Registration for the 2025–2026 Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS) is closing soon, so please be sure to register if you are beginning your first or second year as a special education director.

This professional learning opportunity prepares new special education directors for the practical operation of a special education system. SENDS covers topics such as compliance and legal requirements, fiscal issues, assessment, general supervision, and ADE supports and resources. New special education directors directly employed by Arizona public education agencies in their first or second year as special education directors (including any previous positions) in the fall of 2025 are eligible to attend SENDS.

Registration
The $100 registration fee for SENDS includes:

• Registration for the in-person kick-off session on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 100 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 
• Follow-up webinars scheduled during the 2025–26 school year 
• A one-year membership to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and CEC’s Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) special interest division

Registration is open until Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Travel Reimbursement
Funding is available for travel costs for districts and charter organizations traveling 51 miles or more from the school district or charter office to 100 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007.  The district or charter organization will receive the reimbursement, not the special education director, via the Arizona Procurement Portal. Please note that APP registration and an additional completed State Procurement Office Form will be required. ADE/ESS will provide information regarding travel reimbursement to eligible PEAs once registration is completed. The PEA must complete the initial registration by August 15 to be considered for travel reimbursement for SENDS.

Register for the Special Education New Director Symposium (SENDS) training!

If you have questions about SENDS, please email the ESS Recruitment and Retention Inbox.

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) team is pleased to announce our first 2025-26 national presenter: Kelli Suding, M.Ed. Kelli will present two virtual after-school sessions designed for special and general education teachers, school administrators, IT and Ed Tech staff, and related service providers. Join us for one or both engaging sessions, jam-packed with ideas and activities you can use in therapy and/or in the classroom right away!

Session 1:        Uniting Accessible Materials and Assistive Technology for Inclusive Learning

Date:                  Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Time:                 3:30 p.m.−5:30 p.m. (PDT, Arizona Time)   
Fee:                     Free
Where:              Virtual (Zoom)

Too often, accessible materials and assistive technology are treated as separate solutions—when in reality, they are most powerful when used together. In this session, educators will explore how accessible educational materials (AEM) and assistive technology (AT) complement one another to remove barriers and create inclusive learning environments. We’ll also tackle common misconceptions, including the myth that using AT is “cheating,” and instead reframe these tools as essential for access. 

Register for Uniting Accessible Materials and Assistive Technology for Inclusive Learning Session

Session 2:        Inclusive by Design: Applying UDL Principles in Everyday Instruction

Date:                  Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time:                  3:30 p.m.−5:30 p.m. (PDT, Arizona Time)   
Fee:                    Free
Where:              Virtual (Zoom)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) isn’t just a framework—it’s a mindset for designing learning environments where every student can thrive. In this session, participants will explore how to apply UDL principles in practical, everyday instruction to reduce barriers and embrace learner variability. Through real-world examples and interactive activities, educators will learn how to proactively design lessons, materials, and assessments that are flexible, accessible, and inclusive from the start.

Register for Inclusive by Design: Applying UDL Principles in Everyday Instruction

As a Professional Learning Specialist on the Accessibility Team at CAST and technical assistance support for the Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES), Kelli promotes the availability of accessible educational materials and technologies to ensure that all students have inclusive opportunities for learning.

Kelli also has a strong understanding of and ability to connect theory to practice. Her instructional experience has been with students requiring mild, moderate, and intense intervention. Kelli’s specializations include autism, accessible educational materials and accessible technologies, Google Chrome accessibility and integration, specific learning disabilities, and Universal Design for Learning.

If you have questions, please email [email protected]. 

The ADE/ESS Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Unit and STAR Autism Support are collaborating to offer resources and professional learning opportunities to support PEA staff with free Virtual Learning Opportunities for the 25-26 School Year. 

 2-Day STAR Comprehensive Workshop 
This comprehensive two-day workshop provides participants with detailed examples and practice activities on how to implement the evidence-based practices identified in the National Standards Report (2009). The STAR Program (Arick, Loos, Falco, and Krug, 2015), a research-based curriculum, is used to provide examples. Appropriate content connected to the common core curriculum is presented, and detailed information on the three evidence-based instructional methods of discrete trial training, pivotal response training, and teaching through functional routines is shared. 

 1-Day STAR Consistency of Implementation Workshop
This one-day workshop provides participants with a review of how to implement the evidence-based instructional strategies identified by the National Standards Project (2009) using the curriculum content and lesson plans from the research-based STAR Program. The focus of the workshop is on the fidelity of implementation of the evidence-based practices and the use of data collection for instructional decision-making. Participants will also be provided with detailed handouts to assist them in obtaining fidelity of implementation in their school programs. Participants at this workshop should have attended the two-day STAR comprehensive workshop or be very familiar with the implementation of the strategies included in the STAR Program

2-Day Links Comprehensive Workshop 
This two-day workshop provides participants with information on how to implement evidence-based practices for secondary students using the Links Curriculum (Arick, Hoffman, and Magee-Arick, 2012). Participants will learn to use a process for assessing and teaching functional routines that has been documented in the research. Extensive information will be given on selecting and individualizing routines and teaching specific skills to support success during routines.

