Don't miss out on three exciting opportunities at the 2025 IDEA Conference: Access Cultivates Opportunity, August 21–22, 2025, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona.

Nominations for Arizona Secondary Transition Services Awards
Recognize outstanding contributions to secondary transition services. Nominate a youth/young adult, community member, or educator by submitting an online nomination form.

Call for Student Artwork
Showcase student talent at the IDEA Conference! If you know a student artist interested in displaying his or her artwork, please complete the 2025 Student Artwork Entry form.

Youth and Family Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Arizona youth and their families to attend the conference. Apply using the Youth and Family Scholarship application.

The deadline for these opportunities is May 27, 2025.

For more information, visit the IDEA Conference website or email the IDEA Conference inbox.

DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT 

Special Education Data Dashboard is Now Open: Wednesday, May 7, 2025  

This alert is to inform you that the Special Education Data Dashboard (SEDD) application is now OPEN. 

SEDD is a one-stop shop for public education agencies (PEAs) to securely review their SPED data collected over the fiscal reporting year and certify said SPED data at year-end. 

Accessing the SEDD application 

1. Navigate to ADEConnect.  

2. Click "View Applications." 

3. Locate the parent/district level entity for your organization. ([PEA Name] ([EntityID])) 

4. Click the "Exceptional Student Services Portal" link.  

5. Locate the "Data Collection and Reporting" section.  

6. Click the "Special Education Data Dashboard" link. 

Review your data for each site within your PEA. Please make any applicable corrections to your data within your Student Information System (SIS) before the close of AzEDS reporting for the fiscal year.  

Technical Assistance 

Please view our technical assistance information, including the SEDD Manual, available on the ESS Data Management/SEDD Webpage 
SEDD training will be held on Thursday, May 8th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM via Microsoft Teams. Click here to register now. 
The recording will be made available on the SEDD page the following week. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

ESS Data Management 
Exceptional Student Services 
Arizona Department of Education 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 602-542-3962 
Data Management Webpage  

Are you looking to increase teaching collaboration between general educators and special educators in early mathematics?  The ADE/ESS/Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practices team is excited to announce a new professional learning series designed to support five school teams as they seek to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in Mathematics. The learning series includes in-person training, coaching, and follow-up virtual sessions.  See flyer.
Teaching Partners: Sparking Curiosity with Problem Solving, Raising Student Voice
Grades 4-9

Learning Series Description  
Join us as we explore how to empower students to delve into problem-solving enthusiastically. We will use low-floor/high-ceiling tasks rooted in routines and lesson structures that develop language and mathematics authentically and purposefully. Cecilio Dimas will lead participants through learning experiences that utilize Math Language Routines. You will gain practical strategies that you can use right away in your classrooms and develop structures for lasting learning for students.  Additional coaching support for administrators and instructional coaches on feedback and implementation practices will be provided as well. 

Dates for In-Person Learning Sessions for All Participants:  

• Two-day in-person sessions on September 17–18, 2025, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm each day in Tempe, AZ.  

Dates for Two Virtual Learning Sessions for All Participants  

• Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00 pm–6:00 pm.  
• Zoom Webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 4:00 pm–6:00 pm.  

Dates for Three Virtual Learning Sessions for Coaches and Administrators:  

• Zoom Webinars on dates to be determined for October 2025, December 2025, and January 2026.   

Fee  
$50 per participant  

School team requirements (up to 6 members):  

• At least one general education teacher and one special education teacher teaching the same grade level  

• One instructional coach, specialist, or teacher leader  

• One administrator  

• Two additional teammates can be a general education teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach, and/or administrator.  

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are due by July 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified about the result of their application on or before July 8, 2025. Apply for the Teaching Partnerships Learning Series  

About Cecilio Dimas  

Cecilio Dimas is Executive Director of the Silicon Valley Mathematics Initiative (SVMI). Cecilio has served as a mathematics coordinator and has supported districts in their efforts to implement the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. He has taught at both elementary and secondary levels. SVMI has played a vital role in his development as a learner, teacher, coach, facilitator, and administrator. Cecilio enjoys working with students, teachers, and administrators and believes that fostering the development of critical-thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while nurturing language development and cultivating joy in the mathematics classroom is essential for all students to thrive in our local, national, and global communities.   

