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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

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strong>Inclusion [clear filter]
Monday, February 3
 

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help?
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Participants will learn what print disability is and develop an understanding not all students with print disability receive support through special education services.  They will learn about the process of identifying print disability in students and the tools available for supporting students with print disability.  Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the accessible materials and assistive technology to support students with print disability.  
Presenters
avatar for Meriah Cory

Meriah Cory

AKCAM - Grant Coordinator, Alaska Center for Accessible Materials
The Alaska Center for Accessible Materials is a grant that provides alternative formats and assistive technology to students across the state who need support accessing print. These can be students with physical, vision, or processing disabilities. AKCAM also provides support to teams... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Weiland

Samantha Weiland

SESA Multiple Disabilities & Alaska Center for Accessible Materials Specialist, Special Education Services Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting At-Risk Children and Fostering Equity
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Revolutionize support for at-risk students through a student-centered, collaborative approach that spans all school environments. This talk showcases success stories from rural Alaskan school districts, demonstrating how to transcend isolated interventions and create a holistic, empowering educational experience. Learn how seamless partnerships between general education, special education, and therapy teams can transform learning outcomes. Discover simple yet powerful techniques for building essential skills throughout the school day, fostering a supportive ecosystem within natural learning environments. This innovative approach has yielded impressive results, including accelerated progress in speech development, enhanced sensory regulation, improved fine motor skills, and enriched language acquisition among others. Join us to explore how these proven, adaptable strategies can be tailored to your unique school community, promoting equity and unlocking the full potential of every student for lasting academic achievement.
Presenters
avatar for Kristine Beard
JB
PW
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

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
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Executive Function Skills: What are they and how to improve them!
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
Have you wondered how to help struggling students in your classroom?  Have you wondered what is causing the struggle?  In this session, we will explore Executive Function Skills and how they may be dysfunctional for some students whether or not they have an IEP.  We will discuss strategies on how to develop these skills for positive outcomes.
Presenters
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
TM
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

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
  1.5 hrs Breakout

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
KT
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Executive Functioning Strategies Across the Neurodevelopmental Continuum
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
This session will focus on supports and strategies in the classroom and program settings for children in the PK-22 arena.  There will be interactive activities with work products to be shared among participants.
Presenters
TM
avatar for Susan Wolf

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC
Having spent over three decades in public health and education with an emphasis on pediatric disabilities, I'm an open book. As a parent of a now-adult son with a traumatic brain injury in early childhood and as a severe TBI survivor myself, I have intense passion to share the brain... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

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
ES
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

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
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Who's in my Classroom? A Review of Related Service Providers and How to Maximize Collaboration
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
The world of Special Education has many players! An effective IEP Team must understand the unique skills, training, and responsibilities of each related service provider within the school setting. Have you ever wondered why some students are "pulled" from class while others aren't? Or why a child might receive occupational therapy at a clinic but not a school? If you’re looking to enhance your collaboration skills with therapists and itinerant teachers, this session is designed for you!
Presenters
LC
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout
 
Tuesday, February 4
 

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

12:45pm AKST

Breakout Session - Jordan LeVan
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA
Information to Come
Presenters
avatar for Jordan Christian LeVan

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 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA
  45 minutes Breakout

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
  45 minutes Breakout

12:45pm AKST

Understanding FBA's and BIP's
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA
Understanding FBA’s and BIP’s is a look into Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans- so that you understand them better. Can explain to others what they are and how they are properly used. We will also look at how to include secondary students in the process of both FBA’s and BIP’s. Hopefully there will be time to share experiences that attendees have had and collaborate solutions to try. 
Presenters
KS
Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA
  45 minutes Breakout

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
  45 minutes Breakout

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
  45 minutes Breakout

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
avatar for Shelly Morgan

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

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
JT
Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA
  45 minutes Breakout

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
  45 minutes Breakout

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
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA
  45 minutes Breakout

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

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

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
avatar for Sena Gilbert

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 →
SM

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
 
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
TM
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Disability Justice: From Awareness to Action
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
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.
Presenters
avatar for Winter Marshall-Allen

Winter Marshall-Allen

SpEd Teacher, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Teacher-Proofing the Classroom: Tools and Strategies for Sustainable Learning
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
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.
Presenters
BC

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School
RS
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

The Road to High Quality-Defensible Instruction for Significant Disabilities
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
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.

Presenters
avatar for Ann Meyer

Ann Meyer

Vice President, Attainment Company
Attainment is the leading provider of blended learning solutions with traditional curriculum, apps, software, web-based programs, and AT solutions for special education PreK- 12+. A scientific research-based approach to curriculum creation for ELA, math, science, social studies, and... Read More →
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA
  1.5 hrs Breakout
 
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