ConnectED
A VIRTUAL NETWORK FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS A VIRTUAL NETWORK FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
DATES 11:30 AM -1:00 PM
October 14, 2025
November 11, 2005
February 3, 2026
March 10, 2026
WHY JOIN THIS SPECIAL EDUCATION NETWORK?
All Meetings Held Virtually
Special Education Specialist
jcappeart@cesa7.org
This network is designed to support, empower, and connect special education professionals across our region. Whether you're new to the role or a veteran educator, this space offers consistent, collaborative opportunities to:
Strengthen your practice through timely, relevant professional learning. Align communication across special education, general education, and leadership teams
Bridge district and CESA support to create a unified approach to special education services
Apply tools and strategies that directly impact instruction, IEP development, and work flow
Build confidence and clarity around key areas like goal writing, supervision, and daily prioritization
Co-facilitated by CESA 7 staff and district Special Education Leadership, these sessions ensure cohesive, aligned, and responsive support across districts.
JESSICA CAPPEART
Network Membership Includes All Sessions!
Session 1 – October 14
“Start Strong: Setting the Stage for Paraprofessional Team Success”
Start the year with clear communication and intentional planning. Learn how to work collaboratively with paraprofessionals to build trust, define roles, and make the best use of everyone’s expertise—ensuring consistent, meaningful support for students from day one.
Session 2 – November 11
“Collaborative Connections: Communication That Drives Student Support”
Strong collaboration leads to stronger outcomes. This session focuses on building effective communication across teams—general education, special education, related services, and leadership. Learn how to share responsibility for student success, start the right conversations, and set checkpoints to keep collaboration going all year long.
Session 3 – February 3
“From Compliance to Clarity: Writing Goals that Make Sense”
What makes a goal truly meaningful for a student? In this session, we’ll focus on how to determine appropriate IEP goals based on disability-related needs, student strengths, and areas of impact. You’ll explore best practices for writing clear, measurable goals—and bring a current IEP to self-assess and refine your own work. Leave with practical tools, deeper clarity, and goals for strengthening your practice moving forward.
Session 4 – March 10
“Smarter, Not Harder: Tech & Tools for the Special Education Toolbox”
Explore high-impact digital tools like MagicSchool AI, Goblin.tools, IEP Generators, and Brisk to boost productivity, streamline caseloads, and support student needs. Discover how to prioritize your day and embed tools into practice
Oct through Feb 1:00-3:00
10: 12:30-3:00
Meeting Dates
October 24, 2025
December 5, 2025
January 23, 2026
February 27, 2026
April 10, 2026
Participants will also receive a certificate of attendance after each session, which may be eligible for Category B credit for NCSP renewal.
Annual Cost Per District
$299 Full Member
$418 Limited Member
$564 Non-Member Registration
Contact Becky Steensen for additional information bsteensen@cesa7.org bit.ly/45hSJUn
School Psychologist Network
Meeting Details: 2025-2026
October 24, 2025
Act 20 & SPED: A Year Later
Angie Meier, Literacy Specialist with CESA 7 & Rose Kilmurray, DPI Consultant
This session will provide a state and regional overview of the implementation of Act 20 since its first year. Rose Kilmurrary, SLD Consultant with DPI, will highlight the state perspective. Angie Meier, Literacy Specialist with CESA 7, will provide a regional perspective on how to take the guidance and apply it in the context of the school level for our special populations.
January 23, 2026
School Psych AI: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Dr. Sandra Michels, Supervisor of Special Education with GBAPS
Dr. Michels is a co-author of a book chapter and an article on the use of AI in special education. She focuses on using AI as a thought partner, and connections will be made to the school psychologist's role.
FACILITATORS
December 5, 2025
Hot Topics in Special Education Law
Heidi Siebert, Director of Special Education with CESA 7
As part of Heidi’s role at CESA 7, she oversees the Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS). She will be highlighting relevant topics in the field, with a focus on fostering effective dispute resolution in special education.
February 27, 2026
Collaboration With Outside Providers: Educational vs. Medical
Dr. Tiffany Born, Pediatric Psychologist with Bellin Health
Dr. Born is one of the only providers in NE WI specializing in pediatric psychology with a special interest in adolescents, children, and toddlers.
April 10, 2026
Lunch and Learn: Creating Collaborative Partnerships
Local guest speakers including Jennifer Bourget, Executive Director of Counting Stars, and Dr. Jenell Holstead, UW-GB Associate Professor & owner of HOPE Counseling Clinic
This session will feature a guided networking opportunity and include powerful insights from organizations that support our students and families, a local higher education professional who operates a private practice, and a student currently receiving support through an IEP.
Evan Pagel Unified School District of De Pere
Katie Ludolph Luxemburg-Casco School District
Melissa Flucke Unified School District of De Pere
Dr. Becky Steensen CESA 7 School Psychologist
Speech and Language Network
2025-2026
Dates:
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Please plan ahead:
This event will be offered in a hybrid format; however, in-person attendance is strongly encouraged to support deeper engagement and collaboration.
