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399939

Elevate and Educate: Raising the Bar for All Learners-Special Education Institute (SEI2026)

Complete Attendance not available before workshop starts.

Elevate and Educate: Raising the Bar for All Learners

The Special Education Institute (SEI) is a FREE, two-day professional learning experience that brings educators and leaders together to tackle the real challenges facing special education today—without the silos. Designed for districts across Region One, this Institute focuses on strengthening systems and daily classroom practice so students with disabilities can thrive in grade-level learning.

Centered on three high-impact state priorities—High-Quality Instructional Materials, Instructional Leadership Systems, and Strategic Talent & Staffing—participants engage in strand-based learning across behavior, MTSS, literacy, transition, early childhood, dyslexia, evaluation, leadership, and low- and high-incidence disabilities. Each session delivers practical strategies that build shared understanding, strengthen capacity, and align efforts across general and special education.

Participants will leave empowered to raise the bar for instruction, expand access to grade-level learning, strengthen leadership practices, and build sustainable systems that support and retain special education educators. SEI is more than professional learning—it’s a commitment to elevating outcomes for all learners.

Special education teachers (inclusion, resource, self-contained, behavior strategists), General education teachers supporting students with disabilities, Diagnosticians & School Psychologists, Instructional coaches and specialists, Transition specialist, Campus and district special education administrators, families, advocates and community partners.

$0.00

350

1

295

12

No

Accountability Systems
Administration & Leadership
Applicable Federal and State Laws
Discipline Management
Diversity and Special Needs Populations
Dyslexia
Early Childhood
Early Intervention: Birth to Three Years
Instructional Strategies
Learning Strategies
Parental Involvement
Social/Emotional Development
Special Education

...There are no COOPs...

Workshop Materials

Title

Dates, Times and Locations

Room Name Workshop Date Begin Time End Time
South Padre Island Convention Center 6/10/2026 - 6/11/2026 08:00 AM 04:00 PM

Workshop Contacts

Name Type E-Mail Phone
Noelia Perez Contact noperez@esc1.net (956) 984-6202
Nelly Villa Billing Contact nvilla@esc1.net (956) 984-6206
Carolina Campos Billing Contact ccampos@esc1.net (956) 984-6205

Sessions for This Workshop

414545 - Keynote Day 1: Cedrick LaFleur -Cross the Line
414547 - VCASE: Legally Speaking
414549 - The Final Launch: Designing Meaningful 18–21 Transition Experiences
414555 - Developing Critical Thinking Through Structured Concept Development
414560 - Soaring to Great Heights! Overview of ECSE Modules on the Learning Environment & Classroom/Individual Schedules
414562 - Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
414565 - Behavior Pathways and Root Cause Analysis
414566 - Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (part I)
414568 - Beyond Hearing: Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
414569 - Same Goal-Special Program Documentation
414571 - Modify Your Mindset to Accommodate for ALL Learners
414575 - Engagement Strategies That Increase Processing and Retention for Special Education Students
414577 - Soaring to Great Heights [Part 2]: Building Positive Behaviors with Consistent Routines & Transitions
414581 - From "Why are we doing this?" to "Ohhhh!"
414583 - Developing Self-Regulation Systems and Spaces
414585 - Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (Part II)
414587 - Apple Accessibility for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: Practical Tools for Inclusive Learning
414588 - From Policy to Practice: How Administrators Drive Dyslexia Program Success
414589 - When Caseloads Don’t Work: Using the Workload Approach for Special Education Staffing
414591 - SDI in Reading: Aligning Systems for Equitable Access
414592 - Let's Build Structure City! Applying Structured Teaching Principles in the Early Childhood Setting
414593 - Data Without the Drama: Simple Tracking for Complex Needs
414596 - Responding to Escalation and Crisis Behavior
414597 - Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (Part III)
414598 - On the SHARS Hot Seat: The Top 10 Questions SPED Leaders Are Asking This Summer
414599 - Day 2 Keynote: Flowing Forward: Intentional Collaboration and Integrated Support for Students with Dyslexia
414600 - Purposeful Pathways to Progress: Integrating Progress Monitoring Within Dyslexia Interventions
414603 - From IEP to IBC: Turning Plans into Credentials "How administrators, counselors, SPED, and CTE teams can work together to move students from complian
414604 - From Confusion to Confidence: Bluebonnet Math for Every Learner (K-5)
414605 - Developing Early Literacy and Communication Skills for Lifelong Success
414606 - Sensory Supports That Support Learning
414607 - VCASE: Legally Speaking
414608 - The Identification of Developmental Delay
414609 - Accessibility at Apple: Empowering All Learners
414610 - Supporting Bilingual Students with Dyslexia Through TELPAS Practices
414612 - Pathways to Possibility: Understanding VR Services for Students in Texas
414613 - Adding SDI to Increase Access and Remove Barriers
414614 - Wild About Literacy! Interactive Books in Early Childhood Literacy
414615 - Create, Adapt, Engage: Canva to Support Complex Access Needs
414617 - Turn Up the Impact: Using DBI to Supercharge IEP Progress
414618 - What are the "G''s?
414620 - Beyond the Page: Integrating Reading, Thinking, and Writing in Dyslexia Intervention
414621 - Entrepreneurship for Equity: Engaging Students of All Abilities
414623 - Daily Double ... I'm a Resource Teacher and Co-Teacher
414626 - A Spectrum of Success: Early Childhood Strategies for Students with Autism
414628 - Empowering Potential: Driven Assistive Tech for Complex Needs
414629 - Teach Smarter: Using IEP Data to Drive Instructional Adaptations
414630 - Writing Impact and Need Statements to support Eligibility Decisions
414631 - Stabilize, Standardize, Improve: Engineering Special Education Transformation

