INTERNAL PD OPPORTUNITY: April IDEA Conference Sessions

Special Education Directors,

Please share the following message about upcoming IDEA Conference Sessions with your staff:

April 1, 2021 from 2:45–4:00 p.m.

Reducing Data Overload & Improving Results Pivot Tables 101

Presented by Dr. Ildi Laczko-Kerr

Designed to support school and district leaders in data-driven decision making, this introductory Microsoft Excel workshop provides an overview of Pivot Tables. Participants will learn how to use Pivot Tables to analyze any data that is in Excel to drive program and instructional goal setting, planning, and decision-making. 
Participants will:

1. Learn how to save time and energy by efficiently and effectively analyzing student achievement, growth, and program data in Excel.
2. Learn how to create tables and graphs that are easy to read, interpret, and share and that communicate complex data and information.
3. Create a SMART goal to put these new skills into practice with their own data.

Prior to the training, participants should download the 2019 A-F Static data file from the Arizona Department of Education’s ADE Connect. Participants who are unable to access this data can download a sample data file from our Pivot Tables 101 session.

April 6, 2021 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.

The Burnout Cure

Presented by Chase Mielke

In this engaging, humorous, and heartfelt talk, Chase shares his experience as a veteran educator and provides key insights on how the science of small, positive moments creates thriving adults, learners, and communities. The audience will be empowered to take care of themselves so they can better take care of the young adults who need them. Participants will learn about:

• OPTIMISM—Refocus on the good in order to reignite our love for parenting,
• OWNERSHIP—Take control of our own well-being through simple, research-based actions that boost purpose and happiness,
• MINDFULNESS—Be present and turn minor moments into major momentum to thrive personally and professionally, and
• COMMUNITY—Cultivate positive relationships with kids and adults to build supportive and resilient cultures.

April 8, 2021 from 2:45–4:00 p.m.

Post School Outcomes: Stories and Strategies Behind the Data

Presented by Lisa Livesay and Sam Klein

The 2021 Post School Outcomes (PSO) survey is fast approaching. PSO involves a year-round process of gathering and analyzing data about the post school engagement of students with disabilities in postsecondary education/training or employment. In this session, you will learn the basics of PSO, review the results of Arizona's most recent PSO Survey, explore available tools and resources, and share best practice strategies for enhancing participation and engagement rate. Join us in this interactive session to share your stories and build your PSO toolkit toward a successful data collection season for you and Arizonan youths.

April 20, 2021 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Skills to Pay the Bills: Let’s Explore Teamwork and Professionalism!

Presented by Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated

Join the Arizona Youth Leaders of Diverse Ability Incorporated for an opportunity to develop teamwork skills along with professionalism to help you succeed and move ahead in the world of work.

April 22, 2021 from 2:45–4:00 p.m.

Skills to Increase Confidence and Perseverance: Strategies to Build Self-Efficacy

Presented by Pattie Noonan

Learn how to empower students to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, recognize when they lack confidence, and take steps to persevere through Self-Efficacy. By teaching them how effort connects with progress and abilities, youth will be more motivated, will persevere longer, and will engage in learning. Students who have self-efficacy are more likely to take on challenging tasks, more open to feedback, and view mistakes as opportunities to learn. Free upcoming professional development opportunities will be shared through Project EASEL: Empowering Arizona with Social-Emotional Learning.

You can register by selecting sessions listed above or please visit the IDEA Conference web page:

• The Professional sessions will take place on Thursday afternoons from 2:45–4:00 p.m.
• Youth and Family sessions will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
• Participants must register 48 hours in advance to guarantee needed accommodations.

 If you have questions, please email the conference inbox.