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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410366
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THE POWER OF SMALL CHANGES: BIG RESULTS FOR STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Quad (Concho/Nueces/Pecos/Rio Grande Rooms)
Presenters: BEAU SIROIS and LAANE ABALOS ..... Join us as two visually impaired keynote speakers — a thriving entrepreneur and a graduating senior — share how their educational experiences influenced their lives. They will reflect on the instructional strategies, accommodations, and mindset shifts from educators that made lasting differences in their confidence, academic success, and independence.
This session will provide a powerful reminder that thoughtful, intentional practices in the classroom can create life-changing outcomes. Participants will gain insight into what truly matters from a student's perspective and how small changes can lead to Big results.
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DAY 1 - Keynote Speakers (AM)
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4/200
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410425
|
ADMINISTRATOR’S GUIDE TO FUNCTIONAL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Colorado Room
Presenter: DESTINEY MARTINEZ ....."This session is designed for administrators who support functional academic and life skills programs. Participants will explore the Administrator Companion Document to the Rubric of Effective Practices for Students with Complex Access Needs and gain clarity on expectations for high-quality instruction in these classrooms. Administrators will learn key look-fors during walkthroughs; how classroom systems align with effective practice standards; and how to provide targeted feedback that strengthens instruction and student outcomes. This session bridges compliance and instructional quality, ensuring functional academic classrooms are structured, purposeful, and aligned to best practices for students with complex access needs."
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410434
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AUTISM 101: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE CLASSROOM
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Concho Room
Presenter: JAM PAGE .....During this session, participants will receive information on: 1) characteristics of Autism, 2) evidence-based academic and behavioral strategies, and 3) helpful resources available for more information.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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|
410404
|
YOUR NEW AI ASSISTANT: BUILD STUDENT INDEPENDENCE WITH GOOGLE GEMS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Live Oak Room
Presenter: SHERRY HALL ....."What if you had an AI-powered partner to help create the endless custom materials special educators need? This session introduces "Google Gems"—simple, one-click AI helpers you build to instantly generate scaffolds like re-leveled texts, visual checklists, and social narratives. Join us to learn this revolutionary strategy, save valuable prep time, and empower your students with disabilities to thrive with new independence."
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
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|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410413
|
EMPOWERED: SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO FIND THEIR VOICE
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Mesquite Room
Presenter: ALEX ROBLES .....This session helps educators build student self-advocacy by understanding developmental capacities and embedding decision-making into daily routines. Participants will explore simple, practical strategies and ways to engage families in the process. Educators will leave with tools to promote voice and empowerment for all learners.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
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|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410370
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PLAYFUL PATTERNS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Nueces Room
Presenters: DANIELLE HOWARD and LAURA SCANTLING ..... Have you ever observed someone's patterns of behavior? Ever noticed when someone tends towards the dramatic, calm, late, early, organized, or scattered? Children show you who they are in play just as adults show you who they are in action. Walk through what you can learn and how to use it with a Registered Play Therapist, Behavioral Counselor, and Behavior Teaching Assistants.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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2/20
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|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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|
410419
|
SMALL CHECK-INS, BIG IMPACT: USING CICO TO SUPPORT STUDENT BEHAVIOR
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Pecan Room
Presenter: BRANDI MENDOZA (ESC 15 MTSS) .....The session will cover the purpose of CICO. How it supports behavior improvement, and how schools can implement the system using progress monitoring and consistent feedback. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how Check-In/Check-Out can strengthen student accountability, build positive relationships, and support behavior success.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410396
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION 101
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Pecos Room
Presenter: KARI CALCOTE ..... You were hired as a General Education teacher, but more than a third of your class has an IEP and several of the rest are in the referral process. What do you do? This session will cover the basics of what every teacher should know about Special Ed, the referral process, ARD meetings, accommodations/modifications and more.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410398
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CPS 101: UNDERSTANDING CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES IN SCHOOLS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Rio Grande Room
Presenter: HALEIGH FLORES and GEORGINA RAMSEY .....Child Protective Services (CPS) plays a critical role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. In the school setting, educators and staff are often the first line of defense because they see students daily and may notice changes others do not. This session provides a foundational understanding of CPS, what school personnel are required to report, warning signs to look for, and how the reporting and investigation process works.
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DAY 1 - 1 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410438
|
GOT BEHAVIOR?? HOW WILL WE ALL LEARN?
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Colorado Room
Presenter: GINGER LUTHER and JENNY GOODWIN ..... The audience will be able to learn strategies for working with students that have behaviors that impede their learning and/or the learning of others. We will work through scenarios relevant to elementary mainly but could work in middle school.