     DATA MANAGEMENT ALERT

Special Education Data Updates Webinar: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 

The Exceptional Student Services Data Management team will host the next live Special Education Data Updates webinar on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. This session will cover a variety of data topics that will include:    

• Reminders  

• Trending topics  

• Top Three Integrity Errors 

• Q&A     

Please register by clicking this link. Registration is required to attend. If you have any questions, please email the ESS Data Management inbox.  

ADE/ESS is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Arizona's 2025 IDEA Conference: Access Cultivates Opportunity. This year's conference will take place from August 21–22, 2025, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix.

The registration fee for professionals is $400 per person, payable by credit card, check, or purchase order. Given the approaching procurement deadlines for PEAs, we encourage you to register promptly, as spots are expected to fill quickly.

Registration Process:

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.

To ensure equal access, we may limit the number of attendees per district or charter organization. Please note that if payment is submitted without an approved seat request, it will be canceled. You will need to submit a seat request first.
For more information on registration, including how to make a Save My Seat request, lodging options, and FAQs, please visit the IDEA Conference Registration webpage.

Are you looking to increase teaching collaboration between general educators and special educators in early mathematics? 

The ADE/ESS/Academic Achievement and Inclusive Practices team is excited to announce a new professional learning series designed to support five school teams as they seek to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in Mathematics. The learning series includes in-person training, coaching, and follow-up virtual sessions. 

Teaching Partners: Building Number Sense, Foundations for Math Success
Grades K–3rd

Learning Series Description 
Join us for an engaging and hands-on professional learning experience focused on strengthening early mathematics instruction. This learning series will support educators in identifying struggle points in number sense development and providing targeted interventions that lay the groundwork for long-term success in mathematics. Our featured host, Suzi Mast, will guide participants through hands-on learning, modeling instructional routines and strategies that foster mathematical thinking, language, and understanding in young learners. Additional coaching support for administrators and instructional coaches on feedback and implementation practices will be provided as well. Brochure here.

Dates for In-Person Learning Sessions for All Participants: 

• Two-day in-person sessions on September 4th–5th from 8:30–4:30 each day in Tempe, AZ. 

Dates for Two Virtual Learning Sessions for All Participants 

• Zoom Webinar on August 14, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. 
• Zoom Webinar on November 13, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. 

Dates for Three Virtual Learning Sessions for Coaches and Administrators: 

• Zoom Webinars on dates to be determined for October 2025, December 2025, and January 2026.  

Fee: $50 per participant 

School team requirements (up to 6 members): 

• At least one general education teacher and one special education teacher teaching the same grade level 

• One instructional coach, specialist, or teacher leader 

• One administrator 

• Two additional teammates can be a general education teacher, special education teacher, instructional coach, and/or administrator. 

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are due by July 1, 2025. Applicants will be notified about the result of their application on or before July 8, 2025 

Apply for the Teaching Partnerships Learning Series 

About Suzi Mast 

Suzi Mast is a proud Arizona-certified teacher and administrator with over 30 years of experience.  Suzi retired from the Arizona Department of Education, where she was the Director of K-12 Mathematics and Educational Technology for over nine years. Suzi has also been a middle school and high school teacher in Arizona, worked in the private sector in educational technology, and was an administrator for a K-8 district, leading math and science curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  Suzi specializes in Formative Assessment, MTSS, and academic collaboration in math with a focus on access for all students.  Her current passion is early elementary mathematics. Suzi is the Past President of the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) and is the current Vice President of the Central Region for the Arizona Math Leaders (AML).  Suzi is also a member of the Arizona Mathematics Collaborative, which is focused on supporting and creating mathematics pathways from high school to higher education. Suzi is thrilled to be back in the classroom this year, coaching grades K-9 teachers and providing professional development in mathematics content and pedagogy at the state, district, and site levels.   

If you have questions about the professional learning series, please email the Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Inbox. 

