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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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

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 early college & career exploration programs I Know I Can and Kids2College, connect schools with Early Career Explorer classroom resources, and assist upper elementary and middle school classrooms... 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

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

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