đź’ˇBreakout Session #2đź’ˇ
10:30am-11:30am
đź’ˇBreakout Session #2đź’ˇ
10:30am-11:30am
Effective IEP Walkthroughs: Strategies for Administrators to Support Implementation and Goal Achievement
Presenter: Lisa Kirby, Coordinator III, Special Education Support ServicesÂ
Room: Medina/La Salle
Learn how to conduct meaningful walkthroughs that support the successful implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This session equips administrators with practical strategies to monitor and reinforce compliance, foster collaboration among staff, and ensure that IEP goals are effectively integrated into daily instruction. Participants will explore tools for observing evidence-based practices, providing actionable feedback, and addressing challenges in real-time to promote positive student outcomes. Join this session to enhance your leadership capacity in creating a supportive environment where IEPs are fully realized.Â
Presenter: Cindi Bowling, Ph.D., Consultant, Behavior and Discipline
Room: Kerr/Kinney
This session will provide an overview of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support and deliver many effective tools and resources.
Unorganized, Unfocused, and Unprepared: The Impact of Executive Functioning Skills in the Classroom.Â
Presenter: Sam Gonzalez, Consultant, Transition
Room: PecanÂ
 Do any of your students struggle with organizing their work, completing tasks, managing materials, handling social situations, paying attention, or managing their time? These cognitive skills fall under the umbrella of Executive Functioning Skills. Executive function skills include impulse control, emotional control, flexibility, and other key cognitive areas that are critical to a student's growth. A lack of these skills can significantly impact academic performance and is often associated with developmental or learning disabilities. In this session, teachers will learn effective strategies to support their students in developing these skill and improving their academic performance.
Navigating the Intersection of Health & Educational Services
Presenter: Christy Beck, BSN, RN, Consultant, School Health & Nursing
Room: MesquiteÂ
This session will summarize and provide considerations when medical, nursing, and school health are required as related services for students. Recommendations regarding Private Duty Nursing in the school setting and tips about the documentation of student health conditions will also be provided. Learn about the differences in various school health documents most implemented, such as the IHP, EAP, and DMMP. School Nurses can contribute to evaluation, documentation, and implementation of health and nursing services, broadening the professional scope and expertise of your team. Learn things that school nurses are proficient in and things that, as a special education specialist, you may need to provide them with more information about.
Rhythms, Rituals, and Routines in the LID Classroom
Presenter: Â Kyla Shannon, Consultant, Low Incidence DisabilitiesÂ
Room: Oak
Small changes can spark big breakthroughs—especially in classrooms serving students with significant cognitive disabilities! In this session, we’ll show you how simple tweaks to your daily rhythms, rituals, and routines can bring more calm, more connection, and more learning to your day. Get ready for practical, powerful ideas that create structure, boost independence, and turn everyday moments into meaningful growth!
Invest in Culture: Small Deposits, Big Impact
Presenter: Tausha Nickleberry, Consultant, Stronger Connections Grant
Room: Maple
Strong culture isn’t built in a day—it’s built in the daily. This session explores how school and district administrators can intentionally invest in culture through small, intentional deposits that make special educators and support staff feel supported and valued. These small but powerful actions not only build morale—they can also play a vital role in staff retention. Every day and every interaction is an opportunity to make a deposit into the culture bank! Let’s dive into practical strategies for making those deposits count and make culture rich—together.
Presenter: Evelyn Villarreal, Coordinator III, Special Education Support Services
Room: Magnolia
Disabilities and resulting educational needs are as unique as students themselves. Identifying the impact of a specific student's disability is the foundation for informing recommendations and ultimate development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Join this session to examine opportunities for drawing up the Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) results to inform the development of a student's Individualized Education Program.