2025 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference: Full Schedule

Draft Agenda- Titles and session descriptions are subject to change

7:00am CDT

Check-in and Breakfast June 25th

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

On the first day of the conference please check in by finding your name badge at the registration tables in the foyer outside the Eagle Ballrooms. Grab breakfast from the buffet, and proceed to find a seat in the Eagle Ballrooms for the general session.

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Breakfast

7:00am CDT

Internet Lower Level- Select Wireless Network: HYATT_Meeting Access Code: Leader2025

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Follow the instructions below to access the internet when you are in the Eagle Ballrooms, Trails, or Lower Gallery.

Network: Hyatt_Meeting
Access Code: Leader2025
Valid Until: 6/26/2025 at 11:59 pm
*After clicking the network, it will pop-up a slash page requesting the access code where there you will put Leader2025

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Eagle Ballrooms

7:00am CDT

Internet for Upper Level- Connect to KSDE2025 Enter Password: Leader2025

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Process for Logging into Pre-Paid Wi-Fi Account

From the device’s Wi-Fi settings, connect to "KSDE2025" Wireless
• Most devices will automatically display different internet options (this may take a
few minutes)(If internet options do not display automatically, open a web browser
and refresh the page)
• To enter user password, select Log In with Account
• Enter password: Leader2025
• You will be redirected to the internet at this time.

Wednesday June 25, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Redbud

8:00am CDT

Conference Opening Kickoff by KSDE SETS Leadership

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

8:30am CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Cypress AB

Visit the KSDE Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) Marketplace. Interact with TASN providers
and other partner agencies and learn what high-quality resources are offered for your district at no or
little cost.

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

9:00am CDT

A1. Six Actionable Steps to Improve Preschool Environments (Indicator 6)

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Redbud A

Join us to discuss lessons learned and actionable strategies to improve the delivery of early childhood special education services in the regular education setting. Participants will learn how to use the Indicator 6 Data Guide for Preschool Environments to understand their Indicator 6 data, and will discuss options for designing programs and supporting staff to improve in this area.

Speakers

Amanda Petersen

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Redbud A

Breakout Block A, Early Childhood

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education

9:00am CDT

A2. Identified for Improvement (CSI, TSI, ATS): What Supports Are Available?

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Redbud B

This session provides administrators with a clear understanding of the supports available at the district and school levels for schools identified under ESEA as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), or Additional Targeted Support (ATS). These required supports, outlined by KSDE, are delivered in partnership with the Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) Kansas Learning Network (KLN) project.

Speakers

Kacie Olson

Implementation Coach, Kansas Learning Network

Kacie Olson is an Implementation Coach for the Kansas Learning Network responsible for providing direct technical assistance to Comprehensive Support and Improvement Title I schools and districts in Kansas. Olson always knew she would be an educator and counselor because she loves... Read More →

Jessica Mossman

Implementation Coach, The Kansas Learning Network

The Kansas Learning Network provides supports to districts and schools who have been identified by the KSDE for support & improvement. Talk to us about:*Implementation Science *Continuous School Improvement *Data Literacy *Root Cause Analysis *Evidence-Based Practices *KansaStar

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Redbud B

Breakout Block A, Title Services/ ESEA Programs

Subject Title Services

9:00am CDT

A3. Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Basics: The In’s and Out’s of what MOE is

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Redbud C

This session will discuss the basic fundamental aspects of Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and the legal obligation of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to sustain the same level of funding for the education of students with disabilities from one fiscal year to another. This obligation can be difficult for LEAs to comply with. Therefore, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of MOE and the related financial reporting requirements.

Speakers

Dean Zajic

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block A, Special Education

Subject Special Education

9:00am CDT

A4. Secondary Transition: Introducing the new NTACT:C Predictors Post-School Success Tool

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Birch

In this session, we will summarize the findings of the most current research that has established the secondary in-school predictors of post-school success for students with disabilities. A predictor is defined as an in-school experience, typically a program (e.g., work-based learning) that is correlated with improved post-school outcomes. Presenters will discuss ways to use the Predictor Implementation Self-Assessment - a needs assessment tool for interdisciplinary and interagency program improvement - sharing examples from states and local communities. Finally, presenters will share new resources from the Center, focused on younger implementation of the predictors in practice and encourage audience interaction with the tools and resources presented.