Time: Annual Cost Per District:
12:00-3:00pm
Featuring Guest Speaker: Dawn Merth-Johnson
Dawn will join each session to share timely DPI updates that directly impact your work as an SLP.
Join fellow school-based SLPs to exchange ideas, share strategies, and problem-solve together in a supportive network. Sessions are facilitated by practicing SLPs working in schools—just like you. Collaborate & Connect
Focused, High-Impact Topics
Each session will focus on timely, high-impact topics and the complexities SLPs navigate every day. Jodie Madison - CCC SLP Ashwaubenon School District
Earn 3.5 CEUs Per Session
Each session qualifies for 3.5 continuing education hours—grow your skills while earning credit!
More Details Coming This Fall
Final session topics will be announced after we review the needs assessment—your input will shape the conversation!
For more information contact Ashley Brown: abrown@cesa7.org
Speech and Language Network
Session Details 2025-2026
October 14th:
The Role of the SLP within an EMLSS Framework: We’ll discuss strategies for providing practical tools and techniques that teachers and paraprofessionals can implement prior to making a speech referral. You’ll leave feeling confident, equipped, and inspired to better support your colleagues and students while expanding your professional toolbox.
SLP Shared Resource Folder: We encourage everyone to bring and share one idea, resource, or material—whether it’s a strategy or a creative tool you’ve built; this will help us build a shared resource folder for everyone to leave with!
DPI’s Dawn Merth-Johnson will join us for a 30-minute segment to provide timely updates and answer your questions!
Family Engagement: Shared resources for family engagement and discussion on the carry over
January 13th:
Placement and LRE Decision-Making and navigating the balance between push-in vs. pullout services. We’ll explore RDA compliance and discuss strategies to ensure all factors are considered when determining the Least Restrictive Environment.
Key topics include: Best practices vs. current realities of push-in support, effective collaboration and communication with general education staff, practical strategies and examples—what this looks like at upper grade levels, insights from other districts on their experience with push-in services
DPI’s Dawn Merth-Johnson will provide 30 minutes of timely updates and answer your questions
April 14th:
Act 20 and IEP Development: Discussions on the changes accompanying Act 20 and how they relate to the role/responsibility of SLPs, as well as how we can support our students with PRPs
Topics of Interest: Additional topics that you (SLPs throughout CESA 7) would like to further explore or seek clarification on.
DPI’s Dawn Merth-Johnson will provide 30 minutes of timely updates and answer your questions
ACT 20 & PRPS Clarity, Compliance, and Impact
OCTOBER 7, 2025
12:00-3:00
Wondering what Act 20 means for your students with IEPs?
This workshop brings clarity. We’ll explore what Act 20 really requires, how PRPs can support (or duplicate) IEPs, and how to read aimswebPlus data to guide instruction and planning. Grounded in real scenarios, this is a must-attend for any educator shaping student literacy plans.
Participants Will Learn To:
Key differences between Personal Reading Plans (PRPs) and IEPs
How to align or distinguish PRPs within existing IEP structures
How to interpret aimswebPlus data to guide literacy instruction and planning
When a PRP is necessary—and when it may not be
District-level considerations for implementation and communication
REGISTRATION
ANCHORS OF SUPPORT:
A Network for Special Education Admin Assistants
A series of professional learning and networking sessions designed to connect, empower, and support special education administrative assistants across the region.
Build essential skills for mastering student privacy and record-keeping.
Strengthen your understanding of state data systems.
Deepen your understanding of IEPs, improve compliance and master effective case management.
Nurture partnerships with families and enhance team communication.
SESSION DATES
November 20, 2025
January 8, 2026
February 19, 2026
April 16, 2026
1:00 - 3:30 PM
COST PER DISTRICT
$295 Full Membership
$325 Limited Membership
$484 Non-member
REGISTRATION
bit.ly/3FJQC1g
SESSION 1: NOVEMBER 20, 2025
TOPIC 1: DATA GUARDIANS: MASTERING STUDENT PRIVACY AND RECORD-KEEPING
Protecting student information is both a legal requirement and a professional responsibility. This session will explore best practices for safeguarding student data, from FERPA compliance and confidentiality protocols to secure record-keeping strategies that work across systems.
Featured Speaker: Paul Neff, Principal IT Security Officer & CISO, Wisconsin DPI
Practical guidance on student privacy safeguards
Updates on FERPA and related regulations
Strategies for secure and efficient record management
Networking with peers around data privacy challenges and solutions
TOPIC 2: DATA CHAMPIONS: WISEDATA, WISEDASH, AND SNAPSHOT MASTERY
This session will equip administrative assistants with the knowledge and skills to ensure accurate and complete student data reporting. Participants will explore WISEdata and WISEdash, strengthen their understanding of snapshot timelines, and learn strategies to troubleshoot errors and support district compliance.
