KEYNOTE TITLE: I’m a Teacher! What’s your Superpower?
DESCRIPTION: Savanna provides a road map on why teachers are really superheroes in disguise. Inclusive teachers use evidence-based strategies, collaborate with intentionality to increase access to the curriculum, and differentiate instruction to increase social and academic achievement for ALL students. This interactive plenary will answer two fundamental questions – How can we remove barriers to increase access to academic content? How can we add more differentiation to engage learners? Providing meaningful learning experiences that support and challenge ALL students is truly our super strength!
DESCRIPTION: This session explores innovative student support strategies beyond traditional one-on-one paraeducator models. It covers strategies such as peer support, technology integration, teacher development, and community-based learning, aiming to enhance student independence and inclusivity while addressing staffing and resource challenges. Attendees will leave with practical tools and insights for implementing change within their classrooms.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Identify Challenges and Limitations: Understand the constraints of relying solely on one-on-one paraeducator support, including financial, staffing, and dependency issues. 2. Explore Alternative Support Strategies: Gain knowledge of various innovative approaches such as peer support programs, technology-enhanced learning, professional development for teachers, and community-based learning initiatives. 3. Recognize the Benefits: Learn about the advantages of implementing alternative strategies, including fostering student independence, promoting inclusivity, and maximizing the efficient use of resources and staff. 4. Practical Implementation: We will equip participants with actionable steps and best practices for introducing and integrating these alternative strategies into their educational settings. 5. Case Studies and Success Stories: Analyze real-world examples where alternative support strategies have been successfully implemented, extracting lessons learned and potential for adaptation. 6. Collaborative Planning: We will allow time for collaborative thinking and planning among district staff to tailor and apply these strategies effectively within their unique contexts. 7.Evaluate and Adapt: We will provide tools for assessing the effectiveness of implemented strategies and adapting approaches based on feedback and outcomes.
Executive Director of Special Services, Education Service District 105
The Special Services Department at ESD 105 encompasses a broad spectrum of resources aimed at enhancing the educational experiences of students with disabilities. This includes critical services such as Occupational Therapy, which offers both direct and related support; Speech Services... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Behavioral trackers are utilized across school district programs as a way to measure student behavior across a child’s school day. Students carry their trackers and present them to their teachers at the end of a class period as a way for teachers to rate student behavior with the use of a single smiley/frowning face or +/- sign. Behavior trackers can increase student anxiety and lead challenging behaviors when students feel like they have “failed” or “not made the mark.” This training will focus on how to reframe the daily behavior tracker to focus on the success of the student while teaching the concept of “repair,” the idea that if I did not do well during my last class, I have the opportunity to “repair” the situation by making changes to my behavior in the next class. Learning how to “repair” behavioral mistakes is the life skill we want to teach and reinforce which can lead to increased behavioral success across environments
OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will gain an understanding of how to create clear behavioral targets. 2. Participants will learn the value of positive reinforcement while discussing the ramification of the “sad face” or “minus” on student behavior and connections with parents/caregivers. 3. Participants will learn how to create a tracker system that better reflects student success with the built in opportunity to recover points that may have been missed in a previous class period. 4. Participants will learn strategies to reconnect with parents who have “stopped answering the phone” due to their student’s ongoing challenging behaviors
Autism Education Coordinator, Education Service District 105
Sharon Grandy Loudon’s twenty-five year long career has focused on working with individuals and their families who experience differences in the areas of social, emotional, behavioral differences. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Special Education focusing... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: This session covers the functions of challenging behavior and a dive into effective reinforcement. The focus will be on antecedent interventions that are likely to increase engagement and cooperation while reducing the likelihood of disruptive behavior in the classroom.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the four functions of behavior 2. Determine how to make reinforcement effective in the classroom 3. Learn evidence-based antecedent interventions to increase class engagement and reduce disruptive behavior
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an immersive and dynamic workshop on enhancing work-based learning (WBL) within school districts and communities. This engaging session will provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of WBL and its transformative potential in preparing students for life after high school and future career success. Through an interactive presentation and collaborative activities, participants will explore the core principles of WBL, identify best practices, and develop practical strategies for implementation. Moreover, attendees will cultivate partnership-building skills along with strategies and resources to enrich WBL experiences. By the end of the workshop, participants will emerge equipped with actionable insights and a reflective action plan, ready to drive impactful change within their educational communities. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the power of work-based learning and empower the next generation of learners.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the importance of work-based learning (WBL) in connecting school experiences to real-life scenarios, work activities, and future career opportunities. 2. Identify strategies for implementing or enhancing WBL within school districts and communities. 3. Develop skills in designing and assessing effective work-based learning experiences. 4. Develop collaboration between educators, employers, and community stakeholders to maximize the impact of WBL initiatives.