Do your students doubt their abilities when faced with challenges? Do they know how to put forth effort and make progress toward their goals? Self-efficacy instruction can transform your students' beliefs about their ability to complete difficult tasks and help them become more resilient learners.   

Offered by the Arizona Department of Education/Exceptional Student Services in collaboration with the University of Kansas Research Collaboration, this FREE one-year professional learning series with accompanying FREE curriculum provides schools with 

• Free access to self-efficacy lessons at primary, intermediate, and secondary levels, including 25+ evidence-based instructional activities teaching 10 Self-Efficacy Strategies 

• Virtual training for all staff throughout the school year, tailored to your PD calendar 

• Assessments to track student growth 

• Ongoing coaching support during the implementation process 

There are 4 spots left for schools (elementary, middle, or high) to participate in the 2025–2026 school year. 

To learn more about securing a spot for your school, complete the CCCs Project Interest Form to schedule a 30-minute conference call. 

View our self-efficacy infographic, which includes the definition of self-efficacy and student impacts resulting from instruction. 

This professional learning experience will empower your students and enhance their learning journey. Act now to join this free project! 

For any questions, email Pattie Noonan. 

Arizona school districts (districts) are boundaries of land recognized by the United States Census Bureau, where respective districts are responsible for enrolling potential students within the district’s boundaries. Any geographic areas not identified within a district’s boundaries are considered unorganized territories. Families residing in unorganized territories may enroll in districts through a certificate of educational convenience (CEC). The attached memorandum seeks to clarify certificates of educational convenience for preschool children with disabilities who reside in unorganized territories.

Please direct questions to your PEA’s assigned Program Support and Monitoring specialist.

Don’t miss this opportunity to sign up your new special education teachers for Teach Camp! Please note that the registration form must be completed by May 2 for eligible public education agencies to be considered for travel reimbursement.

Teach Camp aims to increase the retention of beginning special educators by providing them with the tools they need to survive and thrive.

Here’s what some of this year’s campers had to say about their experience at Teach Camp:

• ”I know the knowledge I'll bring back will help improve my own teaching skills and that of my coworkers as I share with them what I've learned.
• “I think this was an awesome experience, and I would recommend this to my colleagues!”
• “Great mix of learning, community, and fun!”   

Teach Camp Eligibility:

• We know there are many pathways to becoming a special education teacher in Arizona. Recent graduates from traditional teacher preparation programs, alternative certified teachers, and veteran general education teachers transitioning to special education are all welcome.
• Teach Camp is available to special education teachers who will begin their first, second, or third year of teaching special education in the fall of 2025.
• Participants must be directly employed by a school district or charter as a special education teacher.

The cost for Summer 2025 Teach Camp is $250 per teacher and includes:  

• 3-day summer “camp” to be held July 8-10, 2025, at ASU SkySong, 1365 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
• Follow-up support throughout the school year, including virtual sessions and newsletters 
• A copy of The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers  
• A one-year membership to the Council for Exceptional Children  
• Additional valuable resources   

Registration:
Registration for Teach Camp is open until Friday, June 13, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration must be approved by the special education director and completed by the district or charter organization, not the special education teacher. Please note that there is a limit of ten registrations for each district or charter. More than ten teachers from any one district or charter will be placed on a waiting list. Please be aware we may reduce the group size per district or charter organization to accommodate the attendance of more districts/charters and budget constraints for travel reimbursement. On-site registration is not available.  

Travel Reimbursement:
Funding is available for travel costs for districts and charter organizations that are traveling 51 miles or more from the school district or charter office to ASU SkySong, 1301 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.  Reimbursements will be made to the district or charter organization, not the special education teacher, via the Arizona Procurement Portal. Please note that APP registration and an additional completed State Procurement Office Form will be required.  Additional information regarding travel reimbursement will be provided to the district or charter organization once registration is completed. To be considered for travel reimbursement for the three-day summer session, registration must be completed by May 2, 2025. Reimbursement may be provided for up to five travelers per district or charter, with additional travelers added as funding permits.

Begin the registration process for Teach Camp!

Please email the ESS Recruitment and Retention Inbox with any questions about Teach Camp.