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2012 Fall Conference


The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Office of Student Learning & Partnerships and the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) present annual training for administrators on special education and related general education topics. On October 3 - October 5, 2012, over 500 participants gathered in Eugene, Oregon, for presentations on IDEA, Oregon initiatives, and providing special education services.

Fall Conference 2012 - Daily Schedule PDF  09/28/2012 (15.23 KB)
Keynote - School-wide Systems to Improve Education Outcomes PDF  09/24/2012 (611.08 KB)
RTI Self Assessment PDF  09/24/2012 (115.13 KB)

October 3: Pre-Conference Sessions



EBISS Annual Meeting
The second meeting of EBISS districts is scheduled. This meeting is by invitation only.
Martha Buenrostro, ODE
Kimberly Ingram-West, Consultant
Marick Tedesco, Consultant

Success Through System Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I)
The System Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I) process is a district/program driven system founded on evidence-based decision-making. The process supports improvement planning through data collection and interpretation, improvement plan development and implementation, and evaluation of improvement strategies. Much of the data that drives the process is IEP-generated. This pre-conference institute will consider the overlap of improved IEP development and how that directly impacts both district improvement planning and increased positive student outcomes.
Paula Kitzke, ODE
Stella Brown, ODE
Laura Petschauer, ODE

October 4-5 Breakout Sessions



Dollars & Sense: State/Federal Special Education Fiscal Requirements for 2012-2013
This session will focus on the major state and federal fiscal requirements for Special Education in the 2012-13 school year. Topic areas include significant changes since 2010-11, State and local maintenance-of-effort, IDEA Part B, Section 611 & 619 funds, EGMS claim verification process, state funding for special education, the OSL&P Fiscal Calendar, and the ODE Special Education Funding webpage.
Steve Smith, ODE
Michael Elliott, ODE

Charter Schools and Special Education
More and more students are attending public charter schools. This session explores laws that apply specifically to the provision of special education services to charter school students. This session will also provide practical strategies for supporting students in various types of charter schools and an opportunity to learn about what works from other districts.
Rae Ann Ray, ODE
Margaret Bates, ODE
Cindy Hunt, ODE
Paula Kitzke, ODE

Section 504, Title II, and Students with Disabilities in Public Schools
Two attorneys from the Seattle Office of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will discuss the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and explain the responsibilities of public schools in educating students with disabilities. They will also answer your burning questions about Section 504 and Title II.
Beth Caldwell, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington
Tim Sell, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington

Athletics, Clubs and the Student with Disabilities under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
Two attorneys from the Seattle Office of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will discuss the requirements of Section 504 and Title II relating to athletic eligibility and participation in extracurricular activities by students with disabilities. Get an update on how OCR applies the law and regulations in this area through a discussion of specific scenarios based on recent OCR letters.
Beth Caldwell, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington
Tim Sell, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle, Washington

Writing IEPs for Improved Student Outcomes
Improved IEP development is a critical factor in improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Clearly written IEPs that are measurable and specific, realistic and timely will increase opportunities for student success. Within this context, this session will cover the following sub-topics: Present Levels, Measurable Goals, IEP Content, Service Summary, and Transition Plans.
Paula Kitzke, ODE
Laura Petschauer, ODE
Stella Brown, ODE
Sally Simich, ODE

Restraint and Seclusion Rules for Oregon: Requirements, Procedures, Data Collection and More
This session will look at the new Restraint and Seclusion laws and OARs in Oregon. It will also compare existing Oregon laws to new proposed federal legislation. The presenters will review district data reporting requirements and the procedures which must be implemented. There will also be input on best practices and time for questions and answers.
Michael Mahoney, ODE
Claudette Rushing, ODE

