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: Beginner