DESCRIPTION: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by paraeducators, who often transition between multiple classrooms and collaborate with a diverse array of instructional teams, this breakout session is designed for paraeducators and teachers to explore strategies to enhance communication and team planning. This session leverages a specialized Classroom Procedures Form as a foundational tool for discussion.
OBJECTIVE: Explore how to effectively initiate and guide conversations about classroom procedures, expectations, and needs among team members.
Director of Educator Growth and Development, Education Service District 105
The Educator Growth and Development Programs at ESD105 focus on designing opportunities for future paraeducators, supporting new SPED teachers, and recruiting high school students for careers in education. Our team prioritizes pathways for careers in education through teacher academies... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Through interactive discussions and hands-on insights, participants will improve their understanding of effectively supporting diverse learners in educational environments through accommodations and its strong correlation with Specially Designed Instruction.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will understand the distinction between accommodations and modifications. 2. Participants will explore examples demonstrating accommodations. 3. Participants will examine specially designed instruction and its correlation with Accommodations and Modifications.
DESCRIPTION: During this interactive session teachers will dive deeper into Specially Designed Instruction and build on knowledge of providing students with meaningful access to the curriculum. Teachers will analyze instructional strategies and engage in collaborative discussions to build a toolkit of specially designed instructional practices to increase student achievement in Co-taught Classrooms. Teachers will gather ready-to-use strategies to accelerate student success and leave feeling inspired to begin the journey with SDI!
OBJECTIVES: To inspire, motivate, and celebrate inclusive teachers. Our goal is to provide inclusive opportunities for ALL students.
DESCRIPTION: Children’s Village is a co-location of medical and educational models, with different agencies and different programs housed under one roof.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Learn about what the Children’s Village collaborative service model is. (The 3 “P”’s - programs/people/partners). What is a Neurodevelopmental Center and how do we sustain funding?
2. What does Family – Centered care look like at Children’s Village?
3. What are the ingredients of collaborative care models? How do we do it at Children’s Village and what lessons have we learned? How can you do it in your work?
DESCRIPTION: By including one another, we can and will create a more Unified world for all. How do we do this? By taking simple steps to provide opportunities where students of all abilities and background to come together to learn, grow, lead and play. Attendees will learn how Unified Champion Schools strategy supports building schools communities of acceptance, understanding, and respect through inclusive sports, leadership, and activities.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the difference between inclusion and meaningful inclusion 2. Receive strategies and resources to support a more inclusive school community 3. Learn how Unified Champion Schools can support your school/district with existing building/district goals.
DESCRIPTION: The Entrust Sponsored Catalyst Project is working to identify and address the unmet needs of students and adults with disabilities, their families, educators, and funding agencies. Learn more about how the project is already making a difference and then help us do even more by engaging in a dialog about unmet needs and possible solutions.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Educate the audience about the Catalyst Project. Gather information about the unmet needs of educators and their students. Brainstorm Solutions!