Speakers

Valerie Leigh Mazzotti

Distinguished Professor of Special Education, University of Kansas, Kansas Center on Disabilities

Valerie L. Mazzotti, PhD is a Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor of Special Education in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Mazzotti is affiliated with the Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Dr. Mazzotti's research focuses on four areas... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Birch

Breakout Block A, Special Education

9:00am CDT

A5. Accelerating Students’ Reading: MTSS Structures and Literacy Gains

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Maple

Kansas MTSS and Alignment collaborates with districts to implement a framework and structures designed to increase student growth and achievement. Dedicated leaders and teachers across Kansas have put this framework and associated practices into place, achieving increased student growth and achievement. This session highlights the resulting reading growth and achievement for all students, but specifically students with disabilities. Kansas MTSS Project members will share framework structures, leadership qualities, and instructional practices that had the greatest impact on this student growth and achievement.

Speakers

Todd Wiedemann

Executive Director, Kansas MTSS and Alignment

Denise Brown

State Reading Trainer, Kansas MTSS and Alignment

Denise has been part of the Kansas MTSS state team for many years. A former general and special education teacher, working with elementary, secondary and college students, her passion is to place the practical application of what we know about literacy into the more than capable... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Maple

Breakout Block A, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education, Evidence Based Practices

10:00am CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Cypress AB

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

10:30am CDT

B1. Answering Seven Frequently Asked Questions for Early Childhood Outcomes (Indicator 7)

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Redbud A

Join us to understand the resources early childhood special education leaders can use to prepare staff members to complete Early Childhood Outcomes ratings. Discuss frequently asked questions, tips for using the Early Childhood Outcomes Part B Web System (OWS), and review the available reports that can improve the quality of data.

Speakers

Amanda Petersen

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Redbud A

Breakout Block B, Early Childhood

Subject Early Childhood

10:30am CDT

B2. Supporting At-Risk Students in Foster Care: Legal Responsibilities and Best Practices

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Redbud B

Administrators attending this session will learn about the legal rights and educational protections available to at-risk students in foster care. Attendees will gain an understanding of the rights and services guaranteed under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Attendees will gain practical guidance to ensure that these students receive consistent and equitable support across their school placements.

Speakers

Brian Dempsey

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Redbud B

Breakout Block B, Title Services/ ESEA Programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education

10:30am CDT

B3. Unlocking Potential: How AI Supports the Whole Child, Every Day

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Redbud C

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s a practical, powerful tool available today to support educators in meeting the diverse needs of all learners across preK–12 classrooms. In this solution-focused session, participants will explore how AI can be leveraged to support the whole child—academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. From generating differentiated lesson materials to enhancing family engagement, AI offers just-in-time support for educators working within Special Education, ESEA programs, and Early Childhood settings.

This presentation will highlight real-world applications of AI that enhance instructional planning, support IEP goal alignment, streamline documentation, and promote access to learning opportunities. Through demonstrations of current tools and practical examples, administrators and leadership teams will walk away with actionable ideas for how AI can enhance teacher effectiveness and student engagement without replacing the human connection at the heart of education. Join us to discover how AI can be a partner in your district’s commitment to inclusion, innovation, and whole-child development.

Speakers

Sean J. Smith

Professor, The University of Kansas

I am a Professor in the Department of Special Education here at the University of Kansas. I am the Past-President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and member of the Board for the National Down... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block B, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education, Evidence Based Practices

10:30am CDT

B4. Indicator 14: Getting to Better Outcomes for Kansas Students

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Birch

Join special education administrators from across the state to learn more about how they conduct Indicator 14 interviews. Administrators attending the session will learn what strategies other districts are using to help their students find success after high school.

Speakers

Andy Ewing

KSDE

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Birch

Breakout Block B, Special Education

Subject Special Education

10:30am CDT

B5. How to Manage MOE: Understanding the Calculations and Managing Exceptions

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Maple

This session will cover Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and provide effective strategies for managing exceptions and ongoing MOE calculations. This session will equip you with practical knowledge to ensure compliance while optimizing resource allocation. The session will include engaging discussions and interactive exercises to provide valuable insights into maintaining effort levels, handling exceptions, and conducting ongoing MOE calculations.

Speakers

Dean Zajic

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Maple

Breakout Block B, Special Education

Subject Special Education

11:30am CDT

Lunch Wednesday June 25th

Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Lunch is available for Everyone that is registered to attend. Please Proceed to the Buffett lines outside the Eagle ballrooms.

Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Lunch

12:30pm CDT

C1. From Strategy to Success: Innovative Hiring Resources and Forward-Thinking Leaders

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Redbud A

In today’s competitive education landscape, recruiting and retaining top talent is more important—and more challenging—than ever. This session is designed specifically for administrators who are ready to take their hiring strategies to the next level. Join us as we explore the innovative, easy-to-use recruitment tools available through EducateKansas.org, Kansas’s premier educator recruitment platform.

