8:30-9:15 am
General Session: Welcome!
Dr. Jeff Adams, Director of Special Programs
Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Horner Hall
9:15-10:30 am
Keynote: David Hodgins
Part I: Administrators and the IEP Process
Horner Hall
Embedded Files
10:30-10:45 am Break: Exhibits Open
10:45-11:45 am Breakout Sessions
10:45-11:45 am Breakout Sessions
Educational Stability: Meeting the Needs of Homeless Youth
Room 201-202
Description: This presentation gives conference attendees an inside look at Arkansas schools’ liaisons’ efforts to create educational stability for homeless children and youth. Arkansas districts work hard to identify students experiencing homelessness and use multiple funding sources, community-based resources, cross-collaborations, and other school partnerships to provide supplemental services to identified youth.
Presenter: David Terrell
Constructing Success in Early Childhood: Surveying Part C to Part B Transitions through Data
Room 203-204
Description: This session examines how data-driven systems support successful transitions from IDEA Part C to Part B 619. Participants will review the intra-agency agreement, clarify program responsibilities, and analyze FFY2024 APR data from both programs. Through discussion, attendees will identify root causes for unmet targets and explore practical strategies to improve procedures and data practices, strengthening transition outcomes for young children and families.
Presenter: Amber Graham and Melissa McLendon
A Walkthrough of Dispute Resolution Trends
Room 207
Description: This session examines dispute resolution trends and how to look at topics in special education through a deeper lens than just compliance.
Presenter: Rick Porter and Sarah Simpson
Unlocking the Door to Learning: Accessing HQIM with Assistive Technology
Room 208
Description: Discover how HQIM and assistive technology can work together to support meaningful access for all learners. This session highlights practical ways to design learning experiences that remove barriers, increase access, and promote active participation in grade-level content. Participants will also learn how to access and utilize the AT4ALL-ARTASC assistive technology loan program to explore tools that support student success.
Presenter: Dr. Amy Goddard, Charity Avery, and Evan Beavers
Designing the Future: Youth Voices Shaping Pathways to Success
Room 209
Description: This engaging youth panel from across Arkansas will share their experiences with career exploration, employment, postsecondary planning, leadership opportunities, and self-advocacy. Panelists include members of the Arkansas Advisory Council for Special Education, students who have served on Arkansas career councils, and current high school students. Through their stories and insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, supports, and opportunities that helped shape their path to success.
Presenter: Bonnie Boaz and Youth Panel
11:45 am-1:15 pm Lunch
Lunch on Tuesday will be on your own. Food trucks are also located directly across the street from the Hotel Hot springs.
A variety of restaurants are within walking distance of the Convention Center.
1:15-2:15 pm Breakout Sessions
1:15-2:15 pm Breakout Sessions
Solid Structure, Strong Services: An Overview of Medicaid Billing Updates & Best Practices
Room 201-202
Description: This session will equip LEAs with a comprehensive framework for implementing updated Arkansas Medicaid billing requirements. Presenters will share best practices for aligning service delivery with educational needs, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring compliance with fiscal and programmatic requirements. Participants will gain strategies to support students with disabilities through educationally relevant services while maintaining sound financial oversight and fiduciary responsibility.
Presenter: Josh Hart and Dana Bennett
Building Accessible Pathways: Arkansas CTE as a Blueprint for Opportunity
Room 203-204
Description: Educators and administrators across Arkansas are working to ensure that every learner, especially those with disabilities, can access meaningful, high‑quality career pathways that lead to independence, purpose, and the three E's (Enrollment, Employment, or Enlistment). This session explores how Arkansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) is evolving to meet that charge through intentional design, statewide supports, and partnerships that remove barriers and expand opportunity.
Attendees will leave with a better understanding of CTE and actionable tools to help districts build and sustain accessible pathways, from early exposure in middle grades to credential attainment and post‑secondary transition, ensuring that Arkansas learners graduate ready for college, career, and community engagement.
Presenter: Adam Musto
Presentation Slides TBA
Opening Doors: Evidence-Based Practices for Supporting Students with Autism from Preschool to Post-Secondary
Room 207
Description: Supporting students with autism requires more than responding to challenging behaviors. It requires a proactive blueprint for building communication, connection, independence, and self-regulation. Whether you are supporting a preschooler learning classroom routines or a school-age student building independence and social competence, this session will provide evidence-based behavior practices to help students reach their full potential. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and resources that can be immediately implemented across a variety of educational settings to create meaningful opportunities for student success.
Presenter: Dr. Sheila Smith and Melissa McLendon
Constructing Effective Specially Designed Instruction
Room 208
Description: Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is the foundation for ensuring students with disabilities have access to meaningful educational opportunities and make progress toward ambitious goals. This session will explore the essential components of high-quality SDI, including alignment to student needs, individualized planning, implementation, and documentation. Participants will examine practical strategies for developing and delivering SDI that connects IEP services to improved student outcomes while ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements.
Presenter: Becky Bell, Dr. Deborah Grimmett, and Chelsey Moore
Why a Blueprint Matters: Moving from the Plan to Practice
Room 209
Description: Panel of LEAs will discuss their monitoring experiences.
Presenter: Yvonne Greene, Natalee McGill, Pam Turner, Tammi Jenkins, and Andee Ingram
2:15-2:30 pm Break: Exhibits Open
Afternoon Snack
2:15-2:30 pm Break: Exhibits Open
Afternoon Snack
2:30-4:00 pm Sessions
2:30-4:00 pm Sessions
Keynote: David Hodgins
Part II: Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Horner Hall
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