2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

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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9:45am AKST

Morning Pass On & Keynote Presentation - "Info to Come" - Jordan LeVan

Tuesday February 4, 2025 9:45am - 11:15am AKST

Alaska Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Information to come

Presenters

Jordan Christian LeVan

IEP Advocate, Fighting for my Voice LLC

Jordan Christian LeVan is a disability and mental health advocate residing in Greensboro, NC. Jordan graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in psychology, emphasizing mental health studies. Living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and multiple disabilities... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 9:45am - 11:15am AKST
Alaska Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Keynote 1.5 hrs

Audience All Experience

12:45pm AKST

AI-mazing Tools for Special Ed: A Beginner’s Guide

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Curious about AI? In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll dive into what AI is, how it works, and how it can transform learning for students with special needs. From cool tech tools to personalized learning, you'll walk away with exciting ideas to spark innovation in your classroom. No tech expertise needed—just bring your curiosity!

Presenters

Robanne Stading

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

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

12:45pm AKST

Alaska Mental Health in Schools Community of Practice

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

This presentation talks about the Mental Health Supports in Schools and a new Community of Practice, initiative by the The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. It aims to bring together teams of education leadership, mental and behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to learn together to strengthen mental health supports in their school districts and communities. The presenters will be talking about the community of practice, its purpose, goals, composition, and plans for the upcoming year.

Presenters

Sharon Fishel

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Pat Sidmore

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Micki Dunn

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Social Climate

12:45pm AKST

Improving Early Literacy for Students with Disabilities – Help Shape Statewide Activities

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Join us to dig into statewide early literacy data and help shape DEED’s special education initiatives. The session will begin with a facilitated data roundtable to better understand what Alaska’s youngest students with disabilities and their schools and districts need to improve early literacy outcomes. Participants will use the data and their experience to inform DEED’s state systemic improvement plan. We will also engage in a start, stop, continue activity to better understand what is working well and where improvements are needed. Come take part in this important conversation to help guide our work to make true impact on early literacy for Alaska’s youngest learners!

Presenters

Mari Matthews

Sara Doutre

Senior Program Associate, WestEd

Joni McCarty

Lead District Compliance Monitoring Officer, AK Dept of Education

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Literacy

12:45pm AKST

Outdoor Education - Educating Students Outside for Better Results

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behavior, helping us to reduce anxiety and stress, while increasing our attention capacity, creativity, and our ability to connect with other people. In this session, you will learn how to conduct successful lessons and learning outside, while also exploring the positive impact it will have on the overall, well-being of your students.

Presenters

Karen Bostic Perlmeter

Arizona State University

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Bully Prevention, High Incidence, Inclusion, Literacy, Low Incidence, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

12:45pm AKST

So, You Think You Want to Be a Sped Director?

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Are you considering becoming a leader in special education? Come learn about the requirements, roles, and responsibilities of leadership. Join several Alaska Special Directors to learn about their experiences and journey on how to become a dynamic Special Education Director and to ask questions you have about taking this next step.

Presenters

Terry Manning

Melissa Matthews

Director of Student Services and Special Education, BSSD

Denise Kelly

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator

1:50pm AKST

(Virtual Presentation) All reading counts: improving literacy for students with disabilities

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

Many people have the idea that listening to audiobooks somehow doesn't count as reading. But audiobooks can be a lifesaver, not only for people with vision impairments, but also for students with reading disabilities. They transmit knowledge, build a joy of literature, and promote increasing attention spans. The Alaska Talking Book Center provides free access to audiobooks and more. Learn how to take advantage of this completely free service to improve literacy for ALL students.

Presenters

Freya Anderson

Head, Information Services & Historical Collections, Alaska Talking Book Center / Alaska State Library

A longtime Alaskan librarian, I'm passionate about working with others to make Alaska a better place for all. Areas of special interest are access to information, access to alternate formats for people who have difficulty reading traditional books, and using copyright fairly to... Read More →

Nadine Kramarz

Early Literacy and Children’s Services Coordinator, Alaska State Library

Nadine Kramarz is the Early Literacy and Children’s Coordinator for the Alaska State Library. She has been a student library aide, children’s librarian, reference librarian, and library director. She earned her MS in library and information science from Drexel University. Her... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Inclusion, Literacy, Related Services, Technology

1:50pm AKST

Breakout Session - Jordan LeVan

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

Alaska (2nd Floor)

Information to Come

Presenters

Jordan Christian LeVan

IEP Advocate, Fighting for my Voice LLC

Jordan Christian LeVan is a disability and mental health advocate residing in Greensboro, NC. Jordan graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in psychology, emphasizing mental health studies. Living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and multiple disabilities... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

1:50pm AKST

Kids2Careers: PK-12 Postsecondary Exploration & Planning

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

ACPE's Kids2Careers includes a new suite of FREE resources (5-12) to help students and families with important grade level postsecondary and career exploration and planning steps, plus Early Career Explorers (PK-4) classroom resources. Learn about our 6-lesson Curriculum, in-person and digital Campus Events, Panel Discussions, Pathway Planning Presentations, Student Success Steps (PK-12), Family Guiding Steps (PK-12), Digital Senior Calendar, Senior Checklist, Planning Templates, and SO much more!