You’ll learn how to effectively post jobs, showcase your district, and access a growing network of qualified candidates. We’ll walk through features tailored to support your unique hiring needs, including customizable employer profiles, applicant tracking resources, and tips for increasing your visibility in the educator job market. This session will provide practical insights and walk-away tools to help you attract, engage, and hire the educators your students deserve.

Speakers

Cris Seidel

Director, Educate Kansas

Educate Kansas is a free recruitment service aimed at attracting highly qualified candidates to Kansas education jobs. Educate Kansas provides an innovative, user-friendly, universal recruitment and employment website that Kansas schools and universities can use to advertise job... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Redbud A

Breakout Block C

Subject Title Services, Special Education

12:30pm CDT

C2. Cultivate a School-Wide Culture of Attendance

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Redbud B

Creating a positive, proactive approach to chronic absenteeism engages families as well as students, educators, and the community. School leaders can promote this approach and lead staff in consistently sending the message that attendance matters. This workshop will highlight specific practices that help to reduce chronic absenteeism and establish a school-wide culture of attendance. Practical examples of best practices and resources will be shared with all participants to implement in their school/district.

Speakers

Tammy Huff

Project Coordinator, Kansas Parent Information Resource Center

All things equity, diversity, family engagement, and pre-service education in KansasDr. Tamara Huff is a Project Coordinator of the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) which promotes meaningful family engagement at all levels of education and provides information and... Read More →

Jane Groff

Ex. Director of Kansas Parent Information Resource Center, KSDE/TASN

Dr. Jane Groff has served as the Director of the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) for seventeen years. While supervising all KPIRC priorities, Dr. Groff provides professional development and technical assistance on family engagement in education to Kansas districts... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Redbud B

Breakout Block C, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education, Early Childhood

12:30pm CDT

C3. Empowering Education Through Assistive Technology: A Practical Guide for IEP Teams

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Redbud C

Assistive Technology (AT) is a powerful tool that enhances accessibility, engagement, and success for students with disabilities. The Kansas Assistive Technology Guide, developed by Kansas Infinitec TASN project in collaboration with KSDE, provides a structured framework for schools and IEP teams to implement AT services effectively, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive.

This session will address how administrators can provide AT services by
exploring the four outcomes of the legally mandated process of AT consideration. The Guide delivers a process of consideration that is usable and easy to understand by novice and experienced IEP team members.

The guide is envisioned as a starting point for developing an agency’s AT services to reflect best practices. Administrators will leave the session with applicable resources and plan of action.

Speakers

Melynda Kaifes

High Quality Instruction Trainer and Project Facilitator, KS Infinitec

Beth Zillinger

Kansas Infinitec Program Director, Infinitec UCP

Janet Peters

TASN Project Director, Kansas Infinitec

Building upon the successful collaboration between the Infinitec and Co-Teaching projects within TASN, the overarching goal of this project is to increase access to general education curriculum and environments for all learners through the collaborative integration of technology in... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block C, Special Education

Subject Special Education, Early Childhood

12:30pm CDT

C4. Understanding Indicator 4: The Math, The Basis, and Its Importance

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Birch

Have you found yourself wondering what Indicator 4, or significant discrepancy, is all about? Maybe you want to know more about how it’s calculated, how it differs from significant disproportionality, or what the implications and required actions are for districts. If so, this is the session for you! During the session, we will dig more deeply into the indicator and what it is measuring. This will include discussion related to long-term out-of-school disciplinary removals, how these removals translate to significant discrepancy, and the KSDE Indicator 4 process used for districts identified with significant discrepancy. The content will be beneficial for more novice district staff as well as seasoned administrators who are looking for a refresher on Indicator 4 and its associated requirements. Attendees will leave with an increased understanding of the indicator; why it is important; and how KSDE works with districts to both determine compliance with IDEA requirements and ensure that students with disabilities are appropriately served.

