Embedded Files
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
1:10-2:10 p.m.
Conference session offerings are subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.
Unlocking Potential: Using Behavior Contracts for Student Success
Presenter: Dr. Cindi Bowling
Session Description: In the complex landscape of education, standard behavioral interventions can fall short.
This interactive training session explores the power of Behavior Contracts as a transformative tool for the classroom. Participants will learn how to move beyond simple compliance to create structured, collaborative agreements that empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. We will dive deep into the essential elements of contract design, from defining measurable target behaviors to selecting meaningful, strength-based reinforcers that motivate.
Room: Maverick/Real
Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, Paraprofessionals, Low Incidence Disabilities, Inclusive Practices, Autism
MTSS in Motion: Putting a Successful Secondary Framework into Practice! Boom Bang Pow!
Presenters: Dr. Becky Acosta & Priscilla Molina
Session Description: Looking to implement MTSS at the secondary level? In this session we will share our journey of implementing a successful Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) program at the secondary level. We'll move past the common misconception that MTSS is only for elementary schools and explore how to create a sustainable and impactful framework for high school students.
Room: Pecan
Ideal for: Secondary, Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Evaluation
Training Tomorrow's Heroes: How Calming Corners Build Self-Regulations Skills
Presenter: Evelyn Crespo
Session Description: Students develop their greatest superpower—self-regulation—when given the right tools and space to succeed. This session explores how Calming Corners function as a “Hero Headquarters,” providing a safe, non-punitive space for students to pause, reset, and build essential regulation skills. Participants will learn how these intentional spaces promote emotional awareness, resilience, and readiness to learn, empowering students to return to the classroom prepared to thrive.
Room: Medina/La Salle
Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, Autism, ECSE, LID, Paraprofessionals
The Access Alliance: Gamestorming Superpowers for SpEd Leaders
Presenter: Ericka Guerrero
Session Description: In the complex universe of Special Education, leaders often battle the "Villains of Stagnation": red tape, silos, and "we’ve always done it this way." To save the day, you need more than a checklist—you need a Utility Belt. This session transforms the Gamestorming strategies into your leadership superpower. Learn to use visual thinking and structured play to spark innovation and build a culture where inclusive practices truly thrive.
Room: Mapel
Ideal for: Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Evaluation
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to AAC Implementation
Presenter: Gaby Hernandez, PRC-Saltillo
Session Description: Successful Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) implementation depends on both the AAC user and the skills of their communication partners. While speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role, AAC users also learn from paraprofessionals, general and special education teachers, occupational therapists, and physical therapists.
This session focuses on implementing AAC within a multidisciplinary team. Participants will learn about core language, the role of communication partners, and practical device implementation strategies. Strategies include aided language input, communication sabotage, establishing routines, and using scripts. Attendees may also engage in hands-on activities to practice applying these techniques and supporting team-based AAC implementation.
Room: Laurel
Ideal for: SLP, Assistive Technology, ECSE, Low Incidence Disabilities, Paraprofessionals, Inclusive Practices
Meet the New Avengers: Funding Tiers of Intensity and Service Codes
Presenter: Amy Strauch
Session Description: Texas is adopting a new funding model for students in special education in 2026. This session will focus on introducing the newest superhero data elements, Tiers of Intensity and Service Codes, that will serve as the basis for future funding determinations. Explore the powerful tools and resources developed to support this new model and become familiar with the structure of reporting coming soon in the 2026-2027 school year.
Room: Mesquite
Ideal for: Leadership, Evaluation, Secondary/Post-Secondary, Inclusive Practices, All
Mission Dossier: Operation Mental Blueprint
Presenter: Shelly Bybee
Session Description: The Ambiguity Assassin thrives in the shadows of uncertainty, leaving our students—especially those developing complex language skills—guessing at the hidden "rules" of literacy. To defeat this foe, we are pulling back the curtain on the hero's mind. Through Modeling and Think-Alouds, we make the invisible visible, providing a direct, high-definition transmission of knowledge.
Room: Oak
Ideal for: DHH, Inclusive Practices, ECSE, Autism, Low Incidence Disabilities
Using Your Superpowers to Transform Difficult ARDs
Presenter: Evelyn Villarreal
Session Description: Every difficult ARD can be an origin story for the ultimate team up for student outcomes! During this session, we’ll review 10 superpowers for transforming difficult ARDs.
Room: Magnolia
Ideal for: Leadership, Evaluation, SLP, Inclusive Practices, SpEd Teachers
Bluebonnet-Supporting All Learners
Presenter: Abigail Beadle
Session Description: This session focuses on supporting all learners in Bluebonnet RLA by systematically incorporating strategies that strengthen thinking, engagement, and access for learners at every level concurrently. We approach the session by beginning with students’ strengths and intentionally building from there. We’ll explore and practice specific strategies like image deep dives, QSSSA, purposeful student grouping, and more—not as extra work, but as consistent routines and procedures.
Room: Hickory
Ideal for: Leadership, Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Inclusive Practices
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