Sessions

Wednesday June 10, 2026
414545 Keynote Day 1: Cedrick LaFleur -Cross the Line
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Do you want to learn to lead with clarity, resilience, and execution in complex systems? This keynote session is designed to energize leaders while grounding them in practical leadership behaviors that drive results across instruction, talent, and systems. The session is structured around four core tenets: 1. Choose to Commit – Building leader ownership and decision clarity 2. Work Hard – Aligning effort to the right work that impacts student outcomes 3. Focus – Prioritizing high-leverage actions in instructional leadership 4. Bounce Back – Developing resilience and adaptive leadership in special education contexts You will leave with a shared language, renewed commitment, and an actionable leadership mindset aligned to systemwide priorities.
Leadership
71/350
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414566 Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (part I)
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Part I of a three-session series: Together, the three sessions provide participants with a coherent framework for planning, conducting, and interpreting evaluations that align with TEA expectations and real-world school practices. Learning Outcomes • Describe the foundational principles of the Core-Selective Evaluation Process (C-SEP) and explain how they align with TEA SLD guidance and evaluation requirements. • Explain how deliberate, purposeful test selection improves efficiency, instructional relevance, and defensibility in SLD evaluations. • Apply task-demand analysis to achievement data by examining how input, processing, and output demands influence student performance. • Demonstrate responsible and efficient use of assessment data to identify meaningful patterns of achievement and support sound special education eligibility and instructional decision-making. Presented by: Dr. Edward Schultz
Evaluation
28/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414568 Beyond Hearing: Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Presented by: Idalia Salazar
Meaningful Access/Instructional
2/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414547 VCASE: Legally Speaking
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
VCASE Members only
Leadership
3/350
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414589 When Caseloads Don’t Work: Using the Workload Approach for Special Education Staffing
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Standard ratios attached to caseloads may no longer reflect the realities of special education needs, yet staffing decisions continue to rely on this method. This session will examine challenges and limitations found in traditional staffing models and introduce a workload-based approach to special education staffing. Participants will learn how this shift can lead to more efficient and effective use of staff time, improve compliance, and create stronger program outcomes. Presented by: Dr. Denise Carter, TASB
Leadership
2/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414555 Developing Critical Thinking Through Structured Concept Development
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Presented by Larry Federico
Meaningful Access/Instructional
11/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414560 Soaring to Great Heights! Overview of ECSE Modules on the Learning Environment & Classroom/Individual Schedules
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by Lisa Rogers
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
25/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414562 Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
This interactive workshop focuses on strengthening leadership communication to improve instructional coherence, staff alignment, and execution. Participants will explore how effective communication directly supports: • Implementation of high-quality instructional materials • Strong instructional leadership systems • Strategic talent development and retention You will gain practical communication tools that increase clarity, trust, and follow-through across teams. Based on the book, "The 12 Laws of Communication: How K–12 Leaders Build Clarity, Trust, and Execution in Schools" by Cedrick LaFleur Presented by: Cedrick LaFleur
Leadership
3/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414565 Behavior Pathways and Root Cause Analysis
10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Dive into identifying the function of behavior through behavior pathways and root cause analysis. Participants learn how to move beyond surface behaviors to understand why behaviors occur and how to respond effectively. Presented by: Dr. Donya Ball (Strobel Education)
MTSS/Behavior
23/35
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414585 Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (Part II)
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Part II of three sessions. Together, the three sessions provide participants with a coherent framework for planning, conducting, and interpreting evaluations that align with TEA expectations and real-world school practices. Learning Outcomes • Describe the foundational principles of the Core-Selective Evaluation Process (C-SEP) and explain how they align with TEA SLD guidance and evaluation requirements. • Explain how deliberate, purposeful test selection improves efficiency, instructional relevance, and defensibility in SLD evaluations. • Apply task-demand analysis to achievement data by examining how input, processing, and output demands influence student performance. • Demonstrate responsible and efficient use of assessment data to identify meaningful patterns of achievement and support sound special education eligibility and instructional decision-making. Presented by: Dr. Edward Schultz
