Have you ever wondered why some classroom tools are easily approved while others are not? We will dive into the WDE401 guidance—Wyoming’s primary mechanism for special education reimbursement—and the federal IDEA Part B grant. We’ll move beyond the "it’s just a rule" explanation to explore the core principles of Excess Cost and Direct Relation to the IEP, empowering you to advocate for the resources your students truly need.
In special education law, few topics generate as many questions as discipline and student behavior. This session will propose a “user-friendly” method for understanding the rules of disciplinary removals under IDEA, both short-term and long-term, as well as potential exceptions for in-school suspension and the treatment of special offenses, such as drugs and weapons. In addition, the session will address alternatives to home suspension and the do’s and don’ts of manifestation determination reviews (MDRs), including a workable MDR process, helpful and not helpful questions, and problems that can arise in situations of failure to implement IEP behavioral interventions.
In special education law, few topics generate as many questions as discipline and student behavior. This session will propose a “user-friendly” method for understanding the rules of disciplinary removals under IDEA, both short-term and long-term, as well as potential exceptions for in-school suspension and the treatment of special offenses, such as drugs and weapons. In addition, the session will address alternatives to home suspension and the do’s and don’ts of manifestation determination reviews (MDRs), including a workable MDR process, helpful and not helpful questions, and problems that can arise in situations of failure to implement IEP behavioral interventions.
Ensuring equality in education goes beyond the classroom—it starts with protecting the fundamental rights and privacy of our most vulnerable learners. This presentation dives into the essential roles of special education procedural safeguards and confidentiality, framing them not just as "legal checkboxes," but as the backbone of professional integrity and family trust. We will demystify the core requirements of IDEA and FERPA, providing practical insights to help you navigate the delicate balance between data sharing and privacy protection. By mastering these protections, you’ll be empowered to safeguard your students’ futures while maintaining a secure, compliant, and collaborative educational environment.
"In Wyoming, many educators are teaching under exception authorization licenses to meet workforce needs and support students in special education. While these educators are dedicated and knowledgeable, they often begin their roles with a limited special education background and a need for ongoing support and community.
This session introduces Project ECHO, a professional learning model designed to build educator capacity, confidence, and practical skills through brief targeted instruction and collaborative case discussions within a supportive community of practice. The ECHO model allows educators to learn from experts and peers through an “all-teach, all learn” approach.
Participants of this workshop will experience the ECHO session structure, including a presentation on the ECHO model followed by a case discussion focused on supporting teachers on exception authorization. Following these collaborative conversations, participants will learn how they can use ECHO for mentorship and support for new educators in their own districts. "
This interactive session provides teachers and administrators with practical strategies for understanding, preventing, and responding to challenging student behaviors. Participants will explore proactive classroom management techniques, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative approaches to maintain a positive learning environment while supporting all students’ growth in the school environment. Real-world scenarios and actionable tools will empower educators to respond effectively and consistently to behavioral challenges.
"Did you know that millions of students struggle to access the same learning opportunities as their peers—not because they can’t learn, but because they don’t have the right tools? Assistive technology changes that story every day. Imagine you’re in a classroom where the words on the board are blurry, the teacher is speaking too fast to process, and writing even a single sentence feels frustrating. Now imagine having a simple tool that suddenly makes everything clearer, easier, and possible. That’s the power of assistive technology."
This interactive session provides teachers and administrators with practical strategies for understanding, preventing, and responding to challenging student behaviors. Participants will explore proactive classroom management techniques, evidence-based interventions, and collaborative approaches to maintain a positive learning environment while supporting all students’ growth in the school environment. Real-world scenarios and actionable tools will empower educators to respond effectively and consistently to behavioral challenges.
