The CSDE partnered with the American Institute of Research (AIR) to develop recommendations for a statewide special education workload analysis model. This study examined current special education workloads in Connecticut, identified factors that contribute to workloads, assessed how districts currently incorporate workload into staffing decisions, and reviewed how other states have approached special education workload analysis. Participants will receive a summary of this study as well as an overview of the essential components of a statewide framework that promotes equitable, feasible, and effective staffing decisions across districts, aligning with the legislative charge.

Presenter(s): Brittney Sterrett, Ph.D.

This session will provide special education leaders with a high-level overview of Connecticut’s ongoing work to strengthen IEP Quality beyond compliance. Participants will review the historical context leading to the development and relaunch of the Special Education Review and Reflection Tool pilot and learn how select participating districts will support validation for anticipated statewide publication and use by spring 2027.

The session will also introduce the tool’s multi-part structure, connections to existing CSDE professional learning, and anticipated supports. The tool is intended to build on and sustain the full range of IEP quality training offered by CSDE over the past five years while supporting continued improvement over time.

Presenter(s): Sheri Staranchak, Elisa Laudati

This session was also presented in Breakout Session 1.

The CSDE has partnered with AIR to develop a quality indicator tool to support local school districts programming for students with intensive needs. A landscape analysis was conducted to identify and synthesize existing quality indicator frameworks across the country that guide and evaluate special education programs. Participants in this session will receive an overview of Connecticut’s new resource that is designed to guide consistent, high-quality programming for students and to help leaders and educators implement and assess special education services in ways that strengthen student outcomes.

Presenter(s): Caitlyn Majeika, Ph.D.

This session was also presented in Breakout Session 1.

Hear directly from students as they share their journey, reflecting on their experiences, challenges, successes, and relationships that have shaped their paths. Through their authentic stories, participants will gain valuable insight about how schools can foster belonging, strengthen support systems, and create learning environments where every student can thrive.

Presenter(s): Youth Scholars, CPAC, Nicole Vitale, Consultant, SERC

Connecticut’s 2008 Scientific Research-Based Intervention: Improving Education for All Students guidance has provided a strong foundation for supporting students through a multi-tiered approach to instruction and intervention. The Connecticut State Department of Education is building on that foundation through an updated statewide Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework that reflects current research, evidence-based practices, and the evolving needs of Connecticut schools and students.

In this session, participants will learn about the process undertaken to update the guidance, the goals and vision for Connecticut’s MTSS framework, and the progress made to date. Presenters will preview emerging guidance and supplemental resources designed to support school leaders and practitioners in implementing effective, integrated systems of instruction, intervention, and support. The session will also explore the connection between MTSS and special education, including how effective implementation can support early intervention, student success, and informed decision-making throughout the referral and evaluation process.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of the direction of Connecticut’s MTSS work and how the forthcoming resources can support continuous improvement and more equitable outcomes for all students.

Presenter(s): Michelle Lebrun-Griffin, Consultant, SERC, Erin Dunn, Viviana Toure, Brandi Simonsen, Ph.D.

This session was also presented in Breakout Session 1.

Participants in this session will explore evidence-based strategies and deepen their understanding of recruiting, retaining, and supporting new special education teachers. The session is designed to help districts and schools strengthen their capacity to support early-career special education teachers as they develop the essential skills needed for long-term success beyond academic content knowledge. Participants will also engage in reflective discussions on the deeper purpose of education, effective support systems, and the teacher’s role in fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments.

Presenter(s): Christine Kuehlewind, Consultant, SERC, Nikki Hendry, Consultant, SERC, Jade Gopie

This session was also presented in Breakout Session 1.

Participants will be provided with an overview of Connecticut’s new Autism Eligibility Guidelines and explore how the seven-step framework brings together educator, family, and student perspectives, evaluation findings, school-based data, and professional judgment. Through discussion of the framework’s key decision points, participants will consider how PPT teams can make collaborative, well-supported, and consistent determinations about educational eligibility and the need for specially designed instruction, while recognizing student strengths and engaging families as meaningful partners throughout the process.

Presenter(s): Dr. Ravit Stein

This session was also presented in Breakout Session 1.