1-Day Links Consistency of Implementation Workshop
This one-day workshop provides participants with a review of how to implement the evidence-based instructional strategies identified by the National Standards Project (2009) using the curriculum content and lesson plans from the research-based Links Curriculum. The focus of the workshop is on the fidelity of implementation of the evidence-based practices and the use of data collection for instructional decision-making. The workshop will engage participants in hands-on practice activities to become fluent in the instructional strategies of discrete trial training and teaching functional routines as described in the Links Curriculum. Participants will also be provided with detailed handouts to assist them in obtaining fidelity of implementation in their school programs. Participants at this workshop should have attended the two or three-day Links comprehensive workshop or be very familiar with the implementation of the strategies included in the Links Curriculum.

The ADE/ESS Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Unit and STAR Autism Support are collaborating to offer resources and professional learning opportunities to support PEA staff with free Virtual Learning Opportunities for the 25-26 School Year. 

2-Day STAR Comprehensive Workshop 

This comprehensive two-day workshop provides participants with detailed examples and practice activities on how to implement the evidence-based practices identified in the National Standards Report (2009). The STAR Program (Arick, Loos, Falco, and Krug, 2015), a research-based curriculum, is used to provide examples. Appropriate content connected to the common core curriculum is presented, and detailed information on the three evidence-based instructional methods of discrete trial training, pivotal response training, and teaching through functional routines is shared. 

1-Day STAR Consistency of Implementation Workshop

This one-day workshop provides participants with a review of how to implement the evidence-based instructional strategies identified by the National Standards Project (2009) using the curriculum content and lesson plans from the research-based STAR Program. The focus of the workshop is on the fidelity of implementation of the evidence-based practices and the use of data collection for instructional decision-making. Participants will also be provided with detailed handouts to assist them in obtaining fidelity of implementation in their school programs. Participants at this workshop should have attended the two-day STAR comprehensive workshop or be very familiar with the implementation of the strategies included in the STAR Program

2-Day Links Comprehensive Workshop 
This two-day workshop provides participants with information on how to implement evidence-based practices for secondary students using the Links Curriculum (Arick, Hoffman, and Magee-Arick, 2012). Participants will learn to use a process for assessing and teaching functional routines that has been documented in the research. Extensive information will be given on selecting and individualizing routines and teaching specific skills to support success during routines.

1-Day Links Consistency of Implementation Workshop
This one-day workshop provides participants with a review of how to implement the evidence-based instructional strategies identified by the National Standards Project (2009) using the curriculum content and lesson plans from the research-based Links Curriculum. The focus of the workshop is on the fidelity of implementation of the evidence-based practices and the use of data collection for instructional decision-making. The workshop will engage participants in hands-on practice activities to become fluent in the instructional strategies of discrete trial training and teaching functional routines as described in the Links Curriculum. Participants will also be provided with detailed handouts to assist them in obtaining fidelity of implementation in their school programs. Participants at this workshop should have attended the two or three-day Links comprehensive workshop or be very familiar with the implementation of the strategies included in the Links Curriculum.

PEAs are also encouraged to contact STAR Autism Support if they would like additional individualized support during this time for their teachers, related service staff members, and paraprofessionals! Click here to see the full list of offerings for the school year. 

We are excited to offer these opportunities to work with your teams to support our students!  Please contact Bekah Anderson [email protected] or Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices inbox for questions or assistance. 

 Click here to see the full list of offerings for the school year. 

 We are excited to offer these opportunities to work with your teams to support our students!  Please contact Bekah Anderson [email protected] or Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices inbox for questions or assistance. 

ESS/Program Support and Monitoring (PSM) is proud to announce the release of the SY 2025–2026 Programmatic Monitoring Manual. This manual is intended to assist public education agencies (PEAs) in participating in and preparing for programmatic monitoring activities. The forms associated with programmatic monitoring activities can be found on the PSM website under Differentiated Monitoring Activities.

Please contact your PEA’s assigned specialist with questions. 

Back by popular demand beginning August 2025, the National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) and the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE), in partnership with the ADE/ESS, have organized a new year of monthly, low-cost professional learning webinars for paraeducators, related service providers (RSPs), teachers, administrators, etc.

Join the NRCP on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for exciting topics and presenters! This year, topics include the following:

• Aug 9, 2025—Bullying & Cyberbullying Prevention
• Sep 13, 2025—Secondary Education & Transition Planning
• Oct 11, 2025—Instructional Differentiation & Dyslexia Support
• Nov 8, 2025—Accommodations vs. Modifications
• Dec 13, 2025—Behavior Management
• Jan 10, 2026—Intro to Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Feb 7, 2026—Career Advancement for Paraeducators
• Mar 14, 2026—Support for Low Incidence Disabilities
• Apr 11, 2026—Paraeducator Roles & Responsibilities
• May 9, 2026—Visual Supports & De-escalation Techniques
• Jun 13, 2026—The Trauma-Responsive Paraeducator
• Jul 11, 2026—Teamwork & Collaboration in Schools

Teacher and paraeducator teams are encouraged to sign up together. The $100 registration fee includes 12 live webinars and extended access to the recordings until August 2026. There is a limited number of seats at this discounted price, so register now to save your spot!

