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Thursday, September 3
 

TBA

SPED Regional Meetings -
Thursday September 3, 2026 TBA

Thursday September 3, 2026 TBA
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

7:00am MDT

Registration Check-in
Thursday September 3, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Registration check-in tables will be located in the main hallway.
Thursday September 3, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Main Hall Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

Gifted Education Plenary - From Understanding to Action: The ALP Roadmap for the Year Ahead
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers
PF

Paul Foster, Ph.D.

Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Salon A and B Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

Special Education Plenary - State of the State
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
We begin the Fall 2026 Directors’ meeting with celebrations and successes across the state, as well as areas for continued improvement. Additionally, we will share Federal and State level impacts on Special Education.
Speakers
PF

Paul Foster, Ph.D.

Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 8:00am - 9:10am MDT
Salon C and D Denver Marriott Westminster

9:10am MDT

Break
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:10am - 9:30am MDT
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:10am - 9:30am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

From Striving to Thriving: A Districtwide Model for Adolescent Literacy Success
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores how a Colorado school district is addressing adolescent literacy gaps through an innovative model of credit-bearing structured literacy courses for middle and high school students. Presenters will outline the program's development, including teacher training, student placement processes, and implementation strategies. Buidling on a similar session presented at last year's...
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Speakers
LN

Lynni Nordheim

Dyslexia Specialist, Douglas County School District
avatar for Liza Meier

Liza Meier

Executive Director, Douglas County School District
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Strengthening Comprehensive and Defensible Evaluation Practices Across Colorado
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will highlight common questions, areas of need, and recurring concerns Colorado teams are experiencing related to special education evaluations, eligibility determination, and educational impact. Participants will explore practical strategies for strengthening multidisciplinary evaluation practices, improving evaluation consistency across teams, and supporting legally defensible...
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Speakers
avatar for Krista Klabo

Krista Klabo

School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Krista Klabo, Ed.S. NCSP is the School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist at the Colorado Department of Education in the Exceptional Student Services Unit. She has a Masters of Science (M.S.) degree in Special Education: Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities... Read More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch A

9:30am MDT

Achievable Learning Progress: How to Strengthen the ALP (Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board)
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This presentation will focus on improving the ALP experience through student involvement, collaboration, and connection between the ALP and ICAP. Students from the Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board will focus directly on how we can make this experience better for students and why it's important to do so.
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff A

9:30am MDT

Suicide Prevention Among Youth Identified as Gifted/Highly Gifted and Talented
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores myths and facts associated with risk factors and warnings signs of suicide risk among youth identified as gifted and highly gifted and talented. Information learned is intended to inform development and implementation of Advanced Learning Plans.
Speakers
JL

Jane Lineman

Denver Public Schools
JB

Joanna Barker

Denver Public Schools
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

What an ALP is and What it is not?
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This workshop (carried over from the spring) supports the development of clear, shared language that can guide mindset, policy, and practice across districts. We will build shared understanding of Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) as student‑centered, possibility‑focused tools that drive meaningful growth and equity — not paperwork or placement artifacts
Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Abbreviated School Day (HB24-1063) Annual Training
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session provides annual training on House Bill 24-1063 requirements related to Abbreviated School Day and Abbreviated School Day Schedules. Participants will examine policy and monitoring expectations, analyze current AU reporting data, and strengthen understanding of how abbreviated schedules affect Colorado’s compliance with IDEA and Section 504. The presentation will equip attendees with...
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Speakers
avatar for Amber Pryor

Amber Pryor

GSM Special Education Compliance Monitor & Technical Assistance Consultant, Colorado Department of Education
TA

Teresa Ashton

Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Leadership Strand: Burnout and Resilience in Leadership
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session starts with an honest question: what brought you to this work, and is it still feeding you? Exhaustion and burnout is an ongoing threat to retaining passionate, experienced leaders: this session explores research on resiliency, leadership development, and collaborative action to support participants in identifying what's depleting them, find what gives them energy, and build a...
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Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