Engaging Special Educators in the Common Core Standards
The Common Core Standards are for “all” students and consequently it is important to engage “all” teachers especially teachers who support students with special needs. This interactive session will highlight ODE’s CCSS “Implementation Phase” from the Toolkit which was just released. Participants will have an opportunity to explore both the administrators and teachers Toolkit materials. The session will include an overview of Oregon’s transition to a new alternate (Extended) assessment and learn about opportunities for district and ESD input and involvement. Also, participants will explore one district’s approach to supporting special educators with implementation strategies on the CCSS.
Mickey Garrison, ODE
Martha Hinman, Redmond SD
Brad Lenhardt, ODE

Sustaining PBIS in a Sea of Competing Initiatives
Why does sustainability of effective practices seem so elusive? Drawing on current and ongoing research, this session will provide principles for sustaining school-wide PBIS, including clear steps for teams, administrators, and coaches. The presenter will share strategies and resources, including a research-validated checklist and action planning tool for sustaining PBIS.
Kent McIntosh, Northwest PBIS Network

Youth Transition Program
The goal of the Youth Transition Program is to improve post school transition outcomes for youth with disabilities by preparing them for employment or career related post-secondary education/training. In this session attendees will learn how this grant funded program’s collaborative structure works with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Service (OVRS), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and the University of Oregon. This session will also cover upcoming opportunities for grant funding and strategies to start new programs or to further develop relationships with your local OVRS Branch Office.
Keith Ozols, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Service
Mike Johnson, University of Oregon
Jeri Dickinson, University of Oregon
Sally Simich, ODE

Response to Intervention: Yes, But How Do We Do It and Will It Really Work?
Districts that have benefitted from several years of Oregon Response to Intervention (OrRTI) support have been able to integrate RTI practices into the framework of how their districts function. They will share the stages of their implementation process, the struggles they experienced, and the successes they achieved.
David Putnam, OrRTI
Melissa Williams, Ontario SD
Jill Weber, Roseburg SD
Sean Reinhart, Bend-LaPine SD

From Start to Finish…Expectations, Implementation, and Consistency for Individuals with ASD
This presentation will discuss the most current developments for executing a systematic program of instruction for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The emphasis will be on getting the right people on the team, appropriately identifying needs, program design, implementation of instruction with fidelity, and maintenance of evidence-based practices. Participants will be provided with up-to-date tools to assess and track program improvement.
Marilyn Nersesian, Eugene SD
Teresa Copeland, Lake Oswego SD
Alison Schmuckal, Early Childhood CARES
Marilyn Gense, Oregon Commission ASD

Navigating the Updated System Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I) Process
Come to this session to learn about the newest upgrades to the SPR&I database and how to effectively (and efficiently) utilize the SPR&I process for data submission, accessing data and reports on district/program performance, and monitoring district/program compliance with IDEA regulations.
Robbi Perry, ODE

Introduction to Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)
Accessible instructional materials support learning and achievement for students who have an identified need. This session will discuss legal requirements, identify accessible formats and key vocabulary, review eligibility, explain the process to acquire AIM from various sources, and provide resources to assist schools/districts interested in building an expert team.
Laura Petschauer, ODE
Nancy Jo Vogel, Douglas ESD

Secrets of PCR Improvement
This presentation highlights the work of two successful Oregon districts that use the System Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I) Procedural Compliance Review (PCR) process as a valuable and enjoyable means by which to conduct annual professional development. Come hear their secrets and share your own.
Mindy LeRoux, Bethel SD
Brian Megert, Springfield SD

Implementation Science; It Could Be Happening to You: History of EBISS in Oregon,
What Will Be Coming to Your District and When, Resources
Implementing, sustaining, and scaling up evidence-based practices requires careful attention to critical infrastructure components. This presentation will define the research-based components linked to the development of infrastructure capacity. Participants will gain a better understanding of the core elements Oregon is focused on in Scaling Up evidence-based practices.
Kimberly Ingram-West, Consultant
Marick Tedesco, Consultant
Martha Buenrostro, ODE

