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Friday, January 29, 2027
Havre High School Library, Havre, MT
8:30 - 11:30 AM
Presented by Stephanie Lester
Data to Differentiation
Assessment data is only powerful when it leads to responsive instruction. When educators understand what the data tells them and use it thoughtfully, they can match support to student needs, adjust instruction, and create meaningful opportunities for every learner to succeed. Participants will leave with practical data-interpretation tools, DOK resources, planning templates, progress monitoring strategies, and an individualized action plan to apply to move learning forward,
objectives:
Explain the purposes and appropriate uses of screening and monitoring assessments.
Interpret assessment and observation data to identify student strengths and needs.
Use multiple sources of evidence to determine appropriate instructional next steps.
Use Depth of Knowledge (DOK) to examine cognitive demand and plan appropriately.
Use Data to create flexible groups and match differentiated instruction to identified needs.
Develop and individualized data-based plan for immediate implementation.
Presented by Stephanie Lester
Stephanie Lester brings over 40 years of experience in education as a preschool and elementary teacher, professional development presenter, author, Child Development college instructor, and educational leader. Her experience includes teaching a Project-Based Learning multiage K–1 program and serving as an Assistant Principal, Director of Early Childhood Education, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
As the owner of S.L. Lester Educational Consulting, LLC, Stephanie partners with schools, districts, Head Start programs, and educational agencies across Montana and nationwide. She provides customized professional learning, classroom modeling, individual and team coaching, observation and feedback, administrator support, and collaborative planning. Her consulting helps educators connect research to practice, use assessment data to guide instruction, develop implementation plans, and monitor progress through continuous improvement cycles.
Her areas of expertise include early childhood education, kindergarten readiness, Science of Reading, oral language and literacy, writing, differentiation, effective instructional practices, MTSS, classroom management, positive behavior supports, executive functioning, mathematics, science, STEM, Project-Based Learning, paraeducator development, family engagement, and instructional leadership. Stephanie also provides practical training on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education, including applications for Special Education, instructional planning, assessment, communication, and educator productivity. She emphasizes professional judgment, student privacy, and thoughtful implementation.
Stephanie believes children learn best when they are engaged, supported, and experiencing success. She is the author of Year-Round Project-Based Activities for STEM and Science Through the Year. She holds a master’s degree in education focused on Curriculum and Instruction, an Administrative Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CLAD and CLASS certifications, and a Program Director Child Development Permit. Outside her consulting work, Stephanie enjoys time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, birdwatching, and playing with her dog, Grizzly.
Friday, January 29, 2027
Havre High School Library, Havre, MT
12:30 - 3:30 PM
Presented by Stephanie Lester
Empowering Special Education Professionals Through the Responsible Use of AI: From IEPs to Insights
“Learn how the responsible use of AI can reduce administrative workload, strengthen professional decision-making, and create more time to support students.”
Guiding Belief
Artificial Intelligence should enhance, not replace, the professional expertise, judgment, and relationships that are at the heart of Special Education. When used thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly, AI allows educators to spend less time managing paperwork and more time supporting students
Participants will:
1. Explain how the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence can enhance professional practice while maintaining educator expertise, ethical decision-making, and individualized student support.
2. Evaluate AI tools that responsibly support IEP development, progress monitoring, instructional planning, communication, and time management.
3. Write and refine effective prompts that generate accurate, efficient, and useful responses for common Special Education tasks.
4. Use AI to support differentiation, accommodations, modifications, and instructional planning.
5. Apply ethical, legal, and privacy considerations to ensure the responsible use of AI in Special Education.
6. Critically evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, compliance, appropriateness, and educational value. 7. Develop an implementation plan for responsibly integrating AI into daily Special Education workflows while maintaining professional judgment and individualized decision-making
The key components of the training are:
1. Introduction to the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Special Education
2. Understanding strengths, limitations, and responsible AI use
3. AI-supported IEP writing and goal development
4. Progress monitoring and student data analysis
5. Instructional planning, accommodations, and differentiation
6. Scheduling, organization, communication, and workflow management
7. Prompt writing for Special Education tasks.
8. Ethical, Legal, and Responsible AI Use (IDEA, FERPA, and Professional Judgment)
9. Hands-on AI exploration and guided practice
10. Reflection, implementation planning, and next steps
Presented by Stephanie Lester
Stephanie Lester brings over 40 years of experience in education as a preschool and elementary teacher, professional development presenter, author, Child Development college instructor, and educational leader. Her experience includes teaching a Project-Based Learning multiage K–1 program and serving as an Assistant Principal, Director of Early Childhood Education, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
As the owner of S.L. Lester Educational Consulting, LLC, Stephanie partners with schools, districts, Head Start programs, and educational agencies across Montana and nationwide. She provides customized professional learning, classroom modeling, individual and team coaching, observation and feedback, administrator support, and collaborative planning. Her consulting helps educators connect research to practice, use assessment data to guide instruction, develop implementation plans, and monitor progress through continuous improvement cycles.
Her areas of expertise include early childhood education, kindergarten readiness, Science of Reading, oral language and literacy, writing, differentiation, effective instructional practices, MTSS, classroom management, positive behavior supports, executive functioning, mathematics, science, STEM, Project-Based Learning, paraeducator development, family engagement, and instructional leadership. Stephanie also provides practical training on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education, including applications for Special Education, instructional planning, assessment, communication, and educator productivity. She emphasizes professional judgment, student privacy, and thoughtful implementation.
Stephanie believes children learn best when they are engaged, supported, and experiencing success. She is the author of Year-Round Project-Based Activities for STEM and Science Through the Year. She holds a master’s degree in education focused on Curriculum and Instruction, an Administrative Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CLAD and CLASS certifications, and a Program Director Child Development Permit. Outside her consulting work, Stephanie enjoys time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, birdwatching, and playing with her dog, Grizzly.
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