How to Navigate External Forces and Influences During IEP Meetings
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Today’s IEP meeting participants have access to more information, resources, and recommendations than ever before. Social media, AI, and outside influencers are readily available and full of ideas. When team members are operating from different sources of data/expectations, collaboration and consensus building can be challenging. This session focuses on providing special education administrators...
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Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

10:45am MDT

Break
Thursday September 3, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Thursday September 3, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Building an Implementable Continuum of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Supports: Leadership Strategies
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Learn practical leadership strategies for building an implementable continuum of social, emotional, and behavioral supports. This session explores role clarity, protected staff capacity, coaching, data-based decision making, and system barriers that impact implementation. Participants will leave with strategies for strengthening and sustaining supports across schools and districts.
Speakers
avatar for Krista Klabo

Krista Klabo

School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Krista Klabo, Ed.S. NCSP is the School Psychology and Special Education Evaluation Specialist at the Colorado Department of Education in the Exceptional Student Services Unit. She has a Masters of Science (M.S.) degree in Special Education: Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities... Read More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch A

11:00am MDT

Updates on Everything Alternate: Extended Evidence Outcomes, COAlt, Alternate Access
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will provide updated guidelines for participation and instruction on the Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEO), the COAlt, and the WIDA Alternate Access assessment. It will also highlight resources and strategies to support students with the most significant cognitive disabilities through standards-based instruction and meaningful participation in assessment. We will also introduce DLM's...
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Speakers
avatar for Gina Herrera

Gina Herrera

Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Hunter Smith

Hunter Smith

Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Hunter Smith, Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, CDE Hunter Smith was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He began his teaching career as a bilingual teacher in the primary grades in Denver Public Schools. Subsequently, he became a special educator for... Read More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

5-Year Continuous Improvement Cycle
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Colorado school districts participate in a Gifted Education Monitoring (GEM) visit every five years and this session will examine the continuous improvement cycle connecting each monitoring visit. The goal is to move beyond just a one-time event and provide the opportunity to continue forward movement, acknowledge progress, and facilitate readiness for the next visit - a clear “golden thread”...
See More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Achievable Learning Progress: How to Strengthen the ALP (Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board)
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This presentation will focus on improving the ALP experience through student involvement, collaboration, and connection between the ALP and ICAP. Students from the Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board will focus directly on how we can make this experience better for students and why it's important to do so.
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff A

11:00am MDT

Suicide Prevention Among Youth Identified as Gifted/Highly Gifted and Talented
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores myths and facts associated with risk factors and warnings signs of suicide risk among youth identified as gifted and highly gifted and talented. Information learned is intended to inform development and implementation of Advanced Learning Plans.
Speakers
JL

Jane Lineman

Denver Public Schools
JB

Joanna Barker

Denver Public Schools
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

AU Determinations: Understanding Levels of Support and Using Data for Timely Action
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will review how AU Determinations are calculated, including the data collection timeframes. It will then provide an overview of determination levels of support, with a focus on leveraging data to strengthen Specially Designed Instruction as measured by SPP/APR indicators. Participants will also address a common challenge related to data lag in determinations by learning how to access...
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Speakers
avatar for Erin Frank

Erin Frank

Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Engaging Diverse Voices and Stakeholders
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The hardest problems rarely get solved by one person with the right expertise. They’re solved when the right people are engaged. This session explores how to identify and engage stakeholders, including unlikely ones, in ways that generate real buy-in, surface solutions you wouldn't have found alone, and distribute the weight of complex decisions more broadly. Leaders who do this well don't just...
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Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Compliance with Disability Discrimination Laws
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is about Senate Bill 26-125 (“Disability Rights Protections in Public Schools”), expectations for school districts, and pitfalls to avoid.
Speakers
JL

Jason Langberg

Colorado Attorney General's Office
Thursday September 3, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

12:15pm MDT

Lunch On Your Own
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
Thursday September 3, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
On Your Own