Evaluation
28/40
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414587 Apple Accessibility for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia: Practical Tools for Inclusive Learning
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
This session explores how Apple Accessibility features can remove barriers for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia while strengthening inclusive instructional practices. Participants will experience built-in supports such as Speak Selection, Safari Reader, Accessibility Reader, Dictation, and Guided Access to scaffold reading, writing, focus, and executive functioning. Through classroom-aligned examples, educators will learn how to leverage these tools to increase student independence, reduce cognitive load, and support literacy development within special education and general education settings. Presented by: David Warren Hernandez
Dyslexia
3/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414569 Same Goal-Special Program Documentation
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Presented by: Chantelle Taylor
Leadership
5/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414571 Modify Your Mindset to Accommodate for ALL Learners
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms offer powerful opportunities for students to gain real-world skills, but students with disabilities are often unintentionally excluded from fully participating in these experiences. This session challenges educators to modify their mindset when it comes to access, expectations, and instructional design in CTE environments. Participants will explore practical strategies for supporting diverse learners while maintaining the rigor and authenticity of CTE programs. Through real classroom examples, attendees will learn how to implement meaningful accommodations, collaborate effectively with special education teams, and design instruction that allows all students to demonstrate their skills. The session will also highlight how inclusive CTE practices improve postsecondary outcomes such as employment, credential attainment, and continued education. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies, planning tools, and conversation starters they can immediately apply to create more inclusive, high-impact CTE classrooms where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Presented by: Dr. Brynn Biggs
Post-Secondary
3/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414575 Engagement Strategies That Increase Processing and Retention for Special Education Students
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Presented by: Larry Federico
Meaningful Access/Instructional
11/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414577 Soaring to Great Heights [Part 2]: Building Positive Behaviors with Consistent Routines & Transitions
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by: Lisa Rogers
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
18/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414581 From "Why are we doing this?" to "Ohhhh!"
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Ever wonder how to turn grade-level TEKS into learning that actually clicks for students with complex access needs? In this session, we’ll explore how to move beyond “covering” curriculum and instead create instruction that is conceptually appropriate, developmentally aligned, and meaningfully accessible. We’ll look at why traditional assessment and goal-writing can miss the mark—and share a practical tool to help teams find real entry points into the curriculum. Together, we’ll identify the foundational concepts that matter most, so instruction feels purposeful, connected, and worthy of our students’ time and energy. Presented by:Sarah Mossberger, TSBVI
Low Incidence
5/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414583 Developing Self-Regulation Systems and Spaces
1:25 PM - 2:25 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Learn how to design and implement Self Regulation Rooms and classroom-based processes that support emotional regulation, skill building, and problem solving. Participants explore systems for management, instruction, and student. Presented by: Dr. Donya Ball (Strobel Education)
MTSS/Behavior
17/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414597 Getting Started With Core-Selective Evaluation: A Three-Session Series for TEA Aligned SLD Decision-Making (Part III)
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Part III-Together, the three sessions provide participants with a coherent framework for planning, conducting, and interpreting evaluations that align with TEA expectations and real-world school practices. Learning Outcomes • Describe the foundational principles of the Core-Selective Evaluation Process (C-SEP) and explain how they align with TEA SLD guidance and evaluation requirements. • Explain how deliberate, purposeful test selection improves efficiency, instructional relevance, and defensibility in SLD evaluations. • Apply task-demand analysis to achievement data by examining how input, processing, and output demands influence student performance. • Demonstrate responsible and efficient use of assessment data to identify meaningful patterns of achievement and support sound special education eligibility and instructional decision-making. Presented by Dr. Edward Schultz