Register for Saturday Mornings with the NRCP!

Please see the NRCP flyer for additional information about the professional learning series, and email Laura Lema with any questions.

ADE/ESS recently notified Transporting School Districts in fiscal year (FY) 2025 that they will be required to complete the Statement of Assurances annually.  Additionally, special education data reporting requirements for FY 2026 will be expanded as required by the Department in the assurances for the application for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal funds.

Please read the attached memo for details and contact ESS Data Management with any questions.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT  

Upcoming change for Fiscal Year 2026 - Modification to Exit Code W3: Expelled or long-term suspension 

An update to enrollment withdrawal code W3: Expelled or long-term suspension has been introduced in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The AzEDS team has separated this code into two exit codes in an effort to further validate SPED reporting and ensure accurate data for the state. The two exit codes are listed below: 

W31: Long-term suspension 

W3: Expelled before scheduled end of school year 

Through FY25, the existing withdrawal code, W3, applies to both expulsions and long-term suspensions. In order to meet federal reporting requirements, we must be able to identify expulsions. Currently, ESS is using an annual free-form survey within the Special Education Data Dashboard for the PEAs to clarify which withdrawal codes refer to expulsions. Adding a W31 code for expulsions will improve data quality and eliminate the need for the free-form survey. 

Relevant Statutes and Requirements: 

Section 618 of IDEA 

EDFacts files FS144 and FS006 

The SPED Exit Validation Matrix has been updated for this change and published on our ESS Data Management website.  

Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding this update.    

Registration is closing soon for the 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference—Leadership in Action: Expanding Access, Cultivating Opportunity. This is your opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead alongside peers who are shaping the future of special education across the state. The Director’s Preconference is an exclusive, invite-only event designed for Arizona’s special education leaders.

Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Location: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa  5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Price: $100 (General conference registration not included)

What to Expect:

• Engaging Panels & Campfire Talks on FAPE, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), staffing shortages, supporting students with complex needs, and more
• Audrey Levorse, Deputy Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), who will offer insights on federal compliance and its impact on state and local teams
• An Interactive Networking Reception to connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships
• Opportunities for reflection and real-world problem-solving

Secure your spot now! Apply for Arizona’s 2025 IDEA Director’s Preconference by July 31.

Additional information, including eligibility criteria and the schedule, is available in the application. Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions.

The ADE/ESS Assistive Technology (AT) Team is excited to announce a year-long professional learning opportunity focused on Assistive Technology (AT) and Accessible Educational Materials (AEM). The Assistive Technology Community of Practice (ATCoP) will convene monthly throughout the 2025–2026 school year, offering a collaborative space for joint activities, discussions, problem-solving, information sharing, and relationship building. 

Each session will center around a key topic related to AT or AEM, facilitated by an ADE/ESS Assistive Technology Specialist. Meetings will include dedicated time for member questions and open discussion to foster deeper engagement and shared learning. 

Eligibility Requirements: Membership is open to professionals employed by a public education agency (PEA) in Arizona who directly serve students with disabilities. This includes AT specialists, special education teachers, related service providers, and others with responsibilities related to AT and/or AEM. 

To apply, please complete the ATCoP Membership Application. Once submitted, applicants will receive additional details regarding meeting dates and times. Most sessions will be held virtually to maximize accessibility.  Members can join at any time during the 2025-2026 school year.  

This initiative is proudly supported by the 2025–2026 Joy Zabala Fellowship and is a collaborative effort between Emily Gaylord, PT, DPT, and Mike Marotta, ATP. 

We look forward to your participation in the Assistive Technology Community of Practice! For questions or concerns, please contact ADE/ESS Assistive Technology at [email protected]. 

Registration is open for Arizona’s 2025 IDEA Conference: Access Cultivates Opportunity, taking place August 21–22 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix.

• Fee: $400 per person
• Deadline to request a seat and submit payment: July 25, 2025

Registration Steps:

1. Request a Seat: Submit your seat request by July 25, 2025.
2. Submit Payment: Once your seat request is approved, you will receive payment instructions to complete your registration through the Arizona Professional Learning & Development (APLD) application.

Payments without an approved seat request will be canceled.

Join fellow educators, leaders, community members, youths, and their families for two energizing days focused on innovation, collaboration, and opportunity in special education. This year’s conference features inspiring keynote speakers:

• Jessica Cox – Motivational speaker and Guinness World Record holder
• Shawn Harper – Former NFL player turned leadership expert
•  Brandon K. Wright – Renowned education attorney
• Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo – Early childhood inclusive education leader

Learn more about our keynote speakers and view their bios. Stay tuned to the IDEA Conference National Speaker Page for more information about our Premier Speakers.

Hotel Reminder: The last day to book your room at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is July 30, 2025. Reserve your stay at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. Detailed instructions and information can be found by visiting the IDEA Conference Registration Page.

Please email the IDEA Conference inbox if you have any questions.

Join us for two unforgettable days of learning and inspiration!