1:45pm MDT

Getting Ninth Grade Right: Systemwide Practices That Improve Student Outcomes
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
The first year of high school sets the foundation for students' future success. Students who are engaged, connected, and supported during ninth grade are more likely to earn credits, remain on track for graduation, and achieve positive postsecondary outcomes. For students with disabilities, intentional systems of support during the first year of high school can make a significant difference in...
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Speakers
avatar for Kacy Little Owl

Kacy Little Owl

Secondary Student Success Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
I support Secondary Transition at the Colorado Department of Education, helping schools create meaningful pathways to life after high school for students with disabilities. I’d love to connect and chat about transition planning, CTE and career pathways, professional learning, and... Read More →
AS

Amy Swisher

Douglas County School District
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

1:45pm MDT

Native Language Evaluations: Connecting the Dots
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a comprehensive special education evaluation is used to determine eligibility for special education and the child’s educational needs. To produce reliable and accurate information on what a Multilingual Learner (ML) knows and can do academically, developmentally, and functionally, assessments and other evaluation materials must be...
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Speakers
avatar for Hunter Smith

Hunter Smith

Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Hunter Smith, Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, CDE Hunter Smith was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He began his teaching career as a bilingual teacher in the primary grades in Denver Public Schools. Subsequently, he became a special educator for... Read More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Church Ranch A

1:45pm MDT

Facility Schools 101 and 2026-2027 Updates
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session provides a foundational overview of Colorado’s facility schools and the work of the Office of Facility Schools. Participants will explore the different types of facility schools, who they serve, how students are referred and placed, and the roles of placing agencies, facility schools, and school districts throughout the process. The presentation will also examine the growth to 41...
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Speakers
AM

Allie Miller

Technical Assistance Center Coordinator, Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Judy Stirman

Judy Stirman

Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Tara Butler

Tara Butler

Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

1:45pm MDT

Annual Plan Sharing
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
During this collaborative session, Administrative Units (AUs) will share the improvement work outlined in their Gifted Education Annual Plans using a simple Before → Now → Next framework. Rather than reviewing entire plans, participants will focus on telling the story behind a selected priority area, highlighting where they started, and the next steps planned to advance their goals. This...
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Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

1:45pm MDT

Five Year Continous Improvement Cycle
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Colorado school districts participate in a Gifted Education Monitoring (GEM) visit every five years and this session will examine the continuous improvement cycle connecting each monitoring visit. The goal is to move beyond just a one-time event and provide the opportunity to continue forward movement, acknowledge progress, and facilitate readiness for the next visit - a clear “golden thread”...
See More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

1:45pm MDT

What an ALP is and What it is not?
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This workshop (carried over from the spring) supports the development of clear, shared language that can guide mindset, policy, and practice across districts. We will build shared understanding of Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) as student‑centered, possibility‑focused tools that drive meaningful growth and equity — not paperwork or placement artifacts.
Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Westcliff A

1:45pm MDT

Leadership Stand: Power Influence and Creating Lasting Change
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores the gap between having good ideas and having the authority to act on them, and what's available to leaders working inside systems they don't fully control. Participants map their own power bases, analyze the stakeholders standing between them and a priority they care about, and practice building a narrative that can move people that data alone won't reach.
Speakers
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

1:45pm MDT

Using State Complaint Trends to Strengthen Special Education Practices
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will examine top trends in state complaint data that special education directors can use to identify and avoid common missteps. By reviewing both trend data and analysis of recent state complaint decisions, the session will also provide practical suggestions for improving special education procedures and practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Candace Hawkins

Candace Hawkins

Special Advisor, IDEA Compliance and Dispute Resolution, Colorado Department of Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

3:00pm MDT

Break
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

3:15pm MDT

Gifted Education Regional Meeting
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Westcliff A

3:15pm MDT

Gifted Education Regional Meeting
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

3:15pm MDT

Gifted Education Regional Meeting - Janet Peasely
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

