Services | PLACE, LLC

Our Services

At PLACE, we specialize in all things special education, from delivering high-quality training and coaching to evaluating large-scale initiatives. Our experts leverage the best evidence to ensure meaningful outcomes. With a deep understanding of the complexities facing states, districts, schools, and families, we meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be.

Professional learning.

We create professional learning opportunities that lead to actionable results in educators' practice and that impact student outcomes. Our experts are highly skilled in adult learning—whether through in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats.

Consulting.

We are thought partners who go the extra mile for our clients. Think of us as your "phone-a-friend" to any and all special education related questions.

Advocacy.

In addition to the advocacy support we provide to parents and families, we are active members of national and international professional organizations. We frequently support the development of policy/guidance on some of the most pressing issues in special education.

Evaluating.

We deliver comprehensive program evaluations leveraging mixed-methods designs. The end user is centered in our approach to promote evaluation use.

Our Expertise

As W.E. Deming says, "every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets." If your MTSS is not leading to the results you want, it's time for a change. Rather than trying to fix singular components of MTSS, we anchor the system first. We build your capacity to efficiently analyze what is and isn't working to inform needed improvements.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is our nation's law protecting the educational rights of children with disabilities. Each child eligible for services under the IDEA is required to have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed to meet their unique needs and to ensure their progress toward the same educational standards as their non-disabled peers. We ensure you meet your legal and ethical responsibilities under IDEA to truly individualize an IEP.

Data is at the heart of the education, pumping vital information and insights that keep the entire system functioning effectively. Just as the heart circulates blood to nourish and support the body, data fuels decision-making and drives growth. Without a healthy flow of data, districts and schools can struggle to thrive. We teach you how to make real-time, data-driven decisions to restore health to your system.

Engaging families in education is vital for creating a supportive learning environment. Active involvement leads to improved academic performance and a sense of belonging, fostering trust and communication between schools and families. But, engagement is not just about hosting events. We provide you with actionable strategies to meaningfully engage each and every family, overcoming the common barriers of time and communication.

Education is like medicine, where research serves as the vital prescription for success. Just as doctors rely on clinical studies to determine the best treatments for their patients, educators must turn to evidence-based practices to cultivate effective learning environments. When we rely on evidence, our day-to-day work becomes easier. We support you with effectively implementing practices based on the best evidence available.

Our Clients

District of Columbia Public Schools, DC

Created online professional learning focused on developing high-quality IEPs and implementing specially designed instruction.

New Hampshire Department of Education

Conduct the evaluation of NH's State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG), and secondary transition efforts.

University of Virginia

External evaluator for three Stepping-Up Technology grants funded through the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education.

East Greenwich School District, Rhode Island

Conducted a comprehensive special education program audit. Facilitated a professional learning pilot focused on co-teaching practices.

Rich Township High School District, IL

Delivered ongoing, job-embedded training and coaching to general and special education co-teaching pairs. Listen to what the teachers have to say.

Dorchester County Public Schools, Maryland

Delivered ongoing coaching supports to build the district's coaching capacity to deliver effective mathematics instruction, especially for students with disabilities.

Lexington School District One, South Carolina

Created online professional learning focused on supporting the district's efforts related to reducing rates of chronic absenteeism.