DESCRIPTION: This session will explore the essential components of crafting effective transition services, focusing on the critical connection between the High School and Beyond Plan and the Transition IEP, alongside collaboration with outside agencies and natural, family, and community supports. Participants will gain valuable insights into how these documents can harmonize to empower students on their journey towards post-secondary success. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and practical examples, attendees will learn strategies for aligning goals, objectives, and interventions across these planning frameworks. They will also discover techniques for integrating student aspirations, strengths, and needs into transition plans while fostering collaboration among the entire IEP team, with a special focus on the student as the most crucial team member. The goal of this session is to equip participants with actionable tools, resources, and best practices to ensure that every student's path is inclusive, purposeful, and prepared for success beyond high school.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the components of a transition focused Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and its importance in facilitating successful post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities. 2. Understand the similarities, differences, and connections between the High School and Beyond Plan and the Transition IEP. 3. Learn strategies for writing measurable and achievable post-secondary goals aligned with HSBP and students' strengths, interests, preferences, and needs. 4. Explore methods for incorporating student input, family involvement, and community resources into the transition planning process. 5. Acquire techniques for connecting students with natural support systems, community partners, and service agencies to support seamless transitions for students preparing to exit the public school system. 6. Identify resources, tools, and best practices for monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and adjusting transition plans as students move through their high school years and into adulthood. 7. Reflect on the role of cultural competence, equity, and inclusion in developing transition plans that address the diverse needs and backgrounds of students with disabilities. 8. Develop strategies for fostering self-determination, independence, and advocacy skills among students to empower them in their transition journey. 9. Apply knowledge and skills gained to enhance the quality and effectiveness of transition IEPs within their educational setting, ultimately improving outcomes for students with disabilities.
DESCRIPTION: Are you looking to deepen your understanding of the vital role family engagement plays in student achievement? Join us for an insightful session designed specifically for educators like you who are committed to enhancing family-school partnerships. In this interactive session, we will explore practical strategies and effective approaches to foster meaningful connections with families, ultimately supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom. From building positive relationships to overcoming common barriers, you'll gain valuable insights and actionable tips to strengthen collaboration between home and school.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of family engagement. 2. Acquire practical strategies for fostering meaningful family engagement to support student success.
DESCRIPTION Universal Design for Learning is a key component of inclusionary practices for keeping “ALL Our” kids in the core curriculum with their typically developing peers. Research supports the academic and social benefits for all students learning together in an inclusive classroom. UDL requires a shift in traditional educational practices to focus on proactively removing or reducing barriers to provide access with flexible pathways for all learners to learn and share what they know. We will consider how it is possible to meet the variability of all learners with Tier 1 high-leverage instructional practices and universal supports.
OBJECTIVES 1. identify the 3 shifts required for UDL implementation. 2. Understand how the UDL Guidelines reduce barriers and provide access for all students. 3.Recognize how student voice and choice leads to expert learning. 4.Consider how to design lessons with UDL strategies.
DESCRIPTION: In this session, participants will delve into the exciting realm of incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into lesson design to optimize learning outcomes. As AI continues to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, its potential in education is immense. This workshop aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate AI seamlessly into their lesson plans, catering to diverse learning styles and fostering student engagement.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Introduction to AI in Education: Understanding the role of AI in modern education and its potential impact on teaching and learning processes. 2. AI-Powered Learning Tools: Exploring a range of AI-driven tools and platforms tailored for educational use, including their features, benefits, and applications. 3. Personalized Learning with AI: Strategies for using AI to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs, preferences, and abilities. 4. Ethical Considerations: Addressing ethical concerns and ensuring responsible use of AI in education, including issues related to privacy, bias, and transparency.
DESCRIPTION: Explore the intersection of mental health and inclusivity in educational settings. Gain insights into understanding mental health needs within inclusive environments. Discover strategies to promote inclusionary practices that support the mental health and well-being of all students.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Enhance Understanding of Mental Health in Inclusive Settings 2. Develop Strategies for Promoting Inclusionary Practices to Support Mental Health
Assistant Director: Community Coalitions, MTSS/PBIS, Behavior Health, Education Service District 105
As the regional MTSS Coordinator at ESD 105, I collaborate with district leaders to ensure sustainable and equitable implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Together, we provide training, resources, and data-driven support to schools, fostering an inclusive learning... Read More →
Preparing special education students as they transition from high school is a multi-faceted process that often falls short of teaching students the critical rules of appropriate social behavior. Without having a clear understanding of how behavior can be interpreted by others across our communities, special populations are often vulnerable victims of unlawful behavior without their intent or knowledge. Using visual tools such as a scale based upon the book, “A 5 is Against the Law” by Kari Dunn Buron, can provide a meaningful way to clearly outline the “hidden rules” of social behavior to increase success for special populations as they venture into community settings and vocational opportunities.
