effective communication skills in responding to situations with potential legal implications including the ability to clearly communicate when speaking and writing and appropriate adapt one’s communication for different audiences.

COURSE FORMAT:
Participants receive instruction and engage in guided practice in the following areas:
1. The participants will become familiar with key legal terminology and be able to assess their risk for liability in responding to situations with legal situations.
2. Through simulations and exploration of case studies, participants will learn how to break down complex situations and make decisions that limits their legal liability and increased the likelihood of resolving the problem.
3. Participants will utilize the following examples of case studies: sexual harassment, employee misconduct, and student misconduct.
4. During case studies and simulations, participants will practice the key behaviors of judgment, decisiveness, sensitivity, and oral and written communication.
5. In addition, participants will be introduced to problem solving tools including a decision-making guide and an oral and written response planner

SCHEDULE:
Day 1 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Day 2 - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

SITES & DATES:
Mandan - Seven Seas Inn, 2611 Old Red Trail, 701-663-7401
March 14-15, 2011

Registration Deadlines:
March 10, 2011

LODGING:
If you need lodging, a block of rooms is reserved under ND LEAD at each hotel site. Please make your own room reservation. The hotel releases rooms three weeks prior to the event.

GRADUATE CREDIT:
Participants may earn one semester hour of graduate credit by completing one of the courses.

COSTS:
$300 Registration Fee
$50 Optional Graduate Credit Fee

REGISTRATION POLICY: Registration is limited and accepted on a first-come basis. The registration fee includes training, resource materials, one meal per day, and refreshments.

SUBSTITUTION POLICY: Substitutions may be made up to one week prior to the seminar by calling the ND LEAD Center (701-258-3022).