2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC): Full Schedule

Conference website: www.assec.org

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Sat./Sun., Feb. 1 & 2 - (2) Day Pre-Conference Credit Courses
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon., Feb. 3 - Main Conference - Day 1
8:15 am - 4:50 pm

Tues., Feb. 4 - Main Conference - Day 2
8:15 am - 3:30 pm

Wed., Feb. 5 - Main Conference - Day 3
8:15 am - 12:00 pm

***Agenda subject to change

arrow_back View All Dates

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help?

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

Participants will learn what print disability is and develop an understanding not all students with print disability receive support through special education services. They will learn about the process of identifying print disability in students and the tools available for supporting students with print disability. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the accessible materials and assistive technology to support students with print disability.

Presenters

Meriah Cory

AKCAM - Grant Coordinator, Alaska Center for Accessible Materials

The Alaska Center for Accessible Materials is a grant that provides alternative formats and assistive technology to students across the state who need support accessing print. These can be students with physical, vision, or processing disabilities. AKCAM also provides support to teams... Read More →

Samantha Weiland

SESA Multiple Disabilities & Alaska Center for Accessible Materials Specialist, Special Education Services Agency

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Literacy, Technology

10:30am AKST

Engaging Neurodiverse Students through Multimedia and Project-Based Learning

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

A deep dive into using multimedia, hands-on projects, and student-led presentations to help neurodivergent students thrive. Emphasizing how creative outlets and tech tools like digital storytelling and game-based learning can engage SPED students.

Presenters

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Inclusion, Literacy, Paraprofessionals, Self-Advocacy, Technology

3:20pm AKST

Using Descriptive Teaching to Support the Learning of AAC users

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

“Using a descriptive style, the teacher mentions and references the context-specific words, then teaches concepts behind the words using high frequency, re-usable, common words” (Van Tatenhove 2009). The teachers explain a term using common words that they know are already in the communicator’s AAC system. Rather than memorizing vocabulary to answer closed ended questions students use core vocabulary to demonstrate understanding of a concept.

Presenters

Jennifer Schroder

Multiple Disability Specialist, SESA

My name is Jennifer and I was born and raised in MN. My first teaching job was in Bethel, AK. After that I worked at a residential school for children with autism and then as a teacher for students with multiple disabilities at a school for the Deaf. I returned to AK to work... Read More →

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Inclusion, Literacy, Low Incidence, Technology