2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

Welcome - Heather Wheeler, ASSEC 2025 Chair

"Keynote Presentation"– Dani Bowman
Information to come

Do your students struggle with appropriate interactions in and out of school?  In this interactive session we will examine how strategies for building executive function skills can increase inclusion with friendships and other appropriate relationships in their community.

Information to Come

This seminar will introduce participants to the concept of “Disability Justice’, focusing on its history, key principles, and real-world applications. The session will explore the intersectionality of disability with race, class, gender, and other identities, highlighting the ways systemic ableism affects marginalized communities. Participants will leave with practical tools to support the movement in their own communities.

 It is important that students with complex support needs are given the opportunity to participate in shared reading and predictable chart writing daily.  Predictable chart writing is a fun and easy shared group experience where teachers write with students, helping them to generate their own ideas.  Shared reading is an evidence-based practice that promotes joint attention and literacy.  Students with complex support needs receive literacy instruction at a far lower rate than students without complex needs and adding shared reading and predictable chart writing to the day add fun and enjoyable literacy activities that all students can access.

This presentation focused on practical strategies and tools that empower teachers to create self-sustaining classrooms, where student learning continues even in the teacher's absence or with minimal direct instruction. The session introduced AI-enhanced tools, blended learning environments, and project-based learning approaches that allow students to work independently, fostering a more resilient, tech-supported, and student-driven learning experience.

The changed environment of instruction after the pandemic means administration and management of special education must be thoughtfully planned and executed for staff, students, and families. The work of addressing instruction with staff new or relocated to classrooms of students with moderate-severe disabilities along with the differentiated learning needs of these students is complex. Social – emotional supports; for staff and students must be provided along with rigorous and clear directions for the implementation of a curriculum which meets the highest standards for student learning. Come to this session to discuss the challenges and successes in implementation of an outstanding structure and roadmap from moderate to large urban Public Schools.