WV: Charleston: New law requires all teachers to have IEP rule training

Aug 29, 2025, Fox11, Charleston, WV: Teachers required to complete special education training to enhance student support 

https://wchstv.com/news/local/teachers-required-to-complete-special-education-training-to-enhance-student-support 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va (WCHS) — House bill 2499 was signed into law in April, and it requires teachers and school leaders to take a one-day training course ensuring they are aware of rules put in place to protect themselves and students in special education.

"We always try to keep students in the least restrictive placement when we are developing what a student's actual needs are through that IEP," said Suzanne Stephens, Cabell County Schools Director of Special Education. "We found that the more that they are with their non-disabled peers, it's better for the student's overall growth,."

This is being done so teachers can safely speak up for what their students need without fear of retaliation, and for parents to have a better understanding of the entire special education process.

"It goes back to how we educate our special education students and to make sure everyone's aware of that and put some safeguarding for our teachers and our employees as we go forward," Cabell County Schools Superintendent Tim Hardesty said.

This law states that principals have to make sure parents receive clear explanations during IEP meetings. During these meetings, students who have disabilities have a custom plan mapped out for what they need in order to succeed in school.

"That house bill does bring changes, but it's really a focus on how we're gonna implement those laws that are existing and make sure we provide the safeguards and the support that our staff needs," Hardesty said.

Knowing the number of how many students can be in a special education classroom is also part of this training, because classrooms can become quickly overcrowded without anyone reporting it.

"I think anytime we can provide all of our staff members with professional development, it makes them better," Hardesty said. "At the end of the day, the goal is to be better so we can be better for students."

This training must be complete by Dec. 31 and it will be offered multiple times to ensure everyone has the chance to complete it.