Presenters

Shelly Morgan

K-12 Specialist, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

As the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE’s) K-12 Specialist, I manage the postsecondary & career exploration and planning resources Early Career Explorers (PK-4) and Kids2Careers (5-12). I develop curriculum and postsecondary planning resources to help educators... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Technology, Transition

1:50pm AKST

Mighty Mouse: How I raised my hero with our Dream Team.

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

Born at 20.5 weeks, my son was not expected to make it home from the hospital. More than 28 years later, I want to share his story, and what it took to get him where he is now. This is a celebration of my son, our family, and the best teams in the world, working like spokes in a wheel, for forward progress in his life, in rural Alaska.

Presenters

Jeri Trail

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Bully Prevention, Family, Inclusion, Rural Alaska, Self-Advocacy, Paraprofessionals

1:50pm AKST

So You Think You Want To Be A Special Education Director?

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

Lupine (1st Floor)

Do you have aspirations of being a Special Education Director? Come to this session to learn more about the day-to-day ways to do the work and support your staff.

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator

1:50pm AKST

State of Alaska - Guidance for Special Education Personnel Handbook Review

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

A review of the State of Alaska Guidance for Special Education Personnel Handbook. Participants will learn where information is located to support their understanding of Alaska and Federal Regulations.

Presenters

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

1:50pm AKST

Working Together: Enhancing Special Education Services Through Collaboration

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

This presentation explores the critical role of collaboration in delivering high-quality special education services. Participants will learn strategies to foster effective teamwork between general and special education teachers, specialists, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families. Emphasizing shared responsibility and open communication, the session will highlight best practices for co-teaching, individualized support, and inclusive environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance collaboration.

Presenters

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Family, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska

2:45pm AKST

Address your stress with some self-care

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

Feeling stressed, come to this short session to relax. Wear some comfy clothes and come for some time of stretching, breathing, and motivational words! Participants may find or share ways they like to de-stress. Presenter is not a doctor or licensed anything except stressed teacher. She will simply be sharing ways she manages her stress through gentle movements and activities.

Presenters

Jodi Grewe

Special Education Teacher, KPBSD

Greetings!!!I love teaching and have been enjoying our great state since 2005!!!

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Family, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Administrator

2:45pm AKST

AI for SPED: Tech Tools to Enhance Learning for Neurodivergent Students

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

A tech-focused presentation on leveraging AI tools like text-to-speech, AI-generated lesson plans, and tailored feedback loops to support SPED students. This session would highlight how AI can reduce teacher workload, automatically generate scaffolding for struggling students, and create personalized learning experiences.

Presenters

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Self-Advocacy, Technology

2:45pm AKST

Compliance Monitoring Review and Discussion

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

Special Education Compliance Monitoring for districts is a systematic process designed to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations regarding the education of students with disabilities. This program involves regular evaluations of district practices, policies, and documentation related to Individual Education Programs services, and support systems. Through comprehensive reviews and data analysis, districts can identify areas of compliance strength and those needing improvement.

Presenters

Joni McCarty

Lead District Compliance Monitoring Officer, AK Dept of Education

Simone Sanders

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

2:45pm AKST

Transition Services into Adulthood: Connecting with Community Resources/ Navigating the Process

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

This presentation highlights the critical importance of transition services in special education, emphasizing agency connections, recreational leisure, and experiential learning in the community. Participants will explore effective strategies for fostering collaboration between educators, families, and local agencies to enhance student outcomes. By integrating community resources and recreational opportunities, we can empower students with disabilities to develop essential life skills, build social connections, and navigate their transition to adulthood. Join us to discover innovative practices that support holistic development and promote successful, meaningful transitions for all learners.

Presenters

Adam Ahonen

Life Skills Special Ed, ASD

Adam Smith

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Family, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

2:45pm AKST

Understanding Dyslexia: Engaging Simulations for Educators

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

In an increasingly diverse educational landscape, it is crucial for educators to truly understand and empathize with the unique challenges faced by students with dyslexia. This engaging experience includes targeted simulations allowing participants to gain firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. By stepping into the shoes of those with dyslexia, educators will develop greater empathy and understanding, equipping them with strategies to better support their students. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all.

Presenters

Emily Smith

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Inclusion, Literacy

2:45pm AKST

Unlocking Potential: Recognizing and Responding to Executive Function Challenges in the Classroom

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

Executive function skills—such as planning, organization, and self-regulation—are crucial for student success, both academically and in life. This session explores how using a universal design approach to teach these skills can benefit all learners, while also meeting the specific needs of neurodiverse students such as those with a history of traumatic brain injury. Participants will learn practical strategies to create inclusive classrooms that nurture independence, resilience, and long-term success.

Presenters

Sena Gilbert

Youth Brain Injury Program Coordinator, SERRC, Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program

I have a passion for improving community collaboration and developing training and practices that support students and families impacted by brain injuries. SERRC's Youth Brain Injury Program is a statewide system of support for Alaska students with brain injury which includes addressing... Read More →

Sarah Moreau

SERRC Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Transition