Evaluation
23/35
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414598 On the SHARS Hot Seat: The Top 10 Questions SPED Leaders Are Asking This Summer
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Presented by: Dario Avila
Leadership
1/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414588 From Policy to Practice: How Administrators Drive Dyslexia Program Success
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
This presentation explores the critical role administrators play in transforming dyslexia policy into meaningful, school-wide action. Participants will examine key responsibilities — from building a knowledgeable staff and allocating resources, to fostering a culture of support and monitoring program effectiveness. Whether you are just beginning your dyslexia journey or looking to strengthen your current program, this session will equip administrators with the tools and strategies needed to lead with confidence and ensure every student with dyslexia has access to the instruction they deserve. Presented by: Samantha Ruiz and Angie Hinojosa
Dyslexia
8/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414549 The Final Launch: Designing Meaningful 18–21 Transition Experiences
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Students ages 18–21 in special education 18+ transition programs are preparing for one of the most significant shifts of their lives—moving from school-based supports to adult independence. This session explores best practices for designing meaningful, community-based transition programs that prepare students for employment, postsecondary training, and independent living. Participants will learn how effective 18+ programs move beyond classroom instruction to emphasize real-world experiences such as work-based learning, community partnerships, travel training, and independent living skill development. The session will highlight strategies for collaborating with vocational rehabilitation agencies, employers, and families to create individualized pathways for each student. Through practical examples and program models, attendees will gain ideas for building authentic opportunities that promote confidence, autonomy, and long-term success. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, planning considerations, and program design ideas to strengthen their 18–21 transition services and better prepare students with disabilities for meaningful adult outcomes. Presented by: Dr. Brynn Biggs
Post-Secondary
7/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414591 SDI in Reading: Aligning Systems for Equitable Access
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
This training clarifies SDI as the core of special education under IDEA, not a placement or accommodation. It shows how explicit, science-based reading instruction as SDI improves access, skill growth, and outcomes for students with disabilities.
Meaningful Access/Instructional
2/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414592 Let's Build Structure City! Applying Structured Teaching Principles in the Early Childhood Setting
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by: Anissa Moore
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
19/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414593 Data Without the Drama: Simple Tracking for Complex Needs
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Presented by: Alyssa Aguilar
Low Incidence
3/30
Wednesday June 10, 2026
414596 Responding to Escalation and Crisis Behavior
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Develop practical strategies for responding to escalation and crisis behavior with consistency and care. Learn the escalation techniques, adult regulation strategies, and systems that protect instructional time and relationships. Presented by: Dr. Donya Ball (Strobel Education)
MTSS/Behavior
28/35
Thursday June 11, 2026
414599 Day 2 Keynote: Flowing Forward: Intentional Collaboration and Integrated Support for Students with Dyslexia
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
What if supporting students with dyslexia wasn't about isolated programs or fragmented efforts, but about creating a system that flows with intention across every classroom and every educational setting? This interactive keynote invited educators, specialists, and administrators to rethink how support for students with dyslexia is designed and delivered. Grounded in structured literacy and an integrated approach, this session emphasizes the importance of intentional collaboration to ensure that support is aligned across classroom instruction, intervention, and campus-wide systems. Participants will explore how shared language, dyslexia-friendly environments, and explicit, systematic instruction can be embedded across settings to reduce barriers and increase access for all learners. Using the concept of “flow,” attendees will examine how cohesive systems create consistency across the school day, rather than fragmented experiences for students. Participants will identify barriers within everyday instruction and leave with practical, actionable strategies to strengthen alignment, support language processing, and create more responsive learning environments. Because when support flows with intention across classrooms and systems, we don’t just support students with dyslexia… We create conditions that carry them forward. Presented by: Casey Harrison
Leadership
74/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414608 The Identification of Developmental Delay