Objectives: 1. Participants will learn about the “hidden rules” of social behavior that we often forget to target as we prepare students for transition. 2. Participants will learn how to create a scale that can be used to specifically delineate legal vs illegal behavior. 3. Participants will learn activities that can be paired with a 5 Point Scale to increase student interest in learning more about how to map out where different social behaviors belong. Intended Audience: Teachers, school counselors, transition coordinators and other school district providers
Autism Education Coordinator, Education Service District 105
Sharon Grandy Loudon’s twenty-five year long career has focused on working with individuals and their families who experience differences in the areas of social, emotional, behavioral differences. She graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Special Education focusing... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Join us for a dynamic session where we explore the transformative impact of Universal Screeners in education. Discover how these invaluable tools can identify and address the diverse needs of every student, encompassing both academic and behavioral domains. Through practical implementation strategies, we'll showcase how Universal Screeners, along with other datasets, inform interventions tailored to school needs. Additionally, we'll use specialized tools to determine the best Universal Screeners for each school's unique context, ensuring targeted support and fostering inclusive learning environments.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the significance of Universal Screeners in education for identifying and addressing the diverse needs of students across academic and behavioral domains. 2. Explore practical implementation strategies to effectively integrate Universal Screeners into existing frameworks, fostering a proactive approach to student support. 3. Learn how to utilize Universal Screeners, in conjunction with other datasets, to inform personalized interventions that matches the school need. 4. Utilize specialized tools to evaluate and determine the most suitable Universal Screeners for individual school contexts, ensuring targeted support and promoting inclusive learning environments.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator, Education Service District 105
Hello and thank you for your time! As an educator, I understand how precious our time can be both in and out of the classroom. I have been with the ESD serving as the Migrant Academic Coordinator for Math and Science for almost 3 years now. During this time, I have provided... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Are you curious about AI? Are you interested in learning how AI can support teaching and learning? This session will start with a quick introduction to AI, then dive into practical demonstrations of how teachers can harness AI as a supportive tool to boost their efficiency and spark creativity in their roles. Plus, attendees will learn a few innovative ways to bring AI into the classroom to empower students.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Provide a brief overview of AI 2. Familiarize teachers with the use of AI as a tool for efficiency 3. Familiarize teachers with how students within the classroom can use AI
OBJECTIVES: 1. Personalized Career Assessment: learn how to conduct thorough assessments of students' interests, strengths, and needs to form the basis of personalized career planning. This includes evaluating both academic abilities and vocational interests to guide the direction of their career paths. 2. Career Exploration and Awareness: Increase students' awareness of various career options, including those in emerging and high-demand fields. Provide opportunities for exploration through accessible resources, guest speakers, and exposure to different industries, ensuring all activities are inclusive and accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. 3. Work-Based Learning Experiences: Facilitate meaningful work-based learning opportunities, such as internships, job shadowing, and part-time employment, that are accessible and relevant to students' career interests. These experiences should aim to build practical skills and provide insights into workplace dynamics and expectations. 4. Skill Development: Develop a curriculum that includes both soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving, teamwork) and hard skills (technical or job-specific skills) relevant to the students' career interests. Ensure that teaching methods are inclusive and accommodate different learning styles and disabilities. 5. Transition Planning: Provide comprehensive transition planning services that prepare students for the shift from high school to post-secondary education, training, or employment. This includes assistance with application processes, understanding financial aid and scholarship options for students with disabilities, and preparing for any necessary accommodations in higher education or the workplace.
Executive Director of Special Services, Education Service District 105
The Special Services Department at ESD 105 encompasses a broad spectrum of resources aimed at enhancing the educational experiences of students with disabilities. This includes critical services such as Occupational Therapy, which offers both direct and related support; Speech Services... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Discuss the many different partnerships that will be important in a students pathway to adulthood - Yakima Health District, DDA, & DVR OBJECTIVES: Help attendees to learn about important partnerships the student will make
DESCRIPTION: This session will provide staff with valuable tools to prevent and respond to challenging behavior in the classroom setting. When de-escalation is effective staff is able to maintain the safety of everyone involved and decrease the future likelihood of behavioral crises.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Arrange the environment to best support students during escalation, including management of potentially dangerous objects. 2. Identify the key components of effective teamwork 3. Implement three evidence-based de-escalation strategies 4. Learn recovery and debrief procedures that are likely to be effective.
