Special Education Conference 2024
Date: November 14-15, 2024
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Schedule 
This schedule is subject to change. Registrants will receive a conference program at conference check in.
Click on the dates below to view a specific date.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Check In, Registration, Light BreakfastSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
9:15 am - 10:30 am
Keynote: Mills RodgersSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:30 am - 10:45 am
Break:Suite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Mills Rodgers Breakout sessionSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
LunchSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:50 pm - 1:40 pm
1. Act 20 and Special EducationAloeswood
Presenters: Felicity Rose Kilmurray (Education Consultant); TIm Peerenboom (Education Consultant/School Psychologist)2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (Act 20) supports schools and districts in strengthening early literacy assessment, curriculum and instruction within their Equitable Multi Level Systems of Support (EMLSS). For students with disabilities, special education services and supports can supplement this by assessing and intervening to address disability-related needs in the area of literacy. This session aims to provide information and resources for LEAs and IEP teams concerning Act 20.
2. Supporting Student AnxietyAralia
Presenter: Katie Berg (Statewide Neurodiversity Coordinator/Trainer)There are a lot of layers of barriers our learners face. Anxiety can be a large barrier to learning, and can take a fully engaged learner and put them in a place of distress or, even at times, crisis. Not only affecting them emotionally but blocking their access to their education. Come join us in learning the brain basics of anxiety and supports we can put in place for others.
Level: Beginner3. Working Collaboratively in Special EducationMangrove
Presenters: Dawn Merth-Johnson (Education Consultant); MIchelle Silverman (Education Consultant)Professional collaboration is not only a high-leverage practice in special education, but it is also inherent throughout IDEA. Beginning with a comprehensive special education evaluation, IEP team members share responsibility for the design, delivery and evaluation of instruction and supports for students which leads to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Sharing responsibility with colleagues for all students means developing collaborative relationships in which IEP team members communicate with each other while each bringing their unique lens and skillset. This session will outline the rationale, 5-step CCR-IEP process, and a framework for the developing an interdisciplinary collaborative relationship among IEP team members. Current trends, practices, and barriers will be discussed. The session will conclude by providing resources and strategies to develop collaborative IEP goals that provide improved access to the curriculum and promote academic and functional outcomes for students.
Level: Beginner4. CCR IEPs At a GlanceMarula
Presenters: Daniel Parker (Assistant Director of Special Education); Iris Jacobson (DPI Consultant); Jennifer Bibler (Early Childhood Special Education Consultant)Wisconsin DPI recently updated a set of resources to help IEP teams walk through key required components of IEP team discussions and documentation. The Collect and Career Ready Individualized Education Program (CCR IEP) Steps at a Glance describe key components of current levels of performance, effects of disability and disability-related needs, goals, services, and monitoring progress. We will go over these key resources and how they can help IEP teams engage in meaningful discussion about individualized services for students with disabilities.
5. The Benefits of Parent EngagementTamboti
Presenter: Susan Bobbitt-Voth (Consultant)Currently, there is a focus on parent engagement in general and special education. When parents of students with disabilities are partners in the education of their children, everyone benefits. The presentation will include the following: 1. Ideas for parent participation from preschool through transition age; 2. An overview of a book I published, Amber's Mom: Lessons Learned; and 3. Overview of a series of parent training courses I developed and the importance of open-ended discussions.
Level: Beginner1:50 pm - 2:20 pm
6. DPI UpdatesSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenter: Daniel Parker (Assistant Director of Special Education)Wisconsin DPI will provide updates on key resources and guidance related to special education.
2:25 pm - 3:15 pm
7. Developmental Language Disorder: Linking Language and LiteracyAloeswood
Presenters: Dawn Merth-Johnson (Education Consultant); Rose Kilmurray (Education Consultant)Dawn Merth-Johnson & Rose Kilmurray - DPI
Level: Intermediate8. Executive Functioning: What's the Support?Aralia
Presenter: Katie Berg (Statewide Neurodiversity Coordinator/Trainer)Participants will learn about how the brain works and how we can adjust to meet students where they are. Executive functioning is the ability to organize cognitive processes. This includes the ability to plan, prioritize, stop and start activities, shift from one activity to another activity, and monitor one’s behavior. It affects everything we do, so when a student has differences in these processes it can cause a barrier to their access, engagement, and progress in their education.
