2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC)

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.  

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.)

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.)

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.

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.