3:15pm MDT

Updates from the Consortium
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will provide an overview of the current issues that the Consortium is focused on.
Speakers
LH

Lisa Humberd

Consortium of Directors of Special Education
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:15pm - 3:50pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

3:50pm MDT

Break
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:50pm - 4:00pm MDT
Thursday September 3, 2026 3:50pm - 4:00pm MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

4:00pm MDT

SPED Regional Meetings - Metro
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

4:00pm MDT

SPED Regional Meetings - North
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Church Ranch A

4:00pm MDT

SPED Regional Meetings - Outback
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available

Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

4:00pm MDT

SPED Regional Meetings - Pikes Peak
LIMITED
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

4:00pm MDT

SPED Regional Meetings - South
Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Thursday September 3, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster
 
Friday, September 4
 

7:00am MDT

Registration Check-in
Friday September 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Friday September 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Main Hall Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

High Quality Assistive Technology Services Support Positive Student Outcomes and Effective Specially Designed Instruction
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
High quality assistive technology (AT) services support preschool participation, assessment performance, retention, and graduation. This session highlights the role of comprehensive AT service delivery, which includes assessment, training, implementation, and follow up and introduces resources from the StateWide Assistive Technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) Program....
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Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

6 Critical ALP Actions Discussion
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
A central outcome of the spring 2026 Gifted Director meeting was the identification of six critical actions to move ALPs from compliance to meaningful impact. These actions reflect both urgency and direction for our collective work. These actions are not intended as additional initiatives, but as leverage points to strengthen and align the work many of you are already leading. This session...
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Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

Creating an Integrated Advanced Learning Plan System
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will discuss road-tested practices that have made ALP goals meaningful for students while creating a system that reduces the workload for GT site leads.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Sutter

Christina Sutter

Gifted Coordinator TOSA, Weld RE-4 Schools
I am the district's Gifted Education TOSA. During the past 2 years in the Weld RE-4 School District, I've handled a variety of tasks, including technology instruction back when floppy disks were still a thing, kindergarten lunch duty, 6th grade ELA, and Algebra II. From existential... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy Santy

Jeremy Santy

Gifted Educator and I Search Teacher, Weld RE-4 Schools
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

One District, Two High School Gifted Education Models
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will share the way one school district has designed services around school context and student need. Participants will compare two models, examine the details of each side-by-side, and reflect on their own local context. Come to explore your current gifted model and the alignment with student need, school capacity, and district goals.
Speakers
AF

Allie Freismuth

Montrose County School District
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

Secondary GT Programming: Beyond ALPs, AP, and IB
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Hear how one Colorado district is providing GT programming for their middle and high schools students that goes deeper and more individualized than "checking the box" of completing an ALP and offering advanced level classes.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Palmer

Annette Palmer

Lewis-Palmer School District
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff A

8:00am MDT

Leadership Strand: Leading Through Complexity
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Leaders in education are increasingly being called to address problems they were never designed to solve alone, like workforce shortages, rural access, and structural inequities. In a time when complexity is high, resources are strained, and polarization threatens collaboration, leaders are being asked to do more, and move faster, than ever before. This session introduces participants to the...
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Speakers
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Colorado Version)
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session walks participants through Colorado's legislative process, from bill drafting and introduction to committee review, floor debates, and the governor's signature. Designed for those new to the process or seeking a refresher, the session offers a practical overview of key procedural steps and decision points. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how policy ideas become law...
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Speakers
KL

Kady Lanoha

Colorado Department of Education
AH

Amara Hobbs

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

8:00am MDT

Pathways to Licensure for Special Education Teachers
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
With the recent changes and expansion of licensure options within Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education, it can be difficult to know which pathway is best. This session explores pathways to licensure for special education teachers, including traditional, alternative, and temporary credential routes. Attendees will improve their understanding of requirements, timelines, and...
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Speakers
JO