Bullying: An Overview, Including Best Practices for Prevention and the Promotion of a Positive School Climate
This presentation will provide an overview of the types of bullying, its prevalence, and the scope of the problem among school-aged students. Practical guidance and suggestions to assist with promoting a healthy school climate and learning environment will be discussed. Best practices for schools to proactively prevent and intervene responsively to effectively deal with bullying will be presented.
Michael Mahoney, ODE

Response to Intervention (RTI): Initial Preparations, Readiness
This session will provide information to districts that are interested in strategically positioning themselves for the implementation of a Response to Intervention (RTI) decision-making model in the near future. Readiness Components including “first steps” toward RTI orientation and the relevance of infrastructure and consensus building will be presented.
Tamara Rasmussen, OrRTI
Jenice Pizzuto, OrRTI

Sexuality Education: Law, Health Standards, Need
Oregon continues to lead the nation in policy development, professional development, and classroom implementation of comprehensive sexuality education. Meeting the sexual health needs of all Oregon young people is the driving force behind the Oregon Youth Sexual Health Partnership. This workshop will address Oregon’s law, guidelines, program options, and the revised Oregon Health Education Standards and Benchmarks for sexuality education.
Brad Victor, ODE

An Oregon School District Uses IEP Development to Sustain Exceptional Procedural Compliance Results
Come to this session to learn how one Oregon school district’s best practices in developing and writing IEPs have yielded success with System Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I) compliance.
Lisa DeSalvio, Coos Bay SD
Kayla Crook, Coos Bay SD
Missy Cooper, Coos Bay SD

Quicksand in Oregon Special Education Disputes, or
“My district is up to its neck in quicksand. How did it get there and what can it do now?”
This session will provide an overview of the formal dispute resolution processes available under IDEA; use practical case studies to demonstrate scenarios causing disputes; and, in an interactive presentation with the participants, offer suggestions for various means of resolving conflicts in the special education setting.
Jim Wilson, Mediator
Julie Gentili Armbrust, Mediator
Steve Woodcock, ODE

IEP Facilitation vs Mediation
When a district and a parent are not in consensus, when is it best to use IEP facilitation and when is it best to use mediation? This question, and many, many more, will be answered by this presentation. Additionally, we will discuss what is IEP facilitation, what is mediation, how are these two processes different, when to properly use each process and the advantages and disadvantages to each process from a district's perspective, the parent's perspective and a facilitator's / mediator's perspective.
Julie Gentili Armbrust, Mediator
Aimee Walsh, Direction Services
Jill Bailey, Portland Public Schools
Molly Hammans, ODE

ASPIRE (Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone)
Come to this session to learn about the state’s pre-college mentoring program dedicated to creating a college-going culture throughout the state. This is an all-comers program open to all students in middle schools, high schools, community-based organizations, and community colleges. ASPIRE volunteer mentors help students learn how to research careers and schools, complete the admissions process, and navigate through the financial aid process. Learn how you, your community, or your organization can help students make the dream of higher education a reality.
Lorianne Ellis, Oregon Student Access Commission
Alex Gonzalez, Oregon Student Access Commission
  • ASPIRE PDF  09/25/2012 (338.30 KB)


Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies for Students with Autism
This presentation will provide information on the established treatments for students with autism according to the National Standards Report and the National Professional Development Center. The presentation will include written definitions and video examples of each of the established treatments. The presenter will provide examples of how these strategies can be used in a school program. Strategies for teaching students in preschool, elementary school, secondary, and post-secondary school will be described.
Joel Arick, Oregon Program Autism Training Sites Project (ORPATS)

How Scaling Up Has Improved and Contributed to the Success of Two Oregon School Districts
What does the term “capacity building” really mean within Scaling Up? Building on previous knowledge about core components of implementation science, this presentation will offer contextualized examples of capacity building from the capitol to the classroom. Representatives from David Douglas and Centennial school districts will share their experiences as they applied Implementation Science principles within their district leadership structure to sustain evidence-based practices.
Lori Silverman, Centennial SD
Katie Beckett, David Douglas SD
Kimberly Ingram-West, Consultant
Marick Tedesco, Consultant

