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

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

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 →

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

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

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

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Inclusion, Literacy, Paraprofessionals, Self-Advocacy, Technology

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

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

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Inclusion, Literacy, Low Incidence, Technology

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

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

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

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

Karen Bostic Perlmeter

Arizona State University

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

45 minutes Breakout

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Behavior, High Incidence, Inclusion, Literacy, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Rural Alaska, Autism

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