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Developmental delay refers to a significant lag in a child’s attainment of age-expected milestones across one or more domains, including cognitive, communication, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive functioning. For evaluation personnel, accurate identification requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that integrates standardized assessment tools, clinical observation, caregiver interviews, and review of developmental, medical, and educational histories. Early and precise diagnosis is critical for determining eligibility for services and guiding individualized intervention planning. Presented by: Dr. Mertie M. Gomez
Evaluation
28/35
Thursday June 11, 2026
414609 Accessibility at Apple: Empowering All Learners
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Given the range of learning styles and abilities of students today, educators need technology and resources to accommodate and personalize learning. Apple builds accessibility features into every product, so everyone can use them in ways that work best for them. Join us to discuss how Apple allows all students and teachers to explore, communicate, and create. Presented by: David Warren Hernandez
Meaningful Access/Instructional
2/30
Thursday June 11, 2026
414600 Purposeful Pathways to Progress: Integrating Progress Monitoring Within Dyslexia Interventions
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Participants will explore how to seamlessly integrate data collection into daily literacy routines, enabling instructional time and progress monitoring to work together rather than compete. Grounded in Structured Literacy and aligned with Texas Education Agency (TEA) expectations for data-based instruction, this session provides practical, efficient strategies to capture meaningful student data while maintaining instructional integrity. Designed for educators supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, participants will learn how to use real-time student responses to inform instructional decisions, align progress monitoring with IEP goals, and implement sustainable systems that strengthen both teaching and student outcomes. Through this purposeful integration, educators can ensure that every instructional step leads to measurable progress. Presented by: Casey Harrison
Dyslexia
8/30
Thursday June 11, 2026
414603 From IEP to IBC: Turning Plans into Credentials "How administrators, counselors, SPED, and CTE teams can work together to move students from complian
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Students receiving special education services deserve pathways that lead not only to graduation, but to meaningful postsecondary outcomes. From IEP to IBC: Turning Plans into Credentials focuses on how campuses and districts can intentionally align ARD/IEP planning with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs), and Military Readiness indicators to ensure measurable CCMR success. This session will clarify CCMR requirements related to IBC attainment and Military Readiness, with specific attention to implications for SPED students. Participants will explore practical strategies for cross-department collaboration among administrators, counselors, SPED case managers, and CTE staff to ensure students are scheduled strategically, supported appropriately, and positioned for credential attainment. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for embedding career-focused goals into IEP development, monitoring progress toward certifications, reducing access barriers, and strengthening systems that move beyond compliance to outcomes. When teams align early and intentionally, plans become pathways—and pathways become credentials that open doors for students’ futures. Presented by: Hermelinda Ayala Rios, Veronica Alejandro, Dr. Raul Alvarez, Jr.
Post-Secondary
4/30
Thursday June 11, 2026
414604 From Confusion to Confidence: Bluebonnet Math for Every Learner (K-5)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Presented by Diana Garza
Meaningful Access/Instructional
5/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414605 Developing Early Literacy and Communication Skills for Lifelong Success
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by Lisa Rogers
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
23/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414606 Sensory Supports That Support Learning
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Presented by Aliber Pena
Low Incidence
18/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414607 VCASE: Legally Speaking
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
VCASE Members Only
Leadership
2/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414618 What are the "G''s?
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
A useful strategy is to frame the “G’s” as the brain’s “learning tools” or “engines,” each with a specific job. This helps stakeholders understand not just what the “G” is, but how it impacts learning and why it matters for instruction. When explanations are engaging, clear, and grounded in everyday experience, they foster stronger collaboration and a deeper understanding of how to support the learner effectively. Presented by: Dr. Mertie M. Gomez
MTSS/Behavior
38/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414610 Supporting Bilingual Students with Dyslexia Through TELPAS Practices
