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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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Type: 1.5 hrs Breakout clear filter
Monday, February 3
 

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help? LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)
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
Fireweed (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting At-Risk Children and Fostering Equity LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
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
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Engaging Neurodiverse Students through Multimedia and Project-Based Learning LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
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
Chartroom (15th Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Executive Function Skills: What are they and how to improve them! LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

K-12 Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Educational Impact LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)
What does the impact of hearing loss for a student in my classroom look like?
What questions should I be asking?
Who can I reach out to for more information?
What are some general accommodations that I can share with my team for my students to better access the curriculum?
Come to this breakout session and leave with a better understanding of how to support your student in the classroom!
Presenters
AS

Abby Steer

Special Education Service Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

My Plate Too Full...Help! LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
You will have time in this interactive session to reflect and prepare to apply what you learned from Molly's keynote presentation. You will feel empowered to return to your school with easy to implement strategies and skills that result in fewer battles and more calm.
Presenters
avatar for Molly Kennedy

Molly Kennedy

Keynote Speaker, Author, Educator, Molly Kennedy Speaks
Molly Kennedy has dedicated the past 26 years to empowering people to have more resilience, confidence and learning to leverage their adversity into results.Challenges and trauma followed Molly throughout her life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, neglect... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Review of the Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Report with information about federal regulations for compliance. LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
Participants will review the Evaluation Summary and Eligibility Report as a comprehensive document that assesses an individual's eligibility for special education services. They will learn about the federal regulations, ensuring that all criteria are met and documented accurately.


Presenters
CS

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development
GG

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Transition Activities That Prepare Students for Work After High School LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
Discover the evidence-based predictors of post-school success for secondary transition students.  How you can motivate them to be prepared and engaged for the workplace and more likely to have post-school success in employment. DVR offers programs like JOBZ Club, S’Cool Store, and Pathways to enhance your transition services and engage students in preparing for work. Or have you got an idea percolating on developing your own transition services but need funding and technical assistance to make it happen? DVR can provide both through its Pre-Employment Transition Services.
Presenters
JK

Jim Kreatschman

Youth Transition Coordinator, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Accessible Escape Room LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)
Prepare for an interstellar adventure with the Mars Escape Room, where participants use APH STEM products to solve problems and complete a mission critical to their crew's survival. This workshop focuses on teamwork, communication, and the practical application of STEM principles in a collaborative scenario designed to simulate the challenges faced on Mars.

Objectives:
1. Discover innovative ways to incorporate APH products into the Expanded Core Curriculum, enhancing the educational experiences of students with visual impairments.
2. Identify and discuss the application of UDL principles in classroom activities to enhance accessibility and engagement for all students, particularly those with visual impairments.
3. Develop strategies to guide students using logical reasoning and deduction to solve complex problems, fostering higher-order thinking skills.


Presenters
avatar for Leslie Weilbacher

Leslie Weilbacher

Outreach Specialist -Northwest, American Printing House for the Blind
Leslie is the Outreach Specialist for the Northwest Region with APH. Leslie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and German from the University of Oregon with her first guide dog Cammy. After interning with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) and the Wesley Foundation... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Bridging Western and Alaska Native Ways in Transition Plans and IEPs LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
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
avatar for Rain Van Den Berg

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 →
FG

Frances Gage

Special Education Coordinator, NWABSD
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 1) LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)
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
Fireweed (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Early Identification of Children with Deafblindness LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
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.
Presenters
avatar for Angel Black

Angel Black

Project Director, The Alaska Deafblind Project
AS

Abby Steer

Special Education Service Agency
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

FASD/ND-PAE: Evaluation, Treatments, and Implications for Academics in the Classrooms, Learning, and Families LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
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.


Presenters
MD

Mary Dooher

Speech Language Pathologist, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Hello, I am a Speech-Language Pathologist that has worked in the education and medical setting.  I am presenting at ASSEC 2022 on Identification and Management of Feeding/Swallowing Disorders In Schools. I have worked for over 15 years with individuals with feeding/swallowing concerns... Read More →
avatar for Ellen Kelsey

Ellen Kelsey

Lead SLP, Ptarmigan Connections/Therapy
Hi. I have worked as a Speech Language Pathologist since 2010, with the majority of that time being in the private practice setting. I absolutely love all things speech therapy and look forward to discussing FASD with you. You can also email me for further discussion at ekelsey@p... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Individual Education Program paperwork, review and discussion LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
Participants will learn the essential components of an IEP, including present levels of performance, measurable goals, and necessary accommodations. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative planning with educators, parents, and specialists to ensure that the IEP effectively addresses the unique needs of each student.
Presenters
CS

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development
GG

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Strategies for Teaching Social Emotional Learning to Autistic Individuals LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

1:30pm AKST

Watch Me: Flipping Limiting Beliefs Into Empowering Beliefs LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
This is a high-engagement, deep dive workshop where you have time to do the work. You will learn to step up your level of acceptance for what is and reclaim accountability for your response to become unstoppable. You will be empowered to align your desired outcomes with their actions resulting in less excuses and more success. It gets real- no fluff. And that’s exactly why it gets RESULTS!
Presenters
avatar for Molly Kennedy