Guest Speaker: To Be Determined
Overview of WISEdata and WISEdash systems
Data entry and validation tips
Understanding the importance of snapshot data
Troubleshooting common data errors
Collaboration with data coordinators and district staff
SESSION 2: JANUARY 8, 2026
IEP EXPERTS: SUPPORTING COMPLIANCE AND CONNECTION
Behind every successful IEP process is an organized and knowledgeable support team. This session will strengthen your understanding of IEP requirements, timelines, and documentation while highlighting the essential role administrative assistants play in ensuring compliance and fostering strong team communication.
Featured Speakers: Jessica Cappeart, Special Education Specialist, CESA 7
Rachel Kaderabek, Regional Support Network Coordinator, CESA 7
Key components of an IEP
Annual review and reevaluation timelines
Document management and compliance checks
Communication strategies with special education teams
Supporting case managers with IEP updates and distribution
SESSION 3: FEBRUARY 19, 2026
REIMBURSEMENT ROCKSTARS: MASTERING MEDICAID FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
This session will provide admin assistants with a clear understanding of Medicaid billing in special education. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Medicaid reimbursement, explore documentation and compliance requirements, and discuss how their role supports efficient and accurate processes. The session will also highlight recent Medicaid expansions and provide time for networking and sharing best practices.
Possible Guest Speaker: Heidi Siebert, Director of Special Education (CESA 7 Itinerant Services)
Medicaid 101: The essentials of billing in education
Timelines and key checkpoints for Medicaid reimbursement
Expanded Access to Medicaid School-Based Services—what it means for schools
Coding in Wisconsin: Practical tips for accuracy
Networking and sharing best practices for Medicaid billing
SESSION 4: APRIL 16, 2026
FAMILY CONNECTORS: NAVIGATING PARENT RIGHTS AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
This session highlights the vital role administrative assistants play in fostering strong family-school connections. Participants will gain clarity on parent rights under IDEA, explore strategies for professional and empathetic communication, and learn how to manage forward-facing conversations with confidence and care.
Guest Speaker: Sara Nerenhausen, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator
Nurture partnerships with families
Overview of parent rights under IDEA
Professional communication techniques
Managing difficult conversations and maintaining confidentiality
Introduction to WSPEI
Building connections and trust with families ANCHORS
BEYOND THE CCR IEP BEYOND THE CCR IEP
TRAINING SERIES:
TRAINING SERIES:
WRITING IEP GOALS THAT DRIVE INSTRUCTION
WRITING IEP GOALS THAT DRIVE INSTRUCTION
VIRTUAL LUNCH HOUR EVENT:
11:30-12:30
DATES:
February 6, 2026
February 13, 2026
March 6, 2026
March 13, 2026
SESSIONS INCLUDE:
Disability-Related Needs: The Key to Meaningful Goals
Goal Writing Essentials: Making Ambitious, Achievable IEP Goals
Technology as a Partner: Strengthening Goal Writing With the Use of AI
Making Supports Matter: Aligning Goals to Services
COST:
Full Member $185
Limited Member $200
Non Member $275
JESSICA CAPPEART Special Education Specialist
jcappeart@cesa7.org
RACHEL KADERABEK
RSN and SPED Induction Grant Coach
rkaderabek@cesa7.org
SESSION DISCRIPTIONS:
1) Disability-Related Needs: The Key to Meaningful Goals
Strong goals start with a clear understanding of needs. Join this session to explore what disability-related needs are—and how to capture them accurately to guide instruction and supports. Ground your IEP work in what truly matters.
Participants will learn: Techniques to write disability-related needs that lead to purposeful goals.
2) Goal Writing Essentials: Making Ambitious, Achievable IEP Goals
Transform your disability-related needs into measurable, skill-based IEP goals that truly support student growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to write goals that are ambitious yet achievable, clear, and connected directly to everyday instruction. Using practical tools aligned with the Wisconsin CCR IEP framework, you’ll build confidence in creating goals that guide effective teaching and progress monitoring. Join us to make your goal writing purposeful and powerful!
Participants will learn: How to write clear, measurable goals linked to student needs and instructional practice.
3) Technology as a Partner: Strengthening Goal Writing With the Use of AI
Technology offers new ways to support IEP development—but it shouldn’t replace the teacher’s expertise. Join this session to explore how digital tools and AI can assist in drafting goals while keeping the focus on your students’ unique needs. Learn strategies to thoughtfully integrate technology into your workflow and maintain focus on individual student needs.
Participants will learn: Strategies to ethically and effectively blend technology with professional judgment in goal writing.
4) Making Supports Matter: Aligning Goals to Services
Goals set the destination—but services and supports are the vehicle that gets students there. Join this session to learn how to clearly align specially designed instruction (SDI) and supplementary aids and services (SAS) to IEP goals. Walk away with practical tools to write clear, connected service statements that ensure meaningful access and progress for students.
Participants will learn: How to link IEP goals to effective SDI and SAS for strong, actionable supports.
Why How
Contact Us for Customized Solutions
Start the process by completing this form. Our specialists will promptly connect with you to schedule a complimentary virtual meeting designed to uncover your challenges and create a tailored plan to achieve your goals.
All services are fully customizable to address your unique needs. We work alongside you to ensure the seamless implementation of your chosen solutions, providing ongoing support every step of the way.