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Emergent bilingual students with dyslexia often sit at the intersection of language acquisition and disability identification, and educators are frequently faced with an important question: Is this a language difference, a disability, or both? This session will examine how to thoughtfully navigate that distinction while maintaining high expectations for bilingual learners. Participants will explore how TELPAS practices can support both language development and literacy growth, and how to interpret student performance through a lens that honors second language acquisition and dyslexia characteristics. The session will provide practical classroom strategies that align ELPS, dyslexia supports, and TELPAS proficiency levels. Educators will also learn and practice the LIFT strategy to strengthen student writing and speaking responses during TELPAS. Attendees will leave with clear instructional moves they can implement immediately to support bilingual students with dyslexia without lowering cognitive rigor. Presented by: Francisco Faticati
Dyslexia
11/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414612 Pathways to Possibility: Understanding VR Services for Students in Texas
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Presented by: Rebecca Quintero
Post-Secondary
1/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414613 Adding SDI to Increase Access and Remove Barriers
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Presented by: Savanna Flakes
Meaningful Access/Instructional
3/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414614 Wild About Literacy! Interactive Books in Early Childhood Literacy
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by: Anissa Moore
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
19/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414615 Create, Adapt, Engage: Canva to Support Complex Access Needs
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Presented by: Gracie Avalos & Alyssa Aguirre
Low Incidence
11/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414617 Turn Up the Impact: Using DBI to Supercharge IEP Progress
1:35 PM - 2:35 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Presented by: Sarah Benz
Meaningful Access/Instructional
1/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414630 Writing Impact and Need Statements to support Eligibility Decisions
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Impact and need statements not only support eligibility decisions but also guide teams toward targeted, actionable supports, ultimately improving outcomes for the student. Presented by: Dr. Mertie M. Gomez
Evaluation
29/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414631 Stabilize, Standardize, Improve: Engineering Special Education Transformation
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
This transformative session provides a strategic blueprint for stabilizing, repairing, and growing a district-level special education program. Designed specifically for district special education leaders and staff, it offers a systems-based framework to strengthen practice, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable improvement. Presented by: Leonel J. Ramirez & Francisco Faticati
Leadership
5/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414620 Beyond the Page: Integrating Reading, Thinking, and Writing in Dyslexia Intervention
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Reading comprehension requires intentional development, not incidental learning. For students with dyslexia and other language-based disabilities, strong comprehension grows when decoding, vocabulary, language, and writing are explicitly integrated through structured, systematic, and diagnostic instruction. This session presents practical, evidence-based strategies to help educators move beyond superficial questions and design lessons for deep understanding. Participants will learn to guide students in analyzing text, monitoring meaning, and noticing comprehension breakdowns, while using sentence-level writing to strengthen organization and expression. The session emphasizes explicit instruction in grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, alongside scaffolded routines supporting students from reading to discussion to written response. Presented by: Casey Harrison
Dyslexia
11/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414621 Entrepreneurship for Equity: Engaging Students of All Abilities
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Presented by: Sarah Gonzalez
Post-Secondary
2/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414623 Daily Double ... I'm a Resource Teacher and Co-Teacher
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Presented by: Savanna Flakes
Meaningful Access/Instructional
4/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414626 A Spectrum of Success: Early Childhood Strategies for Students with Autism
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Presented by: Anissa Moore
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
34/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414628 Empowering Potential: Driven Assistive Tech for Complex Needs
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Presented by: Gracie Avalos
Low Incidence
0/350
Thursday June 11, 2026
414629 Teach Smarter: Using IEP Data to Drive Instructional Adaptations
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 202
Presented by: Sarah Benz
MTSS/Behavior
5/350

Special Accommodations
To request an accommodation, please contact Noelia Perez at (956) 984-6202 at least 30 business days prior to the event.