Presenter: Dr. Cindi Bowling 

Session Description: In the world of special education, we often look for "superhero" interventions to save the day. However, sustainable student success isn't built on capes alone—it’s built on consistent structures, data-driven insights, and a deep sense of community belonging.

This session moves past high-level theory to provide educators with the practical, "boots-on-the-ground" strategies needed to support students with complex behavioral and communication needs. We will explore how to move from management to empowerment.

Room: Medina/La Salle

Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, Paraprofessionals, Low Incidence Disabilities, Inclusive Practices, Autism 

Session Handouts

Presenter: Amanda Real 

Session Description: This session provides an overview of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) as a specialized pathway for Texas educators seeking to transition into school psychology. We will discuss how educators with existing masters degrees can leverage their existing experience to meet the state’s growing need for mental health professionals. 

Attendees will learn about the practice of school psychology, the CAGS in School Psychology program requirements, Texas licensure steps, and the practical impact of school psychology in schools.  It's time to unleash the superhero within!

Room: Hickory

Ideal for: Evaluation, Leadership, Inclusive Practices,Behavior/SEL

Session Handouts

Presenter: Dr. Allegra Montemayor

Session Description: Executive functioning impacts how students plan, start, and complete tasks and is often a barrier to independence for students with autism. This session highlights what EF is, what research shows, and how it presents in the classroom.

Participants will leave with practical strategies to support initiation, flexibility, organization, and engagement, while promoting independence in the least restrictive environment.

Room: Oak

Ideal for: Autism, Behavior/SEL, ECSE, Low Incidence Disabilities

Session Handouts

Presenter: Kelly-Anne Carroll

Session Description: No hero saves the world alone, and no IEP goal succeeds without the right "gear." You’ve already identified the student's unique DNA in the PLAAFPs and set the mission in the goals—now it’s time to build the suit. 

We will explore how to synchronize your instructional methodologies (the specialized tech and tools built into the suit) with your delivery models (the power source and calibration) to ensure your students don't just meet their goals, but master them.  

Room: Real/Maverick

Ideal for: Evaluation, Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Paraprofessionals 

Session Handouts

Presenter: Goldie Tappan

Session Description: Information is your strongest superpower! In this fast-paced walkthrough, we are tackling the most pressing questions from the Dyslexia Handbook and the TEA guidance documents. We will provide you with the tactical insights needed to serve your students with speed and precision. No more guesswork—just pure, heroic advocacy.

Room: Laurel

Ideal for: Dyslexia, Evaluation, Leadership, Inclusive Practices

Session Handouts

Presenter: Shelly Bybee 

Session Description: The Vocabulary Void is draining the city’s words, leaving our students struggling to describe the world around them. To fight back, we are activating The Lexicon Lens, a high-tech strategy based on the Picture Word Induction Model (PWIM) by the legendary strategist Emily Calhoun (1998).

In this mission, we don’t just look at pictures; we use them as "Information Hubs" to extract, decode, and master the language of the future.

Room: Mesquite

Ideal for: DHH, ECSE, SLP, Low Incidence Disabilities

Session Handouts

Presenter: Kimberly Baumgardner 

Session Description: Compliance is not just a checkbox; it is the foundation for nurturing inclusion and inspiring growth. This session examines the latest regional and state-level data trends from TEA's cyclical monitoring process. By identifying shared challenges and successful patterns, participants will gain the tools needed to refine their local practices and continue the journey toward transforming special education for every student.

Room: Maple

Ideal for: Dyslexia, Leadership, Evaluation, Inclusive Practices, Secondary/Post Secondary

Session Handouts

Presenter: Rachel Collins & Sarah Mossberger, TSBVI

Session Description: Discover how to become a more effective communication partner for students who communicate in non-conventional ways. This session will explore how to use the Competent Communication Partner checklist to learn practical tips to foster connection, promote independence, and enhance the communication experience for our complex learners.

Objectives: 

1. Identify key strategies and techniques to effectively support our complex learners.

2. Utilize the Competent Communication Partner checklist to assess and improve communication skills and interactions.

3. Develop practical approaches to promote independence and foster meaningful connections.

Room: Magnolia

Ideal for: SLP, Autism, LID, Paraprofessionals, SPED Teachers, VI

Session Handouts

Presenters: Diana Glass & Sarah Cave

Session Description: Social situations can sometimes feel like a face-off with a supervillain. Let’s change the narrative! In this creative makerspace "Make and Take" session, we will offer several choices to make social learning relatable and fun. We provide the “capes”, the print, and the laminating machines to make your experience superpowered to meet diverse student needs. Walk away with a durable social narrative of your choice designed to help your students navigate transitions, routines, or social cues with Superkid confidence!

Room: Kinney/Kerr

Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, ECSE, Paraprofessionals, Autism, Low Incidence Disabilities

Session Handouts

Presenter: Karen Wiest

Session Description: Teachers will unlock their superpowers with Bluebonnet Learning as we soar through the powerful tools designed to fuel both teacher success and student achievement. From mastering the scope and sequence to conquering daily lessons and student resources, you’ll be equipped with high-quality, grade-level materials built for real classroom heroes.

Room: Pecan

Ideal for: Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals

Session Handouts