Level: Beginner9. It’s so easy! Advocating for the needs of neurodivergent students.Mangrove
Presenter: Honora Wall (Executive Director)Neurodiverse students are not properly supported in the majority of K-16 schools, but supporting neurodiverse students is simple and easy. Making minor adjustments to class discussions, incorporating alternative assessments, and adding scaffolding to assignments can be the difference between success and failure for most students. In addition to understanding our immediate group of students, we must advocate for the needs of all students, within all departments.
Level: Intermediate10. The Language of Behavior: Practical Strategies for Early LearnersMarula
Presenters: Elizabeth Augustin (Statewide Early Childhood SEL Coach); Jenny Bibler (Education Consultant, Early Childhood)This session will explore behavior as a form of communication for our youngest learners. Learning will focus on the brain science of the developing child, early developmental milestones, and researched-based strategies. Participants will walk away with proactive universal supports to create engaging learning environments and practical learner-centered strategies.
Level: Beginner11. Functional Behavior Assessment Tamboti
Presenters: Eva Shaw (Education Consultant: Autism/Emotional Behavioral Disability); Tim Peerenboom (Education Consultant: School Psychology)Tim Peerenboom & Eva Shaw - DPI
Level: BeginnerFriday, November 15, 2024
7:30 am - 8:15 am
Light Breakfast, Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Keynote: Kate Swenson: Cooper's VoiceSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Finding Joy in the Secret World of Autism
10:15 am - 11:05 am
12. Ins and Outs Of Wisconsin Project SEARCHAloeswood
Presenters: Molly Michels (National Project SEARCH Consultant ); Paige Parr (Project SEARCH Statewide Coordinator )Presentation will go over what Project SEARCH is, the partnerships, funding and the outcomes. This will be a deep dive for educators, agencies and families to learn more about the program the process behind it.
Level: Intermediate13. EMLSS Literacy PlanAralia
Presenters: Katherine Wille (Special Education Teacher); Megan Miller (Special Education Instructional Reading Specialist)This presentation covers the inception, planning, implementation, progress, and recommendations for an EMLSS practice for literacy in grades 6-12. This presentation will include a study and planning guide for special education reading intervention, intervention for all students, and expanded EMLSS for all students with embedded Tier 2. We will be using evidence-based practices, systematic implementation, strong shared leadership, positive culture, and family and community engagement.
Level: Beginner14. High Quality Instruction in EC: What It Looks Like and How do Design ItMangrove
Presenter: Michelle Ogorek (Statewide Early Childhood Coordinator)What does high quality instruction look like in early childhood? Come join this interactive session that will explore key components of quality early childhood instruction including the use of instructional strategies and evidence based practices, specially designed instruction and play as an integral part. This presentation will provide you with information to promote and support quality early childhood instruction for young children with disabilities in inclusive environments.
Level: Intermediate15. The Impact of Trauma on Special education teamsMarula
Presenter: Crystal Williams (Mediator/ADR Consultant)The special education process challenges students, families, and school staff. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) offer benefits but may cause feelings of stigmatization, frustration, and anxiety. This lecture covers the neurological impact of stress, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their effect on the academic performance of students with disabilities, and the higher trauma risk for youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. It also explores the need for trauma-focused
Level: Beginner16. Empowerment by Design: Customized Assistive Devices with Rapid PrototypingTamboti
Presenter: Frank Devereaux (Digital Learning and Emerging Technology Consultant)This hands-on workshop explores the transformative potential of rapid prototyping and 3D design in creating customized assistive devices that empower individuals with specific needs. We will delve into the collaborative process involving students, educators, therapists, and designers, highlighting the importance of student involvement in designing solutions that truly meet their requirements.
