Discover how free AI tools can revolutionize K-12 education by giving educators more time with students and enabling individualized instruction. This session explores practical applications of AI to enhance teaching efficiency and student engagement, addressing ethical considerations and providing resources for effective implementation. The session is based on extensive research and practical experience in AI integration in education, including projects like Magic School AI, Diffit, BriskAI. iKNOW, and Boodlebot. It highlights AI tools' benefits while addressing privacy, bias, and misinformation concerns. The presentation draws on insights from over 15 peer-reviewed publications and numerous presentations on innovative technology in education. Come see how AI tools can streamline administrative tasks and engage students in personalized instruction, allowing educators to focus more on meaningful interactions with their students.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will explore free AI tools that enhance teaching efficiency and student engagement.
- Participants will effectively implement three free AI tools to individualize instruction for their students and support diverse learning needs.
- Participants will accurately identify and understand the reasons behind the ethical considerations of AI use in the classroom.
Empowering individuals with disabilities, including those with neurodiversity such as autism, ADHD, and TBI, to succeed in post-secondary transitions requires intentional implementation of assistive technology (AT) supports. This presentation will explore how a curated digital toolbox can set students up for success in vocational rehabilitation and higher education. Participants will gain practical strategies for assessing individual needs, selecting appropriate AT tools, and fostering digital literacy. Evidence-based practices will highlight how AT solutions, including built-in accessibility features, text-to-speech, organizational apps, and productivity software, promote independence and improve outcomes. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles will be integrated to demonstrate how AT can benefit a wide range of learners. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to create personalized digital toolboxes that bridge the gap between secondary education.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify the role of assistive technology in supporting executive functioning, literacy, and productivity for post-secondary transitions.
- Apply the SETT framework to assess individual technology needs and select appropriate AT solutions
- Explore evidence-based digital tools, including built-in accessibility features, and strategies for fostering independence in vocational and academic settings.
Resource room teachers wear many hats, acting as educators, problem-solvers, and support systems for students and staff alike. This session will explore best practices for managing the diverse responsibilities of a resource teacher, including scheduling, small and large group instruction, social skills development, teacher collaboration, assistive technology support, behavior plan implementation, and crisis response. Creativity is the key to balancing it all, and technology plays a crucial role in making it possible. From digital tools to innovative strategies, resource teachers can leverage technology to streamline tasks and enhance student learning. Join us to discuss how creativity and tech-savvy solutions make the resource room a hub of support and success for all.
Learning Outcomes
- Leverage Technology for Efficiency and Accessibility – Attendees will explore how technology can streamline scheduling, data collection, and instructional delivery, making resource room responsibilities more manageable and effective.
- Foster Creativity in Problem-Solving – Educators will develop innovative strategies to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the resource room, ensuring flexibility in teaching, collaboration, and student support.
- Enhance Collaboration with General Education Teachers – Participants will gain strategies to effectively support classroom teachers through accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology integration, fostering inclusive education.
- Learning Outcome 4
Develop Proactive Behavior Support Strategies – Educators will leave with tools to create and implement individualized behavior plans that promote student success and a positive learning environment.
Our thought patterns shape our perceptions and language, affecting our students' experiences. Phrases like “This is going to be hard” or “This intersection is complicated” can negatively impact student confidence and outcomes. Research shows that fostering positive thoughts can transform one’s reality. Join us to explore how our language may unintentionally contribute to negative outcomes and discover strategies to modify our messaging to promote better outcomes for our students. Together, we can create a supportive learning environment that enhances student success.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding Positive Mindset Teaching: Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how adopting a positive mindset in teaching can benefit student learning and overall outcomes.
- Real-Life Benefits: Participants will explore real-life examples and case studies that illustrate how positive mindset teaching has effectively improved student performance and confidence.
- Implementation Strategies: Participants will acquire actionable strategies to implement positive mindset teaching techniques in their own classrooms, fostering an encouraging and supportive learning environment.
In July 2024 the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) published the Universal Design for Learning (UDL Guidelines 3.0. The guidelines off a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities. Join us for an interactive, engaging learning experience as we discuss the new guidelines from the perspective of a UDL/Inclusive Instruction Specialist and Assistive Technology Specialist. Learn how these new guidelines impact students with disabilities and pave the way for accessibility of use of AT in schools.
Learning Outcomes
- Define Universal Design for Learning as it relates to optimizing access to Accessible Educational Materials and Assistive Technology.
- Learn how to support learners with disabilities utilizing the UDL Guidelines 3.0.
