2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

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

12:45pm AKST

AI-mazing Tools for Special Ed: A Beginner’s Guide LIMITED

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

Aleutian (2nd Floor)

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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

12:45pm AKST

Alaska Mental Health in Schools Community of Practice LIMITED

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

Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

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

Pat Sidmore

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Micki Dunn

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

12:45pm AKST

Building a Classroom for All: A Guide to Differentiation Success LIMITED

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

Lupine (1st Floor)

Come and learn how to support diverse learners in all educational environments. Differentiation in education is the practice of tailoring teaching methods, instructional materials, and learning activities to meet the diverse needs of students. It involves recognizing that students have varying backgrounds, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles, and adjusting instruction to ensure that all students can access and engage with the curriculum effective.

Presenters

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Inclusion

12:45pm AKST

Improving Early Literacy for Students with Disabilities – Help Shape Statewide Activities LIMITED

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

Chartroom (15th Floor)

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
Chartroom (15th Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Literacy

12:45pm AKST

So, You Think You Want to Be a Sped Director? LIMITED

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

Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

Are you considering becoming a leader in special education? Come learn about the requirements, roles, and responsibilities of leadership. Join several Alaska Special Directors to learn about their experiences and journey on how to become a dynamic Special Education Director and to ask questions you have about taking this next step.

Presenters

Terry Manning

Melissa Matthews

Director of Student Services and Special Education, BSSD

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator

12:45pm AKST

The Power of Authenticity: Supporting Children to Unmask and Advocate. LIMITED

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

Alaska (2nd Floor)

This session will focus on the importance of embracing authenticity in self-advocacy. We’ll explore how masking, a coping mechanism often used to avoid bullying or fit in, can hinder a child’s ability to communicate their needs and access the support they deserve. By recognizing and addressing masking behaviors, we can help children feel empowered to embrace their true selves, reduce the need for masking, and foster effective self-advocacy. Participants will also learn about antibullying strategies and policies that create safer spaces for children to express themselves authentically and thrive.

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
Alaska (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

12:45pm AKST

Understanding FBA's and BIP's LIMITED

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

Denali (2nd Floor)

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

Special Education Teacher, Anchorage School District

I am a third year special education teacher for ASD and a UAS student.

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

1:50pm AKST

(Virtual Presentation) All reading counts: improving literacy for students with disabilities LIMITED

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

Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

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
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Inclusion, Literacy, Related Services, Technology

1:50pm AKST

Kids2Careers: PK-12 Postsecondary Exploration & Planning LIMITED

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

Aleutian (2nd Floor)

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 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
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

1:50pm AKST

Responding to Behaviors with a Behavior Response Plan LIMITED

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

Lupine (1st Floor)

In this session, we will be talking about how to respond to behavior by creating a behavior response plan and discussing emergency plans for your schools and classroom. A behavior response template will be discussed and if time permits you will be able to practice and create a plan for a student/students in your classroom or school.

Presenters

Julie Lougee

Special Education Mentor Teacher and BCBA, FNSBSD

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Behavior

1:50pm AKST

State of Alaska - Guidance for Special Education Personnel Handbook Review LIMITED

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

Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

A review of the State of Alaska Guidance for Special Education Personnel Handbook. Participants will learn where information is located to support their understanding of Alaska and Federal Regulations.

Presenters

Colleen Shivers

AK Department of Education and Early Development

Gail Greenhalgh

Special Education Consulting Services

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

1:50pm AKST

The Power of Action: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Environments. LIMITED

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

Alaska (2nd Floor)

This session will explore the practical steps required to create truly neurodiversity-affirming environments. It’s not enough to simply label something as inclusive; we must actively implement practices that support and empower neurodivergent individuals. Through discussion and real-world examples, participants will learn how to move beyond surface-level actions and develop meaningful strategies that promote respect, understanding, and inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals in all settings.

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 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

1:50pm AKST

Working Together: Enhancing Special Education Services Through Collaboration LIMITED

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

Denali (2nd Floor)

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

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Autism, Behavior, Family, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska

2:45pm AKST

Address your stress with some self-care LIMITED

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

Lupine (1st Floor)

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.

Presenters

Jodi Grewe

Special Education Teacher, KPBSD

Greetings!!!I love teaching and have been enjoying our great state since 2005!!!

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Family, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Administrator

2:45pm AKST

AI for SPED: Tech Tools to Enhance Learning for Neurodivergent Students LIMITED

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

Alaska (2nd Floor)

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

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Alaska (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Self-Advocacy, Technology

2:45pm AKST

Association Meeting - CASE LIMITED

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

Aleutian (2nd Floor)

Members association meeting for The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Aleutian (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

2:45pm AKST

Compliance Monitoring Review and Discussion

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

Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

Special Education Compliance Monitoring for districts is a systematic process designed to ensure adherence to federal and state regulations regarding the education of students with disabilities. This program involves regular evaluations of district practices, policies, and documentation related to Individual Education Programs services, and support systems. Through comprehensive reviews and data analysis, districts can identify areas of compliance strength and those needing improvement.

Presenters

Joni McCarty

Lead District Compliance Monitoring Officer, AK Dept of Education

Simone Sanders

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Aspen/Spruce (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

2:45pm AKST

Empowering Minds: Teaching Emotional Regulation Through Brain Awareness LIMITED

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

Denali (2nd Floor)

Discover how teaching students about their brain can transform emotional regulation in the classroom. This presentation explores the science behind emotions, focusing on the roles of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and other brain functions. Helping students understand how their brain influences their feelings and reactions empowers them to build self-awareness, resilience, and emotional control. We’ll also introduce Brain Reflection Cards as a powerful alternative to traditional check-in/check-out systems, encouraging students to reflect on their brain's role in managing emotions and providing practical strategies for self-regulation.

Presenters

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Denali (2nd Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience

2:45pm AKST

Transition Services into Adulthood: Connecting with Community Resources/ Navigating the Process LIMITED

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

Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

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
Birch/Willow (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

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

2:45pm AKST

Unlocking Potential: Recognizing and Responding to Executive Function Challenges in the Classroom LIMITED

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

Chartroom (15th Floor)

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

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 →

Sarah Moreau

SERRC Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Chartroom (15th Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Transition

2:45pm AKST

Using Toy Talk to Build Language Skills LIMITED

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

Fireweed (1st Floor)

Responsive Labeling, Self-talk and Parallel-talk are well known techniques to build young children's language skills during play therapy and natural settings. Toy Talk is an evidence-based practice you can add to your toolbox to help build children's oral language skills. Toy Talk can be implemented easily by family members and school staff.

Presenters

Paula Gelineau

Speech-Language Pathologist, FNSBSD

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
Fireweed (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Family, Literacy, Paraprofessionals, Related Services