Molly Kennedy

Keynote Speaker, Author, Educator, Molly Kennedy Speaks
Molly Kennedy has dedicated the past 26 years to empowering people to have more resilience, confidence and learning to leverage their adversity into results.Challenges and trauma followed Molly throughout her life. She grew up in a dysfunctional family with addiction, divorce, neglect... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Alaska Native Values-Understanding Alaska's First People LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
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 wants everyone she meets to understand the unique challenges students face in Western-style education. Dawn was a licensed foster parent for over... Read More →
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 2) LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)
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
Fireweed (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

DIF Grant and Employment Training Opportunities for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
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
avatar for Karen Heath

Karen Heath

Co-Director, UAA Center for Human Development
Karen Heath is a lifelong Alaskan with a love for everything employment related. She started her journey in the employment field at Fairbanks Resource Agency as one of the first job coaches in the state. In the 90's She obtained her MS in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University... Read More →
MC
LB
ME
SV

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
KT
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Executive Functioning Strategies Across the Neurodevelopmental Continuum LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Supporting Student Engagement & Behavior in the Classroom: UA Panel Discussion LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
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
HB

Heather Batchelder

Dr., University of Alaska Southeast
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Using Descriptive Teaching to Support the Learning of AAC users LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
“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
Chartroom (15th Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

3:20pm AKST

Who's in my Classroom? A Review of Related Service Providers and How to Maximize Collaboration LIMITED
Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
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 at 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
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout
 
Wednesday, February 5
 

10:30am AKST

"Building Inclusion through Executive Function and Relationship Remediation" LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

DaniMation’s “Learn as your Create Formula of Teaching Animation” LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Dani Bowman shares her proven 'Learn as You Create' formula, demonstrating how animation can be an effective tool for learning. This session highlights how creative arts can support not only artistic growth but also academic skills like math and English, while fostering communication, teamwork, and job readiness. Participants will engage in a hands-on activity using storyboard templates to create their own stories, gaining practical strategies to boost creativity and technical skills. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with tools to encourage learning and self-expression for neurodiverse individuals.
Presenters
avatar for Dani Bowman

Dani Bowman

Founder & Chief Creative Officer, DaniMation Entertainment LLC
Dani Bowman founded her company, DaniMation Entertainment, at age 11. She has worked professionally in the animation industry since 14. Bowman has premiered 11 award-wining animated short films at San Diego Comic-Con each year for the past 10 years.  Her shorts feature the voices... Read More →
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Data! Data! Help your teachers, your paraprofessionals (and yourself) collect useable Data! LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
Special Education relies on data to track goal progress, behaviors, and eligibility. Data should be a happy world in our profession, not a thorn. How can we make data easier to collect and easier to use? Can collecting data be fun?  Can it be exciting?  YES!
Presenters
LS

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Disability Justice: From Awareness to Action LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)
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
Lupine (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Predictable Chart Writing and Shared Reading for students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
 It is important that students with complex support needs are given the opportunity to participate in shared reading and predictable chart writing daily.  Predictable chart writing is a fun and easy shared group experience where teachers write with students, helping them to generate their own ideas.  Shared reading is an evidence-based practice that promotes joint attention and literacy.  Students with complex support needs receive literacy instruction at a far lower rate than students without complex needs and adding shared reading and predictable chart writing to the day add fun and enjoyable literacy activities that all students can access.
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 →
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Rethinking “Challenging” Behaviors: Moving Toward Self-Advocacy & a Preventative Framework LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)
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
Denali (2nd Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

Teacher-Proofing the Classroom: Tools and Strategies for Sustainable Learning LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
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
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout

10:30am AKST

The Road to High Quality-Defensible Instruction for Significant Disabilities LIMITED
Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)
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
Fireweed (1st Floor)
  1.5 hrs Breakout
 
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    Feb 1 - 5, 2025
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    Anchorage, AK, USA
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    Lower Level Promenade (2nd Floor)
    Lupine (1st Floor)
    Off-Site
    Promenade/Bristol Bay Ballroom (2nd Floor)
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    1.5 hrs Breakout
    45 minutes Breakout
    Keynote 1.5 hrs
    Pre-Conference Workshop
  • Audience
    All Experience
    Intermediate (4-8 Years of experience)
    Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
  • Subject
    ABA
    Administrator
    Autism
    Behavior
    Bully Prevention
    Family
    High Incidence
    Inclusion
    Literacy
    Low Incidence
    Paraprofessionals
    Related Services
    Rural Alaska
    Self-Advocacy
    Social Climate
    Social-Emotional Learning
    Technology
    Transition
  • Timezone
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Saturday, February 1
Sunday, February 2
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Tuesday, February 4
Wednesday, February 5
Alaska (2nd Floor)
Alaska Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Aleutian (2nd Floor)
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)
Bristol Bay Ballroom (2nd Floor)
Chartroom (15th Floor)
Denali (2nd Floor)
Fireweed (1st Floor)
Lower Level Promenade (2nd Floor)
Lupine (1st Floor)
Off-Site
Promenade/Bristol Bay Ballroom (2nd Floor)
  • 1.5 hrs Breakout
  • 45 minutes Breakout
  • Keynote 1.5 hrs
  • Pre-Conference Workshop
  • Audience
  • All Experience
  • Intermediate (4-8 Years of experience)
  • Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
  • Subject
  • ABA
  • Administrator
  • Autism
  • Behavior
  • Bully Prevention
  • Family
  • High Incidence
  • Inclusion
  • Literacy
  • Low Incidence
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Related Services
  • Rural Alaska
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Social Climate
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • Technology
  • Transition
  • Popular