Oregon Program Autism Training Sites Project (ORPATS)
This presentation will provide information on a network of autism training sites across Oregon. The Oregon network of training sites is a successful example of how to implement evidence-based instructional strategies in public schools. A research-based model for implementing highly effective instruction that school districts can replicate will be shared. This presentation will provide recent student outcome data and fidelity of implementation data from Oregon training sites. The presentation will also describe how school districts can obtain training for their staff.
Joel Arick, ORPATS Project
Darby Lasley, ORPATS Project

Guidelines and Best Practices Regarding the Use of Physical Restraint & Seclusion
This session will involve a panel discussion with some of the committee members who developed the Technical Assistance & Guidelines Manual for Restraint and Seclusion. A presentation on verbal de-escalation skills will be provided as well. Best practices regarding dealing with escalating behavior, preventing the use of restraint and seclusion, and proper implementation of restraint and seclusion, if needed, will be discussed with audience participation through a question and answer format.
Lisa DeSalvio, Coos Bay SD
Shelly Saunders, Multnomah ESD
Michael Mahoney, ODE

Leveraging Technology to Transform a Regional Program
Innovation and the use of technology are helping Columbia Regional Program increase cost efficiency, strengthen partnerships, build capacity, and improve outcomes for students with low- incidence disabilities. During this session, participants will hear about specific projects and initiatives under way to strengthen and enhance services to children, families, and districts. These include the deployment of webinars, virtual meetings, eLearning modules, video conferencing, video production, digital toolkits for coaching and training, iPad utilization, and more.
Brad Hendershott, Columbia Regional Program
Robbie Weber, Columbia Regional Program

IDEA Legal Lessons – The Year in Review
This session will examine IDEA complaints, Due Process, and mediations. Presentation will address recent data, frequency of issues by allegation type, sample complaints, relevant law, IDEA legal trends, and information on best practices. An IDEA Investigator will aslo be present to share tips for a smooth investigation process and answer questions about the process.
Claudette Rushing, ODE
James Varner, IDEA Investigator

School Supports Under Oregon’s ESEA Flexibility Waiver
In July, the US Department of Education granted Oregon a waiver from certain aspects of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, formerly NCLB). A portion of this waiver makes significant changes in how schools are identified and supported in their improvement efforts. This session will highlight the identification and assistance the Oregon Department of Education and its network of support partners will provide to these schools.
Tryna Luton, ODE
Jan McCoy, ODE

Public School Choice Developments, Issues, and Challenges
Parents have more options than ever before that allow for parental choice among public educational programs. Oregon allows parents to use a wide variety of options including inter-district transfers, intra-district transfers, open enrollment, alternative education programs, and charter schools. This session will explore these options, recent legislation in this area, and the ramifications for students with disabilities who are receiving special education services when they transfer between public education options. The session will also explore the challenges that these options present to public education providers.
Rae Ann Ray, ODE
Cindy Hunt, ODE

RTI Lab School: How You Can Learn About RTI By Observing
Lab Schools are “Bright Spots” that can be used to highlight the successes and challenges of implementing school-wide RTI systems. The Oregon Response to Intervention (OrRTI) project utilizes Lab Schools to provide opportunities for educators to observe RTI in action, ask questions, and exchange insights with Lab School staff. Participants in this session will be introduced to OrRTI Lab School opportunities available across the state as an option for learning more about RTI when considering implementing a district/school-wide RTI system.
Tamara Rasmussen, OrRTI
Erika Case, Bethel

Oregon’s Statewide Assessments and Students with Disabilities
The focus of this presentation is the assessment system relevant to students with disabilities. This session will reference anticipated changes to the general assessment system, to the system of accommodations, and to the alternate assessment system—including the current development status of the Alternate Assessment linked to the Common Core State Standards.
Brad Lenhardt, ODE

