2023 Convention Workshops

Workshop 01 – Legally Defensible IEPs

The U.S. Supreme Court has recently referred to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as the “centerpiece” of the IDEA’s education delivery system for students with disabilities. In accordance with the Court’s updated two-pronged test for determining whether an IEP is appropriate, hearing officers and courts will look to both the procedural and substantive components of the IEP. We will examine common pitfalls that educators must avoid–both procedurally and substantively–to ensure that IEPs are legally defensible.

Presented by Julie J. Weatherly, Esq., Resolutions in Special Education, Inc.

Workshop 02 – Teachers and Paraeducators Working Together: Roles and Rules!

Paraeducators support children with disabilities in a variety of settings. It is critical that teachers and paraeducators work well together to improve outcomes for students. This interactive workshop highlights the importance of differentiation of roles and responsibilities, collaboration and administrative supports for team-building, and effective utilization of paraeducators. Research based content, tools, and resources that can used by teachers and administrators to appropriately guide and direct the work of paraeducators will be shared.

Presented by Ritu V. Chopra, Ph.D., The Paraprofessional Research and Resource (PAR2A) Center, University of Colorado Denver

Workshop 03 – Tier 2 and 3 Behavior Support: Developing Protocols and Implementation Plans

This workshop presents a multi-tier approach to behavior support that ensures that the easiest, and least staff-intrusive interventions are tried first, only progressing to more complex and staff-intensive interventions if needed. The first layer of this continuum is early-stage interventions, designed and implemented by general educations and special education teachers. Next, a menu of Tier 2 problem-solving processes and interventions will be provided—again with the goal that the easiest and least intrusive intervention is implemented with fidelity. Lastly, Tier 3 problem-solving processes will be described. You will evaluate the current array of Tier 2/3 supports in your school, identify gaps in that array, and develop an action plan for closing any gaps that currently exist.

Presented by Jessica Sprick and Tricia Rees Berg, Ph.D., Safe & Civil Schools

Workshop 04 – Teachers Lead the Way: Better Communication and Collaboration at Meetings and Beyond

Student success starts with you—but you’re not working alone. Effectively collaborating with colleagues and other professionals is an essential part of being a teacher and it isn’t always easy. This interactive workshop will help you improve your soft skills in professional relationships by learning how to have courageous conversations, run productive meetings, and work together for educational success. Let’s strengthen the team beginning with YOU. We can lead the way by modeling transformational leadership skills and High Leverage Practices!
P.S.-join us for the complementary afternoon workshop, "Teachers Lead the Way: Moving from Conversations to Relationships with Families for Student Success," to build your collaboration skills even more.

Presented by Rebekka Jez, Ph.D. & Michelle Coleman, University of San Diego

Workshop 05 – Building Communities of Practice: Strengthening Induction Programs to Support the Needs of New Special Education Teachers

The pandemic amplified teacher attrition, creating the influx and need for new teachers. This workshop is designed for administrators and mentors who are responsible for training and supporting new special education teachers. Presenters will demonstrate how to use the Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers to enhance induction programs. Topics covered include clarifying roles and responsibilities, creating a culture of collaboration, supporting effective IEP (virtual and in person) structures, and developing skills to enhance new teacher competencies.

Presented by Clara Hauth, Ph.D., Marymount University & Catherine Creighton Martin, Ph.D., Training and Technical Assistance Center at George Mason University

Workshop 06 – School-Wide Implementation of Universal Design for Learning: A Learner Centered Design Approach

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for ensuring all learners, including students with disabilities, have access to curriculum and the opportunity to develop as expert learners. CAST, the originators of UDL, will share the newly developed framework to support the systematic implementation of UDL called the UDL School Implementation and Certification Criteria. They will share an approach to using this framework to drive ongoing school change using a process that merges implementation science and user-centered design to ensure that the needs of all learners placed at the center of improvement processes. Join us to explore the latest tools and thinking about UDL implementation, whether you are in an initial exploration phase or scaling across your whole district.

Presented by Bill Wilmot & Jennifer Levine, CAST

Workshop 07 – Setting the Foundation for Mathematics Success

Mathematics content is highly compressed in the early grades. Recent research links difficulties with mathematics proficiency to concerns with acquiring early numeracy skills. In this presentation, participants will learn mathematical progressions and practice evidence-based approaches specific to K-5 content.
P.S.-join us for the complementary afternoon workshop, "Effective Instruction and Intervention with Secondary Mathematics," to see how progressions build from topic to topic across mathematics.

