This session is designed for superintendents, principals, directors, and instructional leaders to build a shared understanding of what has changed in the revised standards, why these changes matter, and how they impact teaching and learning across classrooms. Participants will explore what's new, key shifts, and practices. This session will highlight the addition of new domains and an increased emphasis on student agency and decision-making. Through a balance of direct input, leaders will identify, analyze, and collaborate around the guiding documents created around Phase 1 of implementation. This session is designed as an awareness session providing leaders with the clarity and direction needed to guide buildings around the initial awareness of the revisions.
Participants can expect to walk away with a better understanding of the current special education dispute resolution process in Washington, with a focus on practical tips and considerations on how to avoid, and if necessary, prepare for such a dispute.
When students struggle behaviorally, socially, or emotionally, schools often focus on changing the student, changing the placement, or searching for the next intervention. Yet lasting change happens when leaders build systems that support both students and staff before intensive interventions are needed. This session explores how building and district leaders can create effective tiered systems of support that strengthen staff capacity, promote belonging, and improve outcomes for all learners. Participants will examine the connections between behavior, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, inclusion, and special education through a systems-focused lens. Through practical reflection and planning, leaders will identify ways to strengthen Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports, improve individualized decision-making, and create sustainable structures that support both students and adults. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to assess their current systems and develop next steps for improvement. The guiding philosophy is simple: aim for excellence, and compliance is thrown in for free.
Special education leadership is becoming increasingly complex. Legal requirements, staffing shortages, student needs, and system pressures can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed. While compliance remains essential, it cannot be the ultimate goal.
Drawing from 36 years of experience in special education, this session explores how leaders can move beyond survival toward building systems that support students, staff, and themselves. Participants will reflect on the realities of leadership today, reconnect with the purpose of the work, and leave with practical tools for sustaining excellence and hope in challenging systems