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
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|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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410435
|
AUTISM DOESN’T MEAN BEHAVIOR, BUT BEHAVIOR MEANS COMMUNICATION
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Concho Room
Presenter: JESSICA FLORES .....Autism is frequently linked with behavior challenges, but this assumption can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for support. Not all autistic students exhibit challenging behavior, and behavior itself is not a diagnostic requirement of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This session will examine what actually qualifies as an autism diagnosis and challenge the tendency to group all autistic students under behavior management. Participants will explore how behavior—when present—is often a form of communication and how reframing our understanding can lead to more effective and respectful support for autistic learners.
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
|
|
410408
|
YOUR NEW AI ASSISTANT: BUILD STUDENT INDEPENDENCE WITH GOOGLE GEMS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Live Oak Room
Presenter: SHERRY HALL ....."What if you had an AI-powered partner to help create the endless custom materials special educators need? This session introduces ""Google Gems""—simple, one-click AI helpers you build to instantly generate scaffolds like re-leveled texts, visual checklists, and social narratives. Join us to learn this revolutionary strategy, save valuable prep time, and empower your students with disabilities to thrive with new independence."
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
|
Tuesday June 23, 2026
|
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410416
|
EMPOWERED: SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO FIND THEIR VOICE
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Mesquite Room
Presenter: ALEX ROBLES .....This session helps educators build student self-advocacy by understanding developmental capacities and embedding decision-making into daily routines. Participants will explore simple, practical strategies and ways to engage families in the process. Educators will leave with tools to promote voice and empowerment for all learners.
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
|
|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
|
|
410395
|
PLAYFUL PATTERNS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Nueces Room
Presenters: DANIELLE HOWARD and LAURA SCANTLING ..... Have you ever observed someone's patterns of behavior? Ever noticed when someone tends towards the dramatic, calm, late, early, organized, or scattered? Children show you who they are in play just as adults show you who they are in action. Walk through what you can learn and how to use it with a Registered Play Therapist, Behavioral Counselor, and Behavior Teaching Assistants.
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
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|
410437
|
BLUEBONNET CURRICULUM - SUPPORTING EVERY LEARNER WITHOUT STARTING OVER
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Pecan Room
Presenter: LUKE WELCH ..... No two students in your classroom are the same—and you feel that reality every day. Bluebonnet provides built-in scaffolds that are often sufficient to meet students’ needs. When additional support is required, the curriculum offers a dependable starting point for making adjustments. In this session, we’ll look at the supports already built into Bluebonnet, consider tools that can help you adapt lessons when needed, and talk through what this can look like in your classroom with the students you serve every day.
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DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
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Tuesday June 23, 2026
|
|
410397
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION 101
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Pecos Room
Presenter: KARI CALCOTE ..... You were hired as a General Education teacher, but more than a third of your class has an IEP and several of the rest are in the referral process. What do you do? This session will cover the basics of what every teacher should know about Special Ed, the referral process, ARD meetings, accommodations/modifications and more.
|
DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Tuesday June 23, 2026
|
|
410402
|
CPS 101: UNDERSTANDING CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES IN SCHOOLS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Rio Grande Room
Presenter: HALEIGH FLORES and GEORGINA RAMSEY .....Child Protective Services (CPS) plays a critical role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. In the school setting, educators and staff are often the first line of defense because they see students daily and may notice changes others do not. This session provides a foundational understanding of CPS, what school personnel are required to report, warning signs to look for, and how the reporting and investigation process works.
|
DAY 1 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
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410492
|
FROM NONSPEAKING TO NETFLIX: AUTISTIC PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER SHARES HIS JOURNEY & CONSULTING ROLE ON LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM U.S.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Quad (Concho/Nueces/Pecos/Rio Grande Rooms)
Presenter: DR. KERRY MAGRO ..... Drawing from his own journey finding love on the autism spectrum and from his full-time career as a public speaker: Dr. Kerry Magro, having traveled to speak at more than 1,400 events over the past 14 years; will share practical guidance informed by years of working with schools, universities, Fortune 500 companies, and community groups. Topics will include schooling, universal design for learning, transition to adulthood, and the behind-the-scenes realities of creating inclusive storytelling. Kerry brings a blend of lived experience, professional insight, and heartfelt storytelling that resonates with autistic individuals, families, and professionals alike. Time will be left at the end for Q&A.
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DAY 2 - Keynote Speaker (AM)
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4/200
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|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
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410709
|
RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE: THE EDUCATOR’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING STUDENT SAFETY
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Colorado Room
Presenter: YOLANDA TORRES .... This training equips educators with the knowledge to recognize potential signs and symptoms of child abuse and respond appropriately when concerns arise. Participants will review common physical, behavioral, and emotional indicators and discuss practical strategies for responding to student disclosures and documenting concerns. The session will also introduce the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach, explaining how professionals such as law enforcement, child advocacy centers, medical providers, and prosecutors work together after a report is made. Educators will leave with practical tools and a clearer understanding of their role in supporting child safety.