Key topics include:
Student involvement: Emphasizing the importance of incorporating student perspectives and feedback throughout the design process
3D design tools: Reviewing a selection of accessible tools for creating and modifying 3D designs
Additive and subtractive modeling: Practicing techniques for adding and removing material to create desired shapes
Slicing software: Understanding how to prepare 3D models for printing using slicing software
Rapid prototyping: Defining the concept and its important benefits in the context of assistive device development
Common problem-solving techniques: Exploring strategies for overcoming challenges and refining solutions
Educator and therapist involvement: Highlighting the collaborative roles of educators and therapists in supporting the design process
11:15 am - 12:05 pm
17. “Access for Everyone to Grade Level Standards” Aloeswood
Presenters: Caitlin Dahl (Special Education Teacher); Denise Madison (Interventonist); Melissa Martin (Special Education Teacher); Mindy Riechers (SLP)Have you ever wanted to design an inclusive classroom where “all is all” is truly meant? Today the Altoona Sped Team will present their model on how to close the gaps to include all students. We will show how power standards are utilized and the “nice to knows” are left behind. High expectations are set for all students without modifications only providing accommodations. This Session full of examples of real life examples.
18. Inclusive Education: The Power of InterventionsAralia
Presenters: Gabi Wilson (Teacher); Rebecca Schroepfer Gauthier (Teacher)Join Rebecca and Gabi in an engaging session as they share the innovative intervention system they've developed at De Pere Middle School. Together, they have crafted a comprehensive approach to support student learning across ELA & Math. Gain insights into their strategies for implementing tiered interventions effectively, fostering student growth and data driven achievement. This session promises practical guidance and inspiring success stories from their collaborative journey in education.
Level:19. "Igniting Brilliance: Empowering Teachers for Classroom Triumph"Mangrove
Presenter: Candice Ruggiero (keynote speaker, educator, mentor, former school owner, leader)Let us embark on a transformative journey toward classroom triumph by embarking on a mission to empower teachers with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to enable students and ignite their brilliance. In this keynote talk, we will dig deep into the critical role of teachers in the classroom and provide insights that produce action to empower educators for success. We will draw on our topic from research and real-world experiences. https://www.candiceruggiero.com/
20. Let's Get Creative with Self-Care: Discovering Wellness StrategiesMarula
Presenters: Dan Krohn (Manager of Community Partnerships); Paul Mross (Community Partnership Specialist)This presentation will focus on self-care for individuals, caregivers, family members, and the people you support in your profession. Self-care can help us lead happier, healthier lives. Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. TMG and self-advocate(s) will they share the different ways they practice self-care, and how practicing self-care has made their lives healthier, fuller, and more meaningful.
Level: Beginner21. Leveraging AI to Scaffold Learning and Build InquiryTamboti
Presenter: Frank Devereaux (Digital Learning and Emerging Technology Consultant)Examine how AI tools can help personalize learning for students with disabilities - creating accommodation suggestions, designing interventions & choice boards, and using existing information to aid in drafting pertinent IEP goals and rationales. Leverage AI to help scaffold learning for students with specific needs by:
Creating Content specific chatbot tutors to build background knowledge
Leveling text sets
Creating graphic organizers
Breaking tasks down into manageable actions
12:05 pm - 12:55 pm
Lunch, Networking & ExhibitsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
1:00 pm - 1:50 pm
22. “Can you teach me now? Take Home Classroom Management Strategies.” Suite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenter: Daniel Granger (Educational Advocate/ Retired)Get all your kids on the same network. Just like your calling plan, Time To Teach gives you valuable instructional minutes each day. Set your students up for behavioral success with this plan. When you get them ‘in’ your network with strategies Teach -To and Refocus, you will be amazed at the flow of your day. Leaving you to the business of teaching! This presentation will have you nodding your head and affirming your conviction of bringing out the best in every student.
Level: Beginner23. A Worthy Pursuit of a Special Education PLCAloeswood
Presenter: Kathryn Twist (Teacher and Instructional Coach)Discover how a team of special education teachers collaborated around a common goal to grow independence by teaching students to be self-starters. See examples of rubrics created and used by our team, learn about the (free) curriculum we used, and how we layered in self-efficacy to help students make the connection between their actions and their academic outcomes.
Level: Beginner24. Fostering Social Skills & Emotional Intelligence in Special Needs StudentsAralia
Presenters: Lori Konopasek (Vice President of Student Affairs); Sarah Kolkman (Director of Curriculum )The goal of this presentation is to equip educators, caregivers, and professionals with practical tools to help students with special needs build meaningful relationships, enhance their emotional awareness, and navigate social situations with greater confidence and understanding. The session will cover various approaches, including structured social skills tools, modeling expected behaviors, and integrating social-emotional learning into daily activities.