DESCRIPTION: Participants will explore strategies to ensure equitable access to interventions and supports for students from diverse backgrounds, disabilities, and English language learners. By the end of the training, attendees will articulate the key components of MTSS, including its tiered structure, universal design for learning principles, and the pivotal role of data-driven decision-making in supporting every student.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will identify and discuss strategies for promoting inclusionary practices within the MTSS framework, including ways to ensure equitable access to interventions and supports for students from diverse backgrounds, those with disabilities, and English language learners. 2. By the end of the training, participants will be able to articulate the key components of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, including its tiered structure, principles of universal design for learning, and the role of data-driven decision-making in supporting all students.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator, Education Service District 105
Hello and thank you for your time! As an educator, I understand how precious our time can be both in and out of the classroom. I have been with the ESD serving as the Migrant Academic Coordinator for Math and Science for almost 3 years now. During this time, I have provided... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: In the fast-paced world of education, the ability to adapt and thrive amid change is not just an advantage – it's a necessity. This session designed for leaders who want to skillfully navigate the waves of change. This engaging and interactive session dives deep into the ADKAR framework, a proven model for successful change management. During the session we will explore the "Why?" of change management, and "What's in it for me?"
OBJECTIVES: 1. Why we need to use a formal change management model 2. How individuals and organizations respond to change 3. At least 2 tools they can use in current changes they are managing that will increase the likelihood of success
DESCRIPTION: This session explores the stages of language acquisition, effective strategies for promoting language development, and practical approaches for adapting instructional materials and activities. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will gain valuable insights and tools to support the linguistic needs of migrant students with disabilities.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the stages of language acquisition and how they apply to English language learners with disabilities. 2. Identify effective strategies for promoting language development among migrant students with disabilities. 3. Demonstrate proficiency in adapting instructional materials and activities to support language learning and comprehension.
DESCRIPTION: Dyslexia represents the most common and most prevalent of all known learning disabilities and impacts approximately 1 in 5 individuals. Research has shown that the brains of individuals with dyslexia show structural and functional variations, which explain why some individuals struggle to master reading, writing, spelling and occasionally math, despite their intelligence and effort. This workshop will introduce participants to characteristics of students with dyslexia, including common deficits and strengths. The goal is to clarify common misunderstandings about dyslexia and related language-learning disabilities and introduce participants to Structured Literacy Instruction, which is essential for students with dyslexia but beneficial to all literacy learners.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will learn common characteristics of dyslexia and its impact on learning to read and write. 2. Participants will learn how understanding the foundations of English benefits all emerging literacy learners and is essential for those students most impacted by dyslexia, related learning disabilities, and others for whom literacy is a challenge, including emerging bilingual students and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Regional Administrator for Special Programs/Dyslexia Specialist, Capital Region ESD 113
Alicia is a Regional Special Education Administrator for an Educational Service District in WA. She has served as a board member of Decoding Dyslexia Oregon, Oregon Council for Exceptional Children, and the Oregon Branch of the International Dyslexia Association as well as on the... Read More →
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring school representatives who are leading the way in promoting inclusive practices through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS is a proactive framework for establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.
During this session, our panelists will share their experiences, strategies, and successes in utilizing PBIS to foster a culture of inclusion within their school communities. From creating supportive environments to implementing targeted interventions, attendees will gain valuable insights into how PBIS principles can be effectively applied to promote equity, diversity, and belonging for all students.
OBJECTIVES: 1. Understand the foundational principles of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its role in promoting inclusive practices within schools. 2. Explore strategies for implementing universal PBIS practices that foster a culture of inclusion and support for all students. 3. Learn how PBIS allows for the customization of interventions to meet the diverse needs of students, including those from marginalized and underrepresented groups. 4. Gain insights into engaging stakeholders in the PBIS process and utilizing data-driven approaches to measure the effectiveness of inclusive practices within school communities.