Jennifer O'Brien

Educator Career Navigation Director, Colorado Department of Education
Jennifer has over twenty years of experience in educator workforce development and has held several positions working directly with children and families. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Social Work... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch A

9:15am MDT

Break
Friday September 4, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am MDT
Friday September 4, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction outlines the critical points for distinguishing the differences and connections between accommodations and modifications, and the components of effective specially designed instruction (SDI). Participants will examine how supports impact access, participation, and learning for students with disabilities while strengthening...
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Speakers
avatar for Emily Ottinger

Emily Ottinger

Specific Learning Disability Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Gina Herrera

Gina Herrera

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Developing Paraprofessional Training Tracks to Meet ECEA Requirements
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session you will hear from a rural BOCES on the trials and successes of establishing training and supervision requirements that meet the needs of students and encourages retention among paraprofessional staff. Using a multi-tiered systems of support framework, you will learn how to incorporate high quality professional development, coaching/consultation and walk through strategies by...
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Speakers
avatar for Brandi Durr

Brandi Durr

Director of Exceptional Student Services, San Juan BOCES
I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and I wear many hats for my BOCES including the CO-MTSS Regional Coordinator. I love my job and all the incredible staff and students I get the pleasure of working with. 
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

6 Critical ALP Actions Discussion
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
A central outcome of the spring 2026 Gifted Director meeting was the identification of six critical actions to move ALPs from compliance to meaningful impact. These actions reflect both urgency and direction for our collective work. These actions are not intended as additional initiatives, but as leverage points to strengthen and align the work many of you are already leading. This session...
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Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Creating an Integrated Advanced Learning Plan System
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will discuss road-tested practices that have made ALP goals meaningful for students while creating a system that reduces the workload for GT site leads.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Sutter

Christina Sutter

Gifted Coordinator TOSA, Weld RE-4 Schools
I am the district's Gifted Education TOSA. During the past 2 years in the Weld RE-4 School District, I've handled a variety of tasks, including technology instruction back when floppy disks were still a thing, kindergarten lunch duty, 6th grade ELA, and Algebra II. From existential... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy Santy

Jeremy Santy

Gifted Educator and I Search Teacher, Weld RE-4 Schools
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Reimagining Advanced Learning Plans Through Strengths-Based Portfolios
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
When gifted students develop their talents in school, they produce amazing things! Advanced learning portfolios (ALPs) allow students to curate their best accomplishments while engaging them in authentic, meaningful metacognitive reflection. Learn how to create an ALP system that showcases growth, nurtures self-awareness (Boehning & Holliday, 2024; Petkal et al., 2020; Siegle, 2002), and builds a...
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Speakers
avatar for Michelle DuBois

Michelle DuBois

Gifted Education Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
Michelle Pacheco DuBois, Ed.D. is the Gifted Education Coordinator for the Boulder Valley School District. Dr. DuBois conducts professional learning nationally focusing on culturally linguistically diverse and twice exceptional learners. She has been recognized by the Colorado House... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff A

9:30am MDT

Secondary GT Programming: Beyond ALPs, AP, and IB
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Hear how one Colorado district is providing GT programming for their middle and high schools students that goes deeper and more individualized than "checking the box" of completing an ALP and offering advanced level classes.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Palmer

Annette Palmer

Lewis-Palmer School District
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Systems Thinking for Leaders in Eduation
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Leaders in education are excellent problem-solvers, but the most pressing challenges require the ability to see a system clearly, understand what's actually driving the outcomes you're seeing and build a plan grounded in those realities rather than in wishful thinking. This session introduces participants to systems thinking as a practical leadership skill that helps to diagnose your situation...
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Speakers
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

9:30am MDT

Pathways to Licensure for Special Education Teachers
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
With the recent changes and expansion of licensure options within Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education, it can be difficult to know which pathway is best. This session explores pathways to licensure for special education teachers, including traditional, alternative, and temporary credential routes. Attendees will improve their understanding of requirements, timelines, and...
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Speakers
JO