Level: Intermediate25. Self-CareMangrove
Presenter: Kimberly Moore (District Special Education Coordinator)As an educator, we are always taking care of everyone else. Over time, education has changed, and it is taking a toll on educators. We need to create habits in our daily lives to develop self-care. Through fun and reflection, this can be done in our busy lifestyles.
Level: Beginner26. Explaining Neurotypical Behavior to Neurodivergent KidsMarula
Presenter: Christine Carey (speech-language pathologist/parent)We know that it can be harmful to simply teach neurodivergent kids to act "typical," but then, how do we support their social development? The answer is, by helping them decode neurotypical behavior so they can understand the other kids, and respond authentically! In this presentation we'll learn about neurotypical people, why they act the way they do, how that differs from neurodivergent social communication, and how to explain it all to neurodivergent kids.
Level: Beginner27. Learn the tools | An AI Accelerator for Special Ed LeadersTamboti
Presenter: Dale Berry (Special Education Teacher)While AI is likely going to help all professionals do better work, Special Education is, in some ways, tailor-made for being done better because of the technology. The paperwork and record-keeping part of a Special Education professional’s job is essential, but takes a lot of time – and probably isn’t the reason that folks choose this work. This session is going to introduce AI (specifically ChatGPT) and the ways it can help special educators. Each participant will be creating their own GPT.
2:00 pm - 2:50 pm
28. Preparing Globally Responsive Special Education Teachers: What It MeansAloeswood
Presenters: Lema Kabashi (Associate Professor); Leslie Rogers (Assistant Professor)The vision of UWL's School of Education is to help teacher candidates (TCs) become globally responsive educators. What does that mean? Attend this session to learn about the work we completed with TCs in Luxembourg, Europe, in summer 2024. Our work included TCs completing digital journals and reflecting using a rubric tied to global competencies. In addition to receiving the rubric and viewing the journals, the audience will engage in a discussion about application possibilities in K-12 settings
Level: Intermediate29. Fostering SpIn: The Key to Autistic Connection and Lifelong LearningAralia
Presenter: Kate Siekman (Director of Learning and Outcomes)SpIn is a term coined to celebrate the autistic “love language." In this presentation, Dr. Kate Siekman will introduce the audience to autistic SpIn (special + interest) and the evidence supporting the celebration of SpIn as a facilitator for social, educational, and mental health outcomes for autistic learners. Throughout her presentation, Dr. Siekman will include research-based literature and real-life anecdotes demonstrating the benefits of fostering SpIn across the autistic’s lifespan.
Level: Beginner30. Accelerating Foundational Skills for Older ReadersMangrove
Presenter: Kari Steck (Manager of Educational Partnerships)We all recognize the urgent need to identify and support older (gr 4-12) students who struggle to read. Foundational reading skills are often at the heart of reading difficulties and it is crucial to provide instruction that is research-based, respectful, dignified, and age-appropriate to this vulnerable group of students. We will unpack and bridge the research to practice by experiencing effective instructional routines, ensuring appropriate practice leading to mastery of critical skills.
Level: Intermediate31. Enhancing Ci3T: Professional Learning Modules to Support Tiered SystemsMarula
Presenter: Grant Allen (Assistant Professor)This presentation describes newly published free access Enhancing Ci3T (Comprehensive, integrated, three-tiered) Modules. Ci3T is a broadening of MTSS to include support for social/emotional learning. These modules support professional learning for educators working within tiered systems, such as Wisconsin's Equitable Multi-Level Systems of Supports, on topics such as principles of behavior science, interventions at Tier 2 and Tier 3, data-based decision-making, and behavioral screening.
Level: Beginner32. Tactile Learning through Play-Introducing the Braille Skills PuzzleTamboti
Presenter: Joshua Howell (Owner)An innovative tactile puzzle that can be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula, the Braille Skills Puzzle awaits your assessment. We posit that it enhances spatial awareness, tactile distinction, and Braille literacy through engaging, hands-on learning. This tool aims to help develop essential life skills while sparking curiosity and confidence in learners. It even makes Braille practice FUN. If you're an educator, therapist or parent, we are confident you'll recognize its potential.
Level: Beginner
