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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
strong>Autism [clear filter]
Monday, February 3
 

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
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 1)
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
Based on research by G. Namie, R. Namie, P. Lutgen-Sandvik, G. Sari, and many more, empower yourself to teach students to identify and mitigate bullying. Sadly, research shows that bullying starts in the home and is learned at a young age. Behaviors that feel normal for a student can be difficult to mitigate in the school setting. Bullying doesn't just effect students, and it doesn’t end when students graduate. Teachers bully teachers, parents bully administration, employers bully employees, and governments bully other countries.  (CAUTION:  You might learn that you have been a bully...and that can be very uncomfortable for participants.)
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1:30pm AKST

Strategies for Teaching Social Emotional Learning to Autistic Individuals
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA
In this session, participants will learn about the five components of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and strategies for teaching SEL to autistic people. More specifically, the presenter will provide examples of SEL lessons that align with the three severity levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The goal is for participants to leave with a thorough understanding of what SEL is and how to create individualized lessons for the autistic people they work with. Finally, the presenters will share information about the Autism Resource Center and how the agency supports Alaskans.
Presenters
avatar for Kelly Maki

Kelly Maki

Autism Specialist, Special Education Service Agency
avatar for Autumn Holt

Autumn Holt

Autism Resource Specialist, Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC)
The Alaska Autism Resource Center (AARC) supports individuals of all ages with autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, and service providers throughout the state of Alaska.
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

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
avatar for Dawn Young Valley

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

3:20pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 2)
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Based on research by G. Namie, R. Namie, P. Lutgen-Sandvik, G. Sari, and many more, empower yourself to teach students to identify and mitigate bullying. Sadly, research shows that bullying starts in the home and is learned at a young age. Behaviors that feel normal for a student can be difficult to mitigate in the school setting. Bullying doesn't just effect students, and it doesn’t end when students graduate. Teachers bully teachers, parents bully administration, employers bully employees, and governments bully other countries.  (CAUTION:  You might learn that you have been a bully...and that can be very uncomfortable for participants.)
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

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
SV

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

3:20pm AKST

Supporting Student Engagement & Behavior in the Classroom: UA Panel Discussion
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
Join professors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Education for an engaging Q&A panel on behavior management in the classroom. The panelists will discuss effective engagement strategies, cultural influences, ways to foster inclusion, and trauma-responsive behavior techniques. No matter your role in a school, this event offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to behavior management and support diverse learners. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and strategies for creating a positive learning environment!
Presenters
RC

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)
avatar for Tara Maltby

Tara Maltby

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
BF

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

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
avatar for Jennifer Schroder

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
 
Tuesday, February 4
 

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
KB

Karen Bostic Perlmeter

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

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
avatar for Freya Anderson

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 →
avatar for Nadine Kramarz

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

1:50pm AKST

Differentiation in the Secondary Classroom
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA
Differentiated instruction is teaching with student variance in mind. It means starting where the kids are rather than adopting a standardized approach to teaching that seems to presume that all learners of a given age or grade are essentially alike. Thus, differentiated instruction is “responsive” teaching rather than “one-size-fits-all” teaching.
Presenters
KB

Karen Bostic Perlmeter

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

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

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
RC

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

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
AA

Adam Ahonen

Life Skills Special Ed, ASD
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA
 
Wednesday, February 5
 

10:30am AKST

"Building Inclusion through Executive Function and Relationship Remediation"
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
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.
Presenters
avatar for Anna Zierfuss

Anna Zierfuss

MAP Mentor Program Coordinator / Parent Navigator, Stone Soup Group
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

10:30am AKST

Rethinking “Challenging” Behaviors: Moving Toward Self-Advocacy & a Preventative Framework
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
When faced with “challenging” behaviors, there are many considerations, frameworks to use and strategies to try. The primary focus is on managing the situation including the safety of everyone present. However, all behaviors occur for a reason, including “challenging” behaviors. In managing the situation, this means the needs triggering a student’s “challenging” behaviors is often overlooked. Reducing these incidents over time means identifying a student’s unmet need and finding ways to meet that need in different ways. Today, we’ll redefine “challenging” behavior, link it to self-advocacy and use foundational behavior analysis concepts to determine those needs and preventative interventions.
Presenters
avatar for Chris Sturm

Chris Sturm

Clinical Director, UAA's Center for Human Development
AP

Ali Pike

University of Alaska's Center for Human Development
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
 
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