Presented by Brad Witzel, Ph.D., Western Carolina University

Workshop 08 – Put the “I” in IEPs Using High-quality Tools for Development and Implementation

Are you struggling with setting realistic yet meaningful goals for your students and designing instruction to meet their individualized needs?  This session, intended for special educators in K-8 settings, will introduce participants to data-based individualization (DBI), the National Center on Intensive Intervention’s approach to intensive intervention, as well as PROGRESS Center’s tools for developing and implementing high-quality IEPs. This interactive session will provide an overview of DBI and illustrate how it can be used to improve and simplify individual education program (IEP) writing by setting individualized, standards aligned goals, designing individualized, specialized instruction, and monitoring progress. The session will also highlight freely available tools and resources from both National Centers.

Presented by Donna M. Sacco, Ph.D. & Amy Peterson, MA, American Institutes for Research

Workshop 09 – Guidelines and Strategies for Jump Starting Secondary Students' Self-Regulation Skills

This interactive workshop focuses on tools from executive function skill training that result in the improvement of secondary students' self-regulation of their learning, social emotional skills and behavior. Presenters will offer actionable learning strategies and the use of metacognition to move students toward self-management in all three areas. You will learn how to identify executive function deficits and choose multi-faceted strategies that address several executive functions. Opportunities to engage in the identification of deficits, choice of and use of new metacognitive strategies will be provided. You’ll leave with the tools needed to immediately begin using the guidelines and strategies presented.

Presented by Roberta Strosnider, Ed.D.., Institute on Executive Functioning, & Ruby Owiny, Ph.D., Minnesota State University-Mankato

Workshop 10 – Best Practices for Transition Planning

This workshop begins with best practices for transition planning beginning in middle school. You will explore evidence-based (and practical) practices for career development and transition assessment for middle school students. This will provide a foundation for best practices for transition planning and post-school goal writing. In Part One: Career Awareness and Transition Assessment, presenters will cover topics including understanding work, education, independent living, and community options; appreciating and understand types of work/careers; understanding and developing disability awareness; writing initial postschool goals with compliance and fidelity; and choosing a course of study for high school.  Part Two: Career Preparation Activities and Focused Planning, will cover topics including developing meaningful and realistic postschool goals; understanding career and technical education options; increasing transition activities and services (classroom & community); and preparing for transition to post-high school environments.

Presented by Stacie Dojonovic Schutzman, Ed.D., Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT); Mary Morningstar, Ph.D., Portland State University, and Al Daviso, Ph.D., Akron University

Workshop 11 – Specially Designed Instruction in Action: Strategies and Techniques to Improve Student Outcomes

You’ve got the IEP...so what’s next? How do you determine SDI to ensure student progress? This workshop will support participants in how to analyze student IEPs in order to identify effective specially designed instruction (SDI) strategies and build their repertoire of specialized strategies and techniques. Using High Leverage Practices in instruction and an SDI Toolkit shared in the session, you will have an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to analyze your students’ learner characteristics, present levels, and goals from the IEP to take your SDI to the next level. Everyone will walk away with renewed confidence in planning and implementing their SDI!

Presented by Nicole Barrion and Amy Creed, Alexandria City Public Schools

Workshop 12 – Teachers Lead the Way: Moving from Conversations to Relationships with Families for Student Success

Hello, it’s Keri's teacher calling…let’s have a conversation that is so needed right now in special education. The three-legged stool is a little wobbly at times– teachers, families, and students must work together as a cohesive and strong team to support positive educational outcomes.  Join us in this interactive workshop where presenters will share practices to enhance your teacher leadership and soft skills in building trusting and sustainable relationships with families and leading successful IEP meetings.  Let’s strengthen the team with YOU - teachers leading the way with transformational leadership skills and High Leverage Practices!

Presented by Clara Hauth, Ph.D., Marymount University & Catherine Creighton Martin, Ph.D., Training and Technical Assistance Center at George Mason University

Workshop 13 – Co-Teaching Tune-Up

This workshop provides co-teachers, or anyone supporting co-teachers, with opportunities to reflect on and improve their co-teaching practices. Topics will include co-teaching roles, the collaborative partnership, lesson planning strategies, specially designed instruction, feedback for coaching and growth. The goal is for you to leave with ready-to-implement strategies for your current setting.

Presented by Marilyn Friend, Ph..D., University of North Carolina-Greensboro & Tammy Barron, Ph.D., Western Carolina University

Workshop 14 – Building Proficiency in Secondary Mathematics

The abstractness of secondary level math is difficult for many students who still have not mastered elementary math skills. Using evidence-based practices, participants interact with techniques and materials to learn new ways to teach seemingly complex secondary math content.
P.S.-join us for morning workshop, "Setting the Foundation for Mathematics Success," to see how progressions build from topic to topic across mathematics. Additional registration rates apply.