Aligning Specially Designed Instruction with Core Instruction: Centennial's Standards-Based IEP Journey
In 2010, Centennial School District’s Special Education leadership committed to aligning specially designed instruction with the grade level standards through writing and implementing Standards-Based IEPs. Come to this session to hear the district team share their experiences. Expect to hear practical ideas, learn about useful resources, and dialogue with your peers. If you would like to know what has worked, what the district would do differently, and where they are heading next, join them at this session.
Lori Silverman, Centennial SD
Ann Riddle, Centennial SD
Denise Wright, Centennial SD

Child Find and Referrals
Currently, the U.S. Department of Education requires annual reports of the percentage of children initially evaluated for services within 60-days of their parents’ agreement to such an evaluation. This group includes students referred for the first time within the district and those who transfer in from another state. This session will review which students should be included in this reporting. Participants in this session will look at current data and review current reporting criteria.
Molly Hammans, ODE
Rae Ann Ray, ODE

RTI and SLD Eligibility Decision Making: An Introduction for Districts Considering Using an RTI Approach
Special education law requires that LEAs document that effective instruction and monitoring of student outcomes has occurred regardless of which method of evaluation procedure is employed. RTI addresses these components directly, systematically generates data for completing a comprehensive evaluation, and benefits all learners early and continuously. A best-practices model will be outlined and the critical features of a comprehensive RTI system will be discussed. Attendees will gain a better understanding of essential RTI components and will be better equipped to evaluate their districts’ readiness for using RTI for eligibility decision-making.
David Putnam, OrRTI
Jon Potter, OrRTI

Returning to Learning After a Concussion or Brain Injury
The presenters will share an overview of brain injury, its characteristics, and what that means for returning to classroom learning for the injured student. Participants will learn about accommodations to support re-entry to the classroom and successful daily education.
Debbie Ettel, Teaching Research Institute
Melissa Nowatzke, Teaching Research Institute

Parentally Placed Private Schools
Is a private school operating in your school district? Are any of its students eligible for special education services? This session compares and contrasts the current information related to special education for parentally placed and district placed students in private schools.
Rae Ann Ray, ODE

Oregon's K-12 ELL SPED students: Data and outcomes
Specific information related to Oregon students eligible for ELL and SPED services, including data and outcomes, will be presented. Conversation and discussion will focus on legal aspects of special education eligibility and disproportionality in special education as it relates to ELL students. Come and discuss possible solutions to the challenges educators face when making decisions about ELL students who have been referred to special education.
Martha Buenrostro, ODE
  • ELL/SPED Students: Data & Outcomes PDF  10/08/2012 (839.92 KB)


    • Roadmap of Resources for the Literacy Framework and the Professional Development Portal:
    What They Are and How They Can Help You
    Come to this session to learn about the extensive online electronic resources related to Oregon’s Literacy Framework and Professional Development modules that are available to assist schools and teachers with using the Literacy Framework.
    Bill Davis, Center for Teaching and Learning

    Current Technology Solutions for Students Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired
    This session will be an introduction to technology solutions being used by Oregon students who are blind/visually impaired. Participants will learn about technology options required to access the OAKS Braille Interface, iPads to access textbooks and other literature for students with low vision, electronic near and distance magnification aides, as well as other options provided to students through the regional programs and purchased through the Blind & Visually Impaired Student Fund. Participants will learn about some of the factors to consider with certain types of technology shown during this presentation.
    Mary Fran Anderson, NW Regional ESD
    Scott McCallum, NW Regional ESD

    I Am Taking This Class Because Recently I Have Been Trying to Learn to be ‘Semi-Normal’ or at Least Social
    Participants will learn about the development, implementation, and the lessons learned in instructing high school students with Asperger’s Syndrome using an online class. In addition, information will be shared about a second class that will be offered in spring 2013 through the Oregon Virtual School District.
    Christina Meier-Nowell, NW Regional ESD
    Laura LaMarsh, NW Regional ESD

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