Vocabulary Basics: An Overview on How We Grow Our Vocabulary...and Why it Matters

Shaune Cotte, Vice President, Senior Director of Professional Development at Keys to Literacy

In this webinar participants will learn about how students acquire words in their early developmental years, why it matters and what research tells us about how educators and parents can continue that growth as students become adolescent learners.

Turning the Page on Dyslexia: Why Audiobooks are the Sound of Educational Freedom

Terrie Noland, Ph.D., CALP, Vice-President, Educator Initiatives Learning Ally

When students experience an audiobook for the first time, they instantly discover their true capacity to learn. The burden of decoding is lifted, freeing them to immerse fully in the story. They encounter rich vocabulary in diverse contexts, hear the rhythm and expression of fluent reading, and awaken to the profound impact of words. This brief yet powerful session will reveal why audiobooks are not just helpful but essential tools that can transform the educational journey for students, opening up new worlds of understanding and confidence.

Assistive Technology and Accessibility Tools to Support Students

NeCol Roager, M.A., Educational Diagnostician, AISD Assistive Technology Specialist and Shira Goldberg, M.Ed., CPACC, AISD Assistive Technology Specialist 

All students can access the Assistive Technology and accessibility tools that are built-in to devices. This training will focus on identifying the students who can benefit from accessing these tools as instructional supports, as well as the students who may benefit from these tools as their assistive technology accommodations. The tools themselves will also be explored. These AT tools are available to all students, but it is important to remember that for our students with disabilities, they must be documented in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan.

Making Cross-Language Connections

Sharon Marroquín, AISD Multilingual Education Coordinator for Elementary

TEA's Dyslexia Handbook states that direct and systematic instruction in cross-linguistic correlations is beneficial for Emergent Bilingual students. Recommended for bilingual educators, this presentation will explain two ways to embed cross-language connections into instructional practice in order to develop students' metalinguistic awareness. Educators will explore scenarios and examples to develop their understanding of the characteristics of both spontaneous bridging and the strategically pre-planned Bridge/El Puente.

A Comprehensive Approach to Dyslexia Screening

Cherry C. Lee, Ed.D, CALT, LDT AISD Special Education Executive Director

This presentation will review the integration and review of multiple points of data to determine early risk for dyslexia. .

Learning objectives:

• Examine district and state-level requirements for screening.
• Consider the structure and role of decision-making teams in the determination of risk.
• Explore digital and non-digital tools that support the determination of risk for dyslexia.
• Connect screening to core instruction, supplemental instruction, and intervention recommendations.

Artificial Intelligence: Cheating or Working Smarter?

Maria Martinez, AISD Administrative Supervisor of Instructional Programming

Join us in exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. In this 60-minute pre-recorded session, we’ll delve into what AI is and how it can be leveraged to support teachers and foster innovation in special education. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of AI’s potential in the classroom and learn practical ways to integrate these tools effectively. This session is ideal for educators and administrators who are eager to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of education.

Unmasking Dyslexia: Separating Fact from Fiction

Toni Castro Hearn, M.Ed AISD Dyslexia Specilaist, Tammy Black, LDT, CALT AISD Dyslexia Specialist

Join us as we explore the common myths and misconceptions surrounding dyslexia, alongside the real facts backed by research and lived experiences. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone seeking to understand dyslexia better, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to challenge stereotypes and support those with dyslexia more effectively.

Creating a Literacy Community

Suzann P. Vera, M.S. Ed., LDT, C-SLDS, CALT-QI

Participants can expect to gain invaluable insights and practical strategies to foster and enhance a thriving literacy community within their schools and broader communities. The session will delve into actionable ideas, providing a comprehensive roadmap for attendees to cultivate a culture of literacy that extends beyond the classroom.

Unlocking Student Success: The Continuum of Services & Successful Accommodation Implementation

Dawn Rudolph, M.Ed. AISD Section 504 Coordinator

Gain in-depth insight into the key factors influencing educational decision-making for students identified with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia. Explore the continuum of services designed to meet each student's unique learning needs, including Special Education and Section 504 supports. Delve into effective accommodation implementation that can significantly impact student outcomes and promote a more inclusive educational environment.