Presented by Brad Witzel, Ph.D., Western Carolina University

Workshop 15 – Practical Strategies to Modify Curriculum

In this workshop, you will learn the purpose and process of modifying curriculum as well as numerous practical strategies for making modifications. You’ll review the purpose of curriculum modifications and how they differ with other instructional supports such as Universal Design for Learning and curriculum accommodations. You will then be guided through the process of modifying content which includes aligning materials with curriculum and ways for students with disabilities to access curriculum (alter content, alter educational goals, alter instructional method, and alter depth/breadth of topic). Finally, you will learn how to incorporate high-leverage instructional strategies to create modified materials. Throughout, multiple examples of modifications to print, media, and online resources will be provided to help with modifying curriculum. By the end of the workshop, you’ll learn strategies to make curriculum modifications for students with intellectual disabilities that will support their inclusion in the curriculum and beyond.

Presented by Nicole Eredics, The Inclusive Class

Workshop 16 – Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior in Unstructured Settings Using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

Challenging behavior most often occurs during the school day in unstructured settings (e.g., bus, cafeteria, hallway, gym). This session will extend evidence-based positive behavioral intervention and supports beyond the classroom and include ways to implement coaching strategies for adults outside of the classroom, such as paraprofessionals, bus drivers and monitors, and other school staff. This workshop will provide a review of evidence-based strategies that are seen in the research base, and then presenters will guide and work with participants to utilize evidence-based interventions and practices used throughout the school day in unstructured school settings. Presenters will share research from coaching studies and use those to drive implementation plans, and including ideas for coaching support.

Presented by Kathy Randolph, Ed.D., University of Colorado—Colorado Springs & Brittany Hott, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, Norman

Workshop 17 – Guidelines and Strategies for Jump Starting Elementary Students' Self-Regulation Skills

This interactive workshop focuses on tools in executive function skill training that result in the improvement of elementary students' self-regulation of their learning, social emotional skills and behavior. Useful learning strategies and the use of metacognition to move students toward self-management in all three areas will be addressed. You will learn how to identify executive function deficits and choose multi-faceted strategies that address several executive functions. Opportunities to engage in the identification of deficits, choice of and use of new metacognitive strategies will be provided. You will leave with the tools needed to immediately begin using the guidelines and strategies presented.

Presented by Roberta Strosnider, Ed.D., Institute on Executive Functioning, and Debi Gartland, Ph.D., Towson University

Workshop 18 – Engaging and Educating Learners Using Technology

Educators and teacher preparation faculty will learn and explore considerations for incorporating technology in their classrooms. Workshop topics will include accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). You will learn how to select and use technology that meets the needs of all learners, including learners with disabilities, second language learners, and other underserved populations.

Presented by Tara Courchaine, Ed.D., Cynthia Curry, Tracey E. Hall, Ph.D., Kristin Robinson and Bryan Dean, CAST

Workshop 19 – Executive Functioning Supports in Today's Classroom

You will spend this session learning about executive functioning, how deficits in this area can affect students, and techniques and tools to help support students. Attention, memory, and organization will be reviewed and you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the changing need of these in today's classroom. You will make-and-take low tech assistive tools for executive functioning, including visuals, folders, color coding tools and more. High tech tools including Chrome extensions, iOS apps, and websites will be demonstrated. You’ll get hands-on and collaborate with colleagues on techniques that work for a variety of student needs.

Presented by Cassie Frost, Disruptive Teaching

Workshop 20 – Read the Room: Literacy Instruction to Decrease Challenging Student Behavior

What’s the difference between teaching reading skills and teaching behavior skills? Turns out, there may not be a difference at all. By using effective teaching practices, you can make behavior skills as easy as ABC. In this workshop, you’ll learn instructional strategies that increase the probability of student success and engagement in both the behavioral and academic worlds.

Presented by Terrance Scott, Ph.D., University of Louisville

Workshop 21 – Kentucky New Teacher Academy

Calling All New KY Teachers! Don't miss this the opportunity to engage in a workshop that addresses critical practices for instruction for the exceptional learner, IEP/Progress Monitoring, instructional practices, and legal issues. Network with your colleagues while learning!

NOTE:  Attendance for this 6-hour session meets the 6 clock hours of professional development for Emergency/Probationary certified teachers. Spots are limited, so it’s First Come, First Served.

Learn more about the New Teacher Academy.