Presenters: Kelly Davis and Sandy Crawley, from Arkansas Behavioral Support Specialists

8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

Session Description TBD

Presenters: Julie Amstutz from DESE

8:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

Participants will revisit the essential components of writing clear, measurable, and meaningful IEP goals. Educators will learn how to develop goals that not only meet compliance requirements but also support real student growth. Participants will leave with practical strategies for aligning goals with identified needs and ensuring progress is both trackable and purposeful.

Presenter: Amanda Musick, from Arkansas Aware

9:40 A.M. - 10:40 A.M.

Based on the work of Kristin Souers and Pete Hall, this session will walk educators through what trauma-invested teachers do and how a trauma-invested classroom functions. Educators will develop a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on young children, how the impact can shape young people as they develop into adults, and how those impacts can impede a child’s ability to learn over the course of their development.

Presenter: Sally Stuart, APSRC

10:50 A.M. - 11:50 A.M.

This workshop will define characteristics of giftedness as well as provide strategies for designing lessons to meet the gifted learner’s needs.

Presenter: Sandra Doggett from APSRC

10:50 A.M. - 11:50 A.M.

This presentation covers how and when dyslexia can be documented in the IEP, including key components adn implementation strategies to support student learning.

Presenter: MaryAnn Caldwell, from Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

12:50 - 1:50 P.M.

This presentation highlights the vital role of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) in equipping high school students with disabilities for life beyond graduation. By focusing on individualized planning, career exploration, skill development, and access to essential support services, ARS helps bridge the gap between high school and the postsecondary world—whether that be college, vocational training, or employment. Attendees will gain insight into the programs, partnerships, and strategies that are transforming possibilities into realities for Arkansas youth, ensuring they are prepared, confident, and capable of achieving their goals.

Presenters: Carrie Acrey and Maria Touchstone from DESE

12:50 P.M. - 1:50 P.M.

In this session, we will explore the existing digital resources from the State Office of English for Speakers of Other Languages, including the DESE English Learner Website, State ESOL Guide, the Supporting Evidence Rubric, Language Instruction Education Program Codes, Arkansas ESOL Support Programs & Wrap-Around Services Google Sheet, etc.

Presenter: Aida Kuettle, ABICE Credentialed Interpreter

2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

In today’s diverse educational landscape, building meaningful connections with families is essential to student success. This session, led by ABICE-credentialed interpreter and ESOL coordinator Aida Kuettle, will empower educators with the tools to navigate language barriers, cultural nuances, and communication challenges commonly encountered when partnering with multilingual families.

This session will equip educators with practical strategies to improve communication with linguistically diverse families. Participants will gain insight into role clarity, ethical considerations, legal obligations under Title VI, and the differences between bilingual staff and trained interpreters. Educators will leave with tools to foster and support meaningful family engagement. Key topics include communication strategies, cultural competence, interpreter role definition, and how to promote ABICE training within school communities.

Presenters: Julie Amstutz from DESE

2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Participants will revisit the foundational components of writing effective Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements. Emphasizing both academic and functional performance, this session will highlight the critical role of the PLAAFP in telling each student’s unique story. Attendees will learn how to craft purposeful PLAAFPs that clearly identify strengths and needs, setting the stage for meaningful, individualized goals and objectives. Whether you're new to writing IEPs or looking to refine your practice, this session will reinforce the importance of letting the student’s current performance guide the path forward.

Presenter: Kelli Gordon, Director of Special Education at Conway Public Schools

9:40 A.M. - 10:40 A.M.

In this session, participants will explore effective scheduling practices that support inclusive education in both elementary and secondary school settings. We'll examine how to align special education services with general education instruction to promote access, participation, and progress for all students. Topics include collaborative planning, co-teaching, push-in vs. pull-out models, and maximizing instructional time while meeting IEP service minutes. Educators will learn practical tools and strategies for creating schedules that prioritize student needs, support staff collaboration, and foster a culture of inclusion.