Jennifer O'Brien

Educator Career Navigation Director, Colorado Department of Education
Jennifer has over twenty years of experience in educator workforce development and has held several positions working directly with children and families. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Social Work... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch A

10:45am MDT

Break
Friday September 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Friday September 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

What's New in Adapted Physical Education (APE)?
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is for administrative unit leadership to understand the evolving landscape of Adapted Physical Education (APE). APE in Colorado and nationwide continues to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities through innovative practices and expanded programming. Updated information will be provided on licensure pathways and university programs.
Speakers
avatar for Gina Herrera

Gina Herrera

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

The JPEP Model: A District and Parent Learning Partnership
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Learn how Jeffco Public Schools and families collaborated to build a successful one-day conference focused on Gifted and Special Education. The session will help directors move beyond individual efforts and towards a sustainable and collaborative model for learning. Attendees will gain strategies for optimizing internal processes, building a culture of shared ownership, and empowering stakeholders...
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Speakers
DR

Deryck Ramey

Jefferson County School District
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Gifted Education Expended Budget Work Session
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session offers a dedicated space and support for finalizing expended budget submissions. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to exchange best practices and address challenges, with additional support from CDE available.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

One District, Two High School Gifted Education Models
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will share the way one school district has designed services around school context and student need. Participants will compare two models, examine the details of each side-by-side, and reflect on their own local context. Come to explore your current gifted model and the alignment with student need, school capacity, and district goals.
Speakers
AF

Allie Freismuth

Montrose County School District
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

Reimagining Advanced Learning Plans Through Strengths-Based Portfolios
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
When gifted students develop their talents in school, they produce amazing things! Advanced learning portfolios (ALPs) allow students to curate their best accomplishments while engaging them in authentic, meaningful metacognitive reflection. Learn how to create an ALP system that showcases growth, nurtures self-awareness (Boehning & Holliday, 2024; Petkal et al., 2020; Siegle, 2002), and builds a...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Michelle DuBois

Michelle DuBois

Gifted Education Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
Michelle Pacheco DuBois, Ed.D. is the Gifted Education Coordinator for the Boulder Valley School District. Dr. DuBois conducts professional learning nationally focusing on culturally linguistically diverse and twice exceptional learners. She has been recognized by the Colorado House... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff A

11:00am MDT

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible, inclusive, and challenging for every learner. This session will explore supporting learner agency, resources for UDL, and provide information on an upcoming UDL book study.
Speakers
avatar for Connolly Sherwood

Connolly Sherwood

Twice Exceptional Consultant, Colorado Department of Education
With over 20 years in education, Connolly has served in various roles—paraprofessional, special educator, gifted specialist, classroom cluster teacher, Title I teacher, and literacy coordinator. Her passion is supporting 2e learners and their families, including her own. After discovering... Read More →
avatar for Milcah Hawk

Milcah Hawk

COMTSS Regional Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Milcah Hawk, Ed.S., NCSP, serves as a COMTSS Regional Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Learning Supports. She earned her Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and brings over 30 years of experience... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster

11:00am MDT

AU Determinations: Understanding Levels of Support and Using Data for Timely Action
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction outlines the critical points for distinguishing the differences and connections between accommodations and modifications, and the components of effective specially designed instruction (SDI). Participants will examine how supports impact access, participation, and learning for students with disabilities while strengthening...
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Speakers
avatar for Erin Frank

Erin Frank

Colorado Department of Education
JF

Josh Fails

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch A

11:00am MDT

How to Navigate External Forces and Influences During IEP Meetings
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Today’s IEP meeting participants have access to more information, resources, and recommendations than ever before. Social media, AI, and outside influencers are readily available and full of ideas. When team members are operating from different sources of data/expectations, collaboration and consensus building can be challenging. This session focuses on providing special education administrators...
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Speakers
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster

12:15pm MDT

2026 ESSU Fall Directors' Meeting Event Feedback
Friday September 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT

Friday September 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster
 
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