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

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10:30am AKST

Transition Activities That Prepare Students for Work After High School

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

TBA

Students who are prepared for the workplace are more likely to have post-school success in employment. DVR offers programs like JOBZ Club, S’Cool Store, and Pathways to enhance your transition services and engage students in preparing for work. Or have you got an idea percolating on developing your own transition services but need funding and technical assistance to make it happen? DVR can provide both through its Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Exhibitors

Jim Kreatschman

Youth Transition Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

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

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Low Incidence, Rural Alaska, Transition

1:30pm AKST

Bridging Western and Alaska Native Ways in Transition Plans and IEPs

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST

TBA

The Western approach is evident in public education, and this can sometimes create misunderstandings or tensions with our Alaska Native students and families. When it comes to transition planning for after high school, there are many ways to support Indigenous values and skills development so the student can be a connected and contributing community member. You will learn about different strategies used by teachers in rural Alaska to integrate Alaska Native skills into the IEP and transition plans, and practice making IEP goals and transition plans culturally responsive for Alaska Native and rural students.

Presenters

Rain Van Den Berg

Owner, Rain Van Den Berg Consulting

Rain Van Den Berg is an education and training consultant with a background in education, health education, project management, and facilitation. Current projects include creating culturally responsive transition materials for Alaskan Special Education students, supporting organizational... Read More →

Frances Gage

Special Education Coordinator, NWABSD

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Transition

3:20pm AKST

Alaska Native Values-Understanding Alaska's First People

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

TBA

This presentation offers educators the opportunity to delve into important values that Alaska Native peoples have held for centuries. Whether you are new, or a seasoned educator you will learn about topics including Historical trauma, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how tribal support can help your students transitioning out of school, SPED Resources, traditional values, and communication methods. You will learn how the Alaska Native world view will influence your students' progress in the Western world. This presenter will also have an opportunity to interact with Alaska Native arts and artifacts and ask questions about how and why they are an important part of Alaska Native Values.

Presenters

Dawn Young Valley

Sisu Services for Alaskans

Dawn is Gwich'in Athabaskan and Aleut from the Native Village of Fort Yukon. She cares passionately about the Alaska Native population and want everyone she meets to understand the unique challenges they face in Western style education. Dawn is relativly new to the teaching profession... Read More →

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

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, ABA, Autism, Behavior, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

3:20pm AKST

DIF Grant and Employment Training Opportunities for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities

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

TBA

Presentation about the recently awarded Disability Innovation Fund grant to Department of Education and Early Development and it’s funding for programs to increase the number of Alaska youth and other individuals with disabilities into competitively integrated employment. Discussion of key activities, partner organizations, goals, and available programs and resources being funded by this grant and where individuals can seek resources to assist youth with disabilities leaving school prepare for the workforce.

Presenters

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education

Kerri Tanet

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

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Autism, Behavior, Inclusion, Self-Advocacy, Transition