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

Executive Functioning Strategies Across the Neurodevelopmental Continuum

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

Terry Manning

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 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Behavior, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning

1:30pm AKST

Bridging Western and Alaska Native Ways in Transition Plans and IEPs

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST

TBA

The Western approach is evident in public education, and this can sometimes create misunderstandings or tensions with our Alaska Native students and families. When it comes to transition planning for after high school, there are many ways to support Indigenous values and skills development so the student can be a connected and contributing community member. You will learn about different strategies used by teachers in rural Alaska to integrate Alaska Native skills into the IEP and transition plans, and practice making IEP goals and transition plans culturally responsive for Alaska Native and rural students.

Presenters

Rain Van Den Berg

Owner, Rain Van Den Berg Consulting

Rain Van Den Berg is an education and training consultant with a background in education, health education, project management, and facilitation. Current projects include creating culturally responsive transition materials for Alaskan Special Education students, supporting organizational... Read More →

Frances Gage

Special Education Coordinator, NWABSD

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Transition

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

Kelly Maki

Autism Specialist, Special Education Service Agency

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

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Low Incidence, Social-Emotional Learning

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

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

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, ABA, Autism, Behavior, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

3:20pm AKST

Executive Function Skills: What are they and how to improve them!

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm 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

Susan Wolf

Exec. Director / Educational Psychologist, Empowerment Research, LLC

Terry Manning

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Behavior, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning

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

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)

Tara Maltby

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Emily Smith

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Behavior, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Administrator, Autism

12:45pm AKST

Alaska Mental Health in Schools Community of Practice

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

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.

Presenters

Sharon Fishel

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Pat Sidmore

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Micki Dunn

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

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Social Climate

12:45pm AKST

Breakout Session - Jordan LeVan

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Information to Come

Presenters

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

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Behavior, Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy

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

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

Kimberly Santagata

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

45 minutes Breakout

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Behavior, Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy

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

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 early college & career exploration programs I Know I Can and Kids2College, connect schools with Early Career Explorer classroom resources, and assist upper elementary and middle school classrooms... Read More →

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

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Technology, Transition

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

Adam Ahonen

Life Skills Special Ed, ASD

Adam Smith

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

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Family, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

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

Anna Zierfuss

MAP Mentor Program Coordinator / Parent Navigator, Stone Soup Group

Terry Manning

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, Autism, Behavior