2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

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.

This presentation focuses on the critical importance of early identification of children with deafblindness, a condition that impacts both hearing and vision. Early detection allows for timely interventions, which are essential for supporting the child's communication, cognitive development, and social skills. By identifying these children at a young age, caregivers and educators can implement specialized strategies and resources, such as sensory stimulation, tailored educational programs, and assistive technologies, to enhance their quality of life and overall development. Early identification ultimately empowers children with deafblindness to reach their full potential and participate more fully in society.

Ellen Kelsey, M.S., CCC-SLP and Mary Dooher, M.A., CCC-SLP will discuss Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Neurobehavioral Disorder-Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (FASD/ND-PAE) in children, including how it is diagnosed. They will describe common red flags, including how it may present as a student ages. They will explain the most commonly impacted areas of functioning, as well as potentially helpful services for these students. They will also provide strategies professionals can utilize in the school setting, and they will describe similarities between FASD/ND-PAE and other diagnoses. Join Ellen and Mary to bring more awareness to this frequently overlooked and underserved population.

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.

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!

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!

This presentation talks about the Mental Health Supports in Schools and a new Community of Practice, initiative by the The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. It aims to bring together teams of education leadership, mental and behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to learn together to strengthen mental health supports in their school districts and communities. The presenters will be talking about the community of practice, its purpose, goals, composition, and plans for the upcoming year.

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.

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.

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.

Feeling stressed, come to this short session to relax.  Wear some comfy clothes and come for some time of stretching, breathing, and motivational words! Participants may find or share ways they like to de-stress.  Presenter is not a doctor or licensed anything except stressed teacher.  She will simply be sharing ways she manages her stress through gentle movements and activities.

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.

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.