- Discuss how AT and accessible technology can remove barriers and support learners
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with Assistive Technology (AT) Specialists from the Arizona Department of Education and The ADAPT Shop, designed for parents/caregivers, early childhood educators, early intervention specialists, related service providers, and AT specialists. We’ll explore how early AT devices and services can provide children with disabilities the chance to learn and grow in important ways. You’ll learn why these opportunities matter, when to ask for support, and how to access AT that can help young children develop.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a digital toolkit filled with resources to help advocate for AT. Plus, we will spend time exploring some AT devices from the AzTAP/ADE loan libraries and customized AT devices available from The ADAPT Shop.
Learning Outcomes
- Discover how Assistive Technology can boost children’s cognitive, social, and physical development.
- Learn effective ways to advocate for and request Assistive Technology for young children.
- Find out about Assistive Technology equipment available from AzTAP/ADE Loan Libraries and The ADAPT Shop.
The majority of literature on best practices in schools focuses on preschool and school-age children. Practice guidance for students receiving services at the high school level is minimal, as are providers who feel confident providing these services. Students’ needs change in high school; their disabilities don’t. This talk will discuss innovative service delivery models for high schoolers. What do they need? How can we make it relevant? How can we motivate them to engage in services? We will discuss applicable service models and the gen-ed/special ed collaboration that will support students working toward high school graduation and prepare them for post-secondary transition. Examining the logistics of working within the IEP, educators will learn how to champion our secondary students when they need us most.
Learning Outcomes
- Learners will be able to: Describe 2 innovative models of scheduling special education services that support graduation & post-secondary transition
- Learners will be able to: Define "linguistic accessibility" and explain how to construct test questions that are easier for all students to comprehend.
- Learners will be able to: Describe "vocational communication " and how to facilitate development of these skills at school
- The presenter comes from the background of providing speech-language services in schools; however, the concepts and innovative solutions can be applied to other disciplines, including special education providers. The content regarding "Linguistic Accessibility" applies to all students in the classroom, regardless of IEP status. Students with learning disabilities, language impairment, and multilingual learners will specifically benefit, but reducing the cognitive load of test questions will help all students be more successful. This model can be included in school-wide UDI programs.
Learners arrive in classrooms with a wide range of knowledge, skills, and interests. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a proactive approach to planning instruction to ensure learners’ knowledge, skills, and interests are leveraged to elevate learning for the whole classroom community. The implementation of UDL is founded in the UDL Guidelines, which provides connection to instructional strategies aligned with the UDL principles. The UDL design cycle is a process that helps guide teachers in implementing the UDL Guidelines to best meet the needs of learners while capitalizing on the variability found in a group of learners. In this presentation, participants will have the opportunity to apply the UDL design cycle to their own context and consider how UDL might support a variety of learners.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to describe learner variability and how it impacts instructional design.
- Participants will be able to use the UDL design cycle to design instructional plans that anticipate and support learner variability.
Early transition planning is key to ensuring a smooth and successful journey for students as they move from school to adulthood. By starting earlier, IEP teams can identify and address potential challenges, include practical outside agency support, set clear goals, and provide the necessary opportunities for students to explore postsecondary options and thrive.
Join us for an insightful session packed with valuable resources to help you navigate Arizona’s requirements for Secondary Transition Planning. Discover effective practices that foster strong youth self-determination while empowering your team to create more impactful transition plans. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and make a difference for Arizona students!
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Importance of Early Transition Planning: Learn why starting transition planning early is crucial for student success.
- Navigate Arizona’s Requirements: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the state’s requirements for Secondary Transition Planning.
- Identify and Address Potential Challenges: Explore strategies to identify and mitigate challenges that students may face during their transition.
- This session is designed to equip educators, administrators, and families with the knowledge and tools needed to create robust and effective transition plans. By attending, participants will enhance their skills, gain valuable insights, and be better prepared to support students in their journey from school to adulthood.
- Set Clear Goals: Learn how to set achievable and meaningful goals for students’ postsecondary success.
- Provide Necessary Support: Discover resources and practices that support students in exploring postsecondary options and thriving in their chosen paths.
Join us for an interactive showcase where Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), assistive technology (AT), and accessible technology harmonize to support students. Discover the unique characteristics and collaborative power of AEM, AT, and accessible technology, explore real-life examples, and gain tips and resources for implementation. Engage in lively discussions, reflect on your practices, and share experiences with peers. By the end of this session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how these elements create inclusive learning environments, ensuring every student can participate in their own learning!
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will identify what AEM, AT, and accessible technology are
- Participants will observe 2 different examples of how AEM, AT, and accessible technology work together.
- Participants will discuss one or more ways AEM, AT, and accessible technology are being utilized in their current environment.