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
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410562
|
TEACHING THE WAY OUR STUDENTS LEARN: STRATEGIES FOR DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Concho/Nueces Rooms
Presenter: KERRY MAGRO ..... In this empowering session, Dr. Kerry Magro: an award-winning professional speaker, author, and autistic self-advocate: shares actionable strategies to help educators teach the way students learn. Drawing from his personal journey growing up nonspeaking and his expertise in inclusive education, Dr. Magro highlights practical approaches rooted in Universal Design for Learning and sensory-friendly classroom practices. Educators will explore empathy-building activities, collaboration techniques, and ways to strengthen parent partnerships to better support neurodiverse learners. The session also addresses intersectionality, self-advocacy, and emotional well-being for students with disabilities. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools, resources, and grant opportunities to promote inclusion across their schools and communities.
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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1/40
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|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
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410632
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IT STARTS WITH CONNECTION: A PARENT’S VIEW OF MEANINGFUL SPED RELATIONSHIPS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Live Oak Room
Presenter: DESTINEY MARTINEZ .... In this powerful, story-driven session, you’ll hear testimonies from parents and students about what genuine connection in the SPED classroom looks like—and why it matters. We’ll explore simple, actionable ways educators can build rapport, communicate with empathy, and create partnerships that support student success. Perfect for teachers, paras, and administrators wanting to strengthen family-school collaboration
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
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|
|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
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410649
|
SPED ESSENTIALS FOR CAMPUS AND DISTRICT LEADERS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Llano Room
Presenter: LUKE WELCH and MIKE HALEY .... Special education sits at the intersection of student outcomes, accountability, and compliance. This crash course offers a focused overview of key SPED structures, including inclusion and resource settings, and the terminology essential for effective leadership. We’ll clarify common areas of confusion and create space for thoughtful discussion so you can navigate SPED decisions with greater confidence.
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
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|
|
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Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410642
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I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE TO SAY THIS.....BUT Y'ALL MADE ME!
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Mesquite Room
Presenter: KAY SHACKELFORD .... This session will revolve around building relationships in a way that supports positive behaviors and growth for students, families, and staff, from an administrative view. It will be a scenario-based look at ways to support behaviors and to grow in our profession.
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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1/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410645
|
BEYOND “PLAYING WORK”: DESIGNING SCHOOL-BASED BUSINESSES THAT BUILD TRUE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Pecan Room
Presenter: JOETTE HARDIN .... "Work Based Learning is a proven model for enhancing student employability skills within educational settings. The work-based learning project model provides a roadmap for creating school based businesses for special education and/or 504 students aged 14-22. It fosters an environment where students can develop essential workplace readiness skills, explore various careers, and cultivate self-advocacy skills crucial for workplace success. The presentation will draw on four years of statewide implementation of the work-based learning program model across 132 schools. Key components for planning and implementing a sustainable school based business will be highlighted, showcasing how these elements can significantly improve student outcomes and increase opportunities for career readiness.
Creating the vision for a work-based learning project that actually leads to employment is crucial. School-based enterprises are often viewed as “playing work” because students don’t experience an authentic work environment or gain real-world vocational skills. Based on Texas A&M University’s Work-Based Learning Project, this session will provide a practical guide to help school staff stop thinking like educators and start thinking like bosses."
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
|
1/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410625
|
EARLY INTERVENTION FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Pecos Room
Presenter: JORDAN BURRELL and MIRANDA ROBLES .....Creating a supportive transition program that equips young learners with essential life, vocational, and community skills in a real-world, relationship-rich environment. By introducing these skills early; (cooking, cleaning, safety, communication, employment readiness); students build confidence, independence, and healthy routines before entering adulthood. Early intervention reduces barriers, increases opportunities, and allows students to step into work, community, and daily life with stability. Ultimately, it paves the way for a successful early exit into what we call “the good life” a life marked by purpose, dignity, and meaningful participation in the world around them.
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
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410627
|
PLAN THE ENVIRONMENT. EMPOWER THE CHILD.
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Rio Grande Room
Presenter: KATIE DOVE .... Training Objectives...By the end of this training, teachers will: 1) Design a classroom learning environment that intentionally supports multisensory learning. 2) Understand how multisensory instruction and center based exploration promotes engagement, skill development, and positive behavior. 3) Recognize the power of choice, visual supports, and classroom structure to increase student independence and participation. 4) Reframe behavior as communication. Explore behavior interventions that work best in a multisensory classroom. 5) Walk away with practical classroom strategies and structures for multisensory center setup.