Speakers

Steve Backman

Brian Dempsey

Wednesday June 25, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Birch

Breakout Block C, Special Education

Subject Special Education

1:30pm CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Cypress AB

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

2:00pm CDT

D1. Alignment of ESEA and IDEA

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Redbud A

Speakers

Dean Zajic

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Redbud A

Breakout Block D

Subject Title Services, Special Education

2:00pm CDT

D2. Virtual Special Education in Kansas

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Redbud B

Virtual learning platforms are an area that is growing at an exponential pace for school districts across Kansas. With Covid 19 behind us, virtual and online learning as an education option remains. How does this impact students with disabilities and what responsibility does this mean for a school district?
Dr. Crista Grimwood is an Education Program Consultant and the Dispute Resolution Coordinator at KSDE. With over two decades in public education, Dr. Grimwood has taught students across all grade levels, from first grade to high school seniors receiving special education services. Her extensive experience provides her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within special education. At KSDE, she plays a pivotal role in facilitating effective communication and resolution between families and schools, ensuring that students' rights and needs are at the forefront of educational practices
Joining her is Brian Dempsey, Assistant Director of Special Education and Title Services at KSDE. Brian brings a strong background in law and policy to his role, as an attorney within the department. His expertise is instrumental in guiding the development and implementation of policies that support students with disabilities across the state. Brian's commitment to equity and compliance ensures that Kansas schools uphold the highest standards in special education services.
Together, Dr. Grimwood and Mr. Dempsey will delve into the evolving landscape of virtual special education, offering insights into best practices, policy considerations, and strategies to effectively support students in online learning environments.

Speakers

Brian Dempsey

Dr. Crista Grimwood

Dispute Resolution Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education

Virtual Schools Power Point Final accessible pdf

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Redbud B

Breakout Block D

Subject Special Education

2:00pm CDT

D3. The Impact of Structure: How to Reduce Challenging Behaviors, Empower Staff, and Improve School Culture

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Redbud C

In this overview session, participants will learn how elements of structure can impact student outcomes and improve staff job satisfaction. Data from a Kansas school will be presented and learning opportunities that will be available during the ’25-’26 school year for more in-depth information on the impact of structure will be shared.

Speakers

Lisa Holt

State Trainer, TASN-ATBS

Lindy McDaniel

Asst. Special Education Director, USD 489- WCKSEC

Lindy McDaniel currently serves as WCKSEC's assistant special education director. Lindy McDaniel has been in education for over 15 years, serving as a general educator, special educator, coach, and consultant. She currently serves as WCKSEC's assistant special education director... Read More →

Karine Gleason

State Trainer, TASN Autism & Tertiary Behavior Supports

Lee Stickle

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block D, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education, Early Childhood

2:00pm CDT

D4. KIAS 101: Understanding General Supervision

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Birch

This session provides a foundational overview of the Kansas Integrated Accountability System (KIAS) supporting the state’s general supervision responsibilities. We’ll unpack the concept of general supervision—not just as a compliance requirement, but as an active, data-informed system that supports improved outcomes for all students. Participants will learn how KIAS as a whole operates in the areas of LEA and district accountability, continuous improvement, and state-level oversight. Whether you're new to KIAS or need a refresher, this session will help you clarify the big picture, strengthen your understanding of KIAS, and make the connection between your work and the work of the state.

Speakers

Melissa Valenza

Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Birch

Breakout Block D, Special Education

Subject Title Services, Special Education

2:00pm CDT

D5. Use of Title I Set-Asides: Meeting McKinney-Vento Requirements and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Maple

With the completion of the American Rescue Plan – Homeless Children and Youth Funds (ARP-HCY), ensuring the Title I set aside is sufficient to serve students experiencing homelessness is more important than ever. In this session we will review the requirements of the Set Aside Title I funds for students experiencing homelessness, the allowable uses of these funds, when to use the set aside, and discuss the importance of including the McKinney Vento liaison when calculating the set aside amount. To stress the relevance of the Title I set aside, we will briefly review the definition of homelessness as stated in the McKinney Vento Act and the McKinney Vento statewide data.

Speakers

Maureen Tabasko

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Maple

Breakout Block D, Title Services/ ESEA Programs

Subject Title Services

3:00pm CDT

Break- Transition to General Session

Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

3:15pm CDT

Legal Updates- General Session

Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Mark and Brian will discuss some of the most important court decisions, formal complaint decisions, and federal guidance that occurred during the last year. They will also review selected "Questions and Answers" that Special Education and Title Services issued last year.

Speakers

Mark Ward

Brian Dempsey

Wednesday June 25, 2025 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

4:30pm CDT

Conference Day 1 Adjourn

Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

TBA

Conference Day 1 Adjourns, if you are not staying at the Hyatt, the parking garage gates will be open for you to exit. Remember Breakfast starts at 7am tomorrow, and sessions will start at 8am.

Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
TBA

7:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Grab breakfast from the buffet, and proceed to find a seat in the Eagle Ballrooms for the general session.

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Breakfast

7:00am CDT

Internet Lower Level- Select Wireless Network: HYATT_Meeting Access Code: Leader2025

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Follow the instructions below to access the internet when you are in the Eagle Ballrooms, Trails, or Lower Gallery.

