2026 ESSU Fall Directors Meeting

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 conference, this updated sesssion shares a full year of implementation data, emerging student outcomes, and key lessons learned throughout the rollout. Participants will gain a practical framework for designing and implementing comparable initiatives in their own schools or districts, with the goal of empowering striving readers with the skills necessary for academic success.

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 Instructionally Embedded Assessment, which can be used for the READ Act.

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 both academic achievement and long-term success.
This session will explore systemwide practices that schools can implement to strengthen support during the first year of high school. Participants will examine considerations for course scheduling, student support services, relationship-building, family engagement, progress monitoring, and cross-functional collaboration that help students successfully navigate the transition into high school. The session will also highlight strategies for identifying and responding to early indicators of disengagement before students fall off track. Participants will leave with a customizable Ninth-Grade Success Planning Checklist that school and district teams can use to evaluate current practices and strengthen supports that promote student engagement, persistence, and graduation.

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 and how to engage effectively with the legislative process in Colorado.

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 their understanding of IDEA and ECEA requirements. We will share some updated CDE resources. The session is designed to help educators make informed, student-centered decisions and align supports to individualized student needs and educational outcomes.

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.