"
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DAY 2 - I Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410652
|
SMALL CHECK-INS, BIG IMPACT: USING CICO TO SUPPORT STUDENT BEHAVIOR
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Colorado Room
Presenter: BRANDI MENDOZA .... The session will cover the purpose of CICO, how it supports behavior improvement, and how schools can implement the system using progress monitoring and consistent feedback. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how Check-In/Check-Out can strengthen student accountability, build positive relationships, and support behavior success.
|
DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410564
|
FROM ANXIOUS TO AUTONOMOUS: SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO EMPOWER STUDENTS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Concho/Nueces Rooms
Presenter: GREGORY HICKEY ..... Sometimes, it's the bully within that holds us back. This session will focus on simple strategies that any educator can use to help students to tame a necessary, but often paralyzing emotional experience - ANXIETY. A bonus: you might just learn something to help yourself as well! Motivation, social anxiety, perfectionism - we'll cover the gamut in this session.
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DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
1/40
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410640
|
IT STARTS WITH CONNECTION: A PARENT’S VIEW OF MEANINGFUL SPED RELATIONSHIPS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Live Oak Room
Presenter: DESTINEY MARTINEZ .... In this powerful, story-driven session, you’ll hear testimonies from parents and students about what genuine connection in the SPED classroom looks like—and why it matters. We’ll explore simple, actionable ways educators can build rapport, communicate with empathy, and create partnerships that support student success. Perfect for teachers, paras, and administrators wanting to strengthen family-school collaboration
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DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410650
|
BRIDGING BLUEBONNET FOR ALL LEARNERS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Llano Room
Presenter: LUKE WELCH and SHAKEAH HOFFMAN .... Bluebonnet offers leaders a strategic point of leverage for building instructional capacity across grade levels and campuses. This session helps you understand how its full design already supports all learners—including SPED, EB, 504, GT, and Gen Ed students—while reinforcing instructional coherence across classrooms. Grounded in research and Year 1 implementation data from the Strong Foundations Grant, participants will gain practical strategies to support teachers and improve alignment so every student has what they need to succeed.
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DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
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0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410644
|
I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE TO SAY THIS.....BUT Y'ALL MADE ME!
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Mesquite Room
Presenter: KAY SHACKELFORD .... This session will revolve around building relationships in a way that supports positive behaviors and growth for students, families, and staff, from an administrative view. It will be a scenario-based look at ways to support behaviors and to grow in our profession.
|
DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410647
|
BEYOND “PLAYING WORK”: DESIGNING SCHOOL-BASED BUSINESSES THAT BUILD TRUE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Pecan Room
Presenter: JOETTE HARDIN .... "Work Based Learning is a proven model for enhancing student employability skills within educational settings. The work-based learning project model provides a roadmap for creating school based businesses for special education and/or 504 students aged 14-22. It fosters an environment where students can develop essential workplace readiness skills, explore various careers, and cultivate self-advocacy skills crucial for workplace success. The presentation will draw on four years of statewide implementation of the work-based learning program model across 132 schools. Key components for planning and implementing a sustainable school based business will be highlighted, showcasing how these elements can significantly improve student outcomes and increase opportunities for career readiness.
Creating the vision for a work-based learning project that actually leads to employment is crucial. School-based enterprises are often viewed as “playing work” because students don’t experience an authentic work environment or gain real-world vocational skills. Based on Texas A&M University’s Work-Based Learning Project, this session will provide a practical guide to help school staff stop thinking like educators and start thinking like bosses."
|
DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410626
|
EARLY INTERVENTION FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Pecos Room
Presenter: JORDAN BURRELL and MIRANDA ROBLES .....Creating a supportive transition program that equips young learners with essential life, vocational, and community skills in a real-world, relationship-rich environment. By introducing these skills early; (cooking, cleaning, safety, communication, employment readiness); students build confidence, independence, and healthy routines before entering adulthood. Early intervention reduces barriers, increases opportunities, and allows students to step into work, community, and daily life with stability. Ultimately, it paves the way for a successful early exit into what we call “the good life” a life marked by purpose, dignity, and meaningful participation in the world around them.
|
DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
0/20
|
|
|
|
Wednesday June 24, 2026
|
|
410629
|
EMBRACE THE BEHAVIORS. NAVIGATING POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Rio Grande Room
Presenter: DEREK PONSETTI .... Designing Classroom Plans That Reduce Negative Behaviors and Reinforcing Positive Behavior.
The Big Idea: Meeting the student where they are behaviorally and building them up! By the end of this training, teachers will: 1) Design a classroom incentive program that intentionally supports positive behaviors while still holding the students accountable for negative behaviors. 2) Understand how to create meaningful behaviors plans and incentives programs to create as positive learning environment. 3) Recognize the power of choice, visual supports, and classroom structure to increase student independence and participation. 4) Reframe behavior as communication. Explore behavior interventions that work best in a multisensory classroom and being able to change strategies/tools when they are no longer working. 5) Walk away with practical classroom strategies and structures for multisensory center setup.
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DAY 2 - 2 Breakout Session (PM)
|
1/20
|
|
|
