ConnCASE's 2024 Annual October Professional Development Conference

ConnCASE's Annual Professional Development Conference
Transition within the Special Education Arena

Friday, October 4, 2024
Bristol Event Center - Bristol, CT
8:00am - 3:30pm

AGENDA:
8:00am Registration & Breakfast
8:45am Welcome & Introductions
9:00am Responsible for Transition Planning – Oh My! – What Do I Do Now? - Speaker: Missy Rigley, SERC
10:00am BREAK
10:15am Responsible for Transition Planning – Oh My! – What Do I Do Now? - Speaker: Missy Rigley, SERC
11:15am Fireside Chat with Representative Jeffrey Currey
12:00pm LUNCH
12:45pm CSDE Update: Public Act 23-137 Secondary Transition Requirements - Speaker: Laura Luna, CT State Department of Education
1:15pm BREAK
1:30pm Executive Functioning and Metacognition: Improving Students' Learning Outcomes - Speaker: Jennifer Sullivan, Fast Forward College Coaching
3:30pm Adjourn

(Times may change without notice)

Pricing:
$150.00 Members
$195.00 Non ConnCASE Members
Contact us for Sponsorship Opportunities!
[email protected] / www.conncase.org

SPEAKER INFORMATION:
Missy Wrigley - SERC
Missy Wrigley lives in the Quiet Corner of Canterbury, Connecticut. During her final year of college at the University of Rhode Island, Missy Wrigley participated in an internship working with young children with autism. There she found her passion for working with students with disabilities. After receiving her Masters and Special Education Teaching certification from the University of Connecticut, Missy spent 20 years providing specially designed instruction in grades 4 through 12. Her last 12 years of teaching were spent developing a transition course for high school students with disabilities and those at risk, grades 9-12.

Missy became a consultant within SERCs Transition Initiative in 2008. In her work, Missy’s No. 1 objective is ensuring that all students with disabilities obtain the skills needed to successfully achieve their post-school goals. This inspires Missy to collaborate closely with her colleagues at the CT State Department of Education as well as with other stakeholders across the state to support the development of effective secondary transition planning and services. Missy has served as co-facilitator of the CT State Transition Task Force and as a CORE team member of the CT Transition Community of Practice. Missy also offers a variety of other services as a consultant and is passionate about all aspects of education. She has developed and contributed to publications and initiatives ranging from specially designed instruction to equitable practices in family engagement. Missy is an endorsed Step by Step for Inclusive Schools Trainer, MAPS/PATH Trainer, LifeCourse Ambassador, and a Courageous Conversations about Race Affiliate. When not working, Missy enjoys spending time with her family and sitting in her garden paradise with a good book!

Title of Session: Responsible for Transition Planning – Oh My! – What Do I Do Now?
During this session participants will review the Best Practices within the secondary transition planning process. In addition, we will network together to identify how we are moving transition planning from simple compliance to Quality Transition Planning. It is only with quality planning that we can ensure that all students achieve their identified post-school outcomes.

Laura Luna - CT SDE
Laura Luna is an Associate Education Consultant with the Bureau of Special Education. Before joining the Connecticut State Department of Education in June 2024, Laura’s public education experience includes working as a special education administrator/assistant principal in Ledyard, an out-of-district liaison in Norwich, and a school social worker in Groton. Laura’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree and Master of Social Work from UConn and a sixth-year certification through Sacred Heart University.

Title of Presentation: CSDE Update: Public Act 23-137 Secondary Transition Requirements
The CSDE will provide a brief summary of the new legislatively required secondary transition requirements for the State Department of Education as well as Local Education Agencies. During the session, the CSDE will also provide guidance and information related to training materials, resources and data collection to address these new requirements.

Jennifer Sullivan - Fast Forward College Coaching
Jennifer Sullivan is the owner of Fast Forward College Coaching, providing executive functioning support for high school and college students both in-person and virtually throughout CT. Jennifer is an accomplished author having written and co-written three books: Sharing the Transition to College, Sharing the Transition to College Workbook, and College is Like a Video Game: Press Play. With over 20 years of experience in education, including a decade working in a college transition program in CT, Jennifer speaks locally and nationally on topics such as executive functioning skill building, transition, supporting first-generation college students, and navigating learning support and accommodations in college. Jennifer’s dedication extends beyond individual coaching; she is committed to helping educators, families, and organizations refine their strategies and build robust support networks for neurodiverse communities.
Additionally, Jennifer serves as a Charting the Lifecourse Ambassador in Connecticut and partners with thought leaders in CT districts to refine and develop innovative strategies to support every student.

Title of Presentation: Executive Functioning and Metacognition: Improving Students' Learning Outcomes
Executive functioning skills are crucial for enhancing students’ academic performance, confidence, and effort. From kindergarten through middle and high school, these skills are essential for mastering tasks that allow students to demonstrate their learning. As academic demands increase, students who struggle with executive functions may experience frustration and decreased self-confidence, leading to reduced effort. Participants will explore how metacognitive strategies can complement practical executive functioning tools to help students better manage their learning processes, increase confidence and motivation as well as improve their overall performance.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bristol Event Center, 112 Century Drive, Bristol, United States