Network: Hyatt_Meeting
Access Code: Leader2025
Valid Until: 6/27/2024 at 11:59 pm
*After clicking the network, it will pop-up a slash page requesting the access code where there you will put in the access code: Leader2025

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Eagle Ballrooms

7:00am CDT

Internet for Upper Level- KSDE2025 Click arrow next to "Have a Conference Code",, Enter Password: Leader2025

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Process for Logging into Pre-Paid Wi-Fi Account

From device’s Wi-Fi settings connect to "KSDE2025" Wireless
• Most devices will automatically display different internet options (this may take a
few minutes)(If internet options do not display automatically, open a web browser
and refresh the page)
• To enter user password, select Log In with Account
• Enter password: Leader2025
• You will be redirected to the internet at this time.

Thursday June 26, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Redbud

8:00am CDT

High-Quality Instructional Materials

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Speakers

Cory Epler

Partner, TNTP

Caitlin Sharp

TNTP

Michael Franco

TNTP

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

9:30am CDT

Break- Transition to Breakout Sessions

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CDT

TBA

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am CDT
TBA

9:45am CDT

E1. Keep the Flow: 12 Moves to Smooth Transitions from Part C to Part B

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Redbud A

Representatives from KDHE and KSDE will share the requirements and best practices for ensuring that families experience smooth and effective transitions. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the requirements of Part C services, transition conferences, and Part B services. Bring your specific questions and clarifications will be provided.

Speakers

Stacy Clarke

Education Coordinator, Kansas State Dept. of Education

Amanda Petersen

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbud A

Breakout Block E, Early Childhood

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education

9:45am CDT

E2. Equitable Services in Action: Navigating Proportionate Share and Services for Private School Students with Disabilities

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Redbud B

Local Education Agencies (LEAs) play a critical role in ensuring students with disabilities in private schools receive equitable services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This session will provide administrators with a comprehensive overview of their legal and procedural obligations related to child find, consultation, proportionate share funding, and service provision for parentally placed private school students.

Speakers

Brian Dempsey

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbud B

Breakout Block E

Subject Special Education

9:45am CDT

E3. Developing Capacity for Inclusive, Effective Instructional Practices

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Redbud C

Inclusive education thrives when strong leadership fosters a culture of equity, high expectations, and continuous support. This session will equip administrators and educational leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to build capacity for effective and inclusive instructional practices.

Through an exploration of three key factors—establishing a clear vision and commitment to inclusion, implementing systematic professional development, and leveraging technology to enhance instruction—participants will assess their current systems to identify barriers and opportunities for improvement.

Guided by insights from the TASN High-Quality Instruction within Inclusive Learning Environments project, as well as real-world perspectives from administrators across the state, this session will provide actionable strategies for strengthening inclusive practices. Participants will engage in self-assessment and reflection, leaving with a prioritized action plan and access to resources that support meaningful inclusion, co-teaching, Universal Design for Learning, and assistive technology integration.

By the end of the session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to drive systemic change and create learning environments where all students can succeed.

Speakers

Shonda Anderson

Lead State Trainer and Coaching Coordinator, Kansas TASN Co-Teaching Project , Infinitec, UCP-Seguin

We are currently in our 13th year of the TASN Co-Teaching Project. I would love to talk to you about how co-teaching and collaboration positively impacts instruction and student success. I also love to share stories about differentiating to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Mary Kate Berryman

UDL Coach, Kansas Infinitec

Mary Kate Berryman is a UDL Coach for the High Quality Instruction within Inclusive Learning Environments project. With a background in elementary education, Mary Kate brings energy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to her work with educators. She is passionate about supporting... Read More →

Crystal May

UDL Project Lead, Kansas Infinitec

Leading the UDL Project for the High Quality Instruction within Inclusive Learning Environments initiative at Kansas Infinitec and TASN, Crystal brings over 25 years of educational experience to her role. She empowers educators across the state to utilize the Universal Design for... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block E, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Title Services, Special Education, Early Childhood

9:45am CDT

E4. Aligning for Impact: A PK-12 Behavior Continuum that Supports Every Student

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Birch

This session outlines how one district took bold steps to reframe student discipline by implementing a PK–12 behavior continuum rooted in proactive, inclusive practices. The presenter will share their district's journey—from data analysis and staff listening sessions to building in-house supports and adopting a district methodology for behavior management. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies to reduce exclusionary discipline, increase instructional time, and build a sustainable behavior framework. Learn how strategic planning and cross-departmental collaboration led to measurable success and culture shifts across the district.

Speakers