Barbi L Shames, EdD

IDEA regulations for students with disabilities

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

As an educational administrator, consultant, and special education specialist, I have had more than four decades of experience working with students, families, schools, and educational systems. My career has focused on supporting students with disabilities, strengthening educational programs, and helping schools navigate the increasingly complex landscape of special education compliance, instructional support, and behavioral intervention. I earned a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Concordia University Chicago. I also hold a Certification in Special Education from Touro College, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from Hofstra University. My professional certifications include New York State certifications in Educational Administration (SAS), Educational District Administration (SDA), Early Childhood Education (N–6), and Special Education (N–12). In addition, she holds specialized certifications in Wilson Reading, Fundations Reading, Life Space Intervention, Word Generation, and CDOS Transition services. Since 2017, I have served as the Educational Consultant for Big Steps Small Feet, Inc., where I provide professional development and consultation to private and parochial schools regarding the educational and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. I also support parents in federal and state special education laws, conduct workshops on behavioral intervention strategies, and serve as an expert witness consultant in special education matters. Through my work, I have developed and authored behavioral intervention materials utilizing the BAP-SE methodology. Prior to consulting work, I held leadership positions within the New York City Department of Education. As Director of Related and Support Services for District 75, I oversaw systems designed to ensure students received critical related services and supports. I've collaborated with school leaders, Committees on Special Education, and citywide offices to address service delivery, compliance, and contractual issues affecting students in both public and non-public school settings. Earlier in my tenure with the Department of Education, I served as a Senior School Improvement Specialist within the Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support. In that role, I provided technical assistance and strategic guidance to schools throughout New York City, focusing on compliance indicators, graduation outcomes, educational performance data, and the quality of special education programming. I've also led professional development initiatives for administrators, teachers, and clinical staff, helping schools improve services and parent satisfaction. Additionally, I served as Director of Student Services for Children’s First Network, where I worked closely with principals and school leadership teams to support English Language Learners and students with disabilities. My responsibilities included overseeing professional development, class organization, mediation processes, and the implementation of impartial hearings. As Assistant Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education, I coordinated discussions among parents, educators, and administrators regarding placements and services for students in public, charter, parochial, and non-public schools. I supervised staff, reviewed IEPs and clinical reports, facilitated the “Turning 5” kindergarten transition process, and collaborated with legal teams on impartial hearings. My contribution to educational research and scholarship included published works include The Difference in English Language Arts Achievement Scores between Students with Disabilities in Public and Charter Schools in New York City (2016) and The Relationship Between Creativity and Students’ Cognitive Levels in K–2 Grades (1975).