2026 KSDE SETS Administrators Conference: Full Schedule

7:00am CDT

Internet Lower Level- Select Wireless Network: HYATT_Meeting Access Code: Leader2026

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

Follow the instructions below to access the internet when you are in the Eagle Ballrooms, Trails, or Lower Gallery.

Network: Hyatt_Meeting
Access Code: Leader2026
Valid Until: 6/25/2025 at 11:59 pm
*After clicking the network, it will pop-up a slash page requesting the access code, where you will enter Leader2026

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Eagle Ballrooms

7:00am CDT

Internet for Upper Level- Connect to Century2-secure Enter Password: Century2

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Process for Logging into Pre-Paid Wi-Fi Account -Internet for Redbud, Cypress, Birch, Maple From the device’s Wi-Fi settings, connect to "Century2-secure" Wireless• Most devices will automatically display different internet options (this may take afew minutes)(If internet options do not display automatically, open a web browserand refresh the page)• To enter user...
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Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Redbud

7:30am CDT

Check-in and Breakfast June 24th

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

On the first day of the conference please check in by finding your name badge at the registration tables in the foyer outside the Eagle Ballrooms. Grab breakfast from the buffet, and proceed to find a seat in the Eagle Ballrooms for the general session.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Breakfast

8:30am CDT

Conference Opening-KSDE Updates

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

KSDE Updates
Dr. Jake Steel- Kansas Commissioner of Education
Dr. Renee Nugent- KSDE Deputy Commissioner of Division of Learning Services
KSDE SETS Updates
Parent and Family Engagement
Prevalence Data
Assessments
Structural Changes at the Federal & State Level
Cohesiveness Support Across IDEA and ESEA

SETS Leadership Conference Dr. Jake Steel & Dr. Renee Nugent pdf

2026 Leadership Conference LOD assessment hot topics pdf

Prevalence Update KSDE Hot Topics Dean Zajic pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

10:00am CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT

Cypress AB

Visit the KSDE Technical Assistance System Network (TASN) Marketplace. Interact with TASN providers
and other partner agencies and learn what high-quality resources are offered for your district at no or
little cost.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

10:30am CDT

A1. Permissive Use of Funds: Understanding Allowable use of Special Education Staff in Inclusive and Tiered Systems

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Redbud AB

Participants will explore the legal foundation of permissive use of funds and examine how special education and related services may appropriately be delivered in general education classrooms and other education-related settings. The session will also highlight how permissive use of funds can support tiered systems of supports by allowing specially designed instruction, supplementary aids,...
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Speakers

Dean Zajic

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education

Brian Dempsey

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Redbud AB

Breakout Block A, Early Childhood

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education

10:30am CDT

A2. Strong Programs, Strong Outcomes: Neglected or Delinquent Essentials

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Redbud C

This session provides an overview of key components of Neglected or Delinquent (N or D) programs, including requirements tied to N or D identification. Participants will learn an overview of the program and how to use data to support continuous program improvement and review essential monitoring elements such as fiscal requirements, timelines, site visits, and self-assessments. The session will...
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Speakers

Heather Terrill

KSDE Staff, Kansas Department of Education

Strong Program, Strong Outcomes Neglected or Delinquent Essentials pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block A, Title Services/ ESEA Programs

Subject Title Services

10:30am CDT

A3. Indicator 6- Making Inclusion Possible: Seven Strategies for Early Childhood Leaders

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Birch

This presentation explores practical, research-informed strategies that early childhood leaders can use to create and sustain inclusive learning environments. Participants will learn seven key strategies that promote equity, collaboration, and individualized support. “Making Inclusion Possible” focuses on empowering leaders to support children of all abilities, backgrounds, and needs in...
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Speakers

Vera Stroup-Rentier

TA Provider IDC/NETA B, Westat

Angel Spann

Early Childhood Special Education(619 Coordinator), Kansas State Department of Education

I support preschool programs with Early Childhood Indicators 6 (Preschool Environment) ,7 (Preschool Outcomes), and 12 (Preschool Transitions). Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Early Childhood Indicators.

Indicator6Leadership6.24A&V pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Birch

Breakout Block A, Special Education

Subject Special Education, Early Childhood

11:30am CDT

Lunch Wednesday June 24th

Wednesday June 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Lunch is available for Everyone that is registered to attend. Please Proceed to the Buffett lines outside the Eagle ballrooms.

Wednesday June 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Lunch

12:30pm CDT

B1. Understanding KIAS: General Supervision, Accountability, and the Future of Monitoring in Kansas

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Redbud AB

Kansas is evolving its approach to special education monitoring and accountability. As the state transitions from a cohort-based monitoring model to a risk-based model focused on student outcomes, it is more important than ever for educators and administrators to understand how their work connects to the broader system of general supervision.This session provides a foundational overview of the...
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Speakers

Brian Dempsey

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education

Jana Rosborough

Limestone Education

Melissa Valenza

Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education

Understanding KIAS General Supervision Accountability and the Future of Monitoring in Kansas pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Redbud AB

Breakout Block B, Early Childhood

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education

12:30pm CDT

B2. Dispute Resolution, it’s a McKinney-Vento Requirement

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Redbud C

LEA staff may not be aware that the McKinney-Vento education of homeless children and youth program requires a formal dispute process under specific circumstances. In this session, you will discover where to find the statute reference to this program requirement, be able to differentiate between situations that are complaints versus potential disputes and become familiar with the applicable...
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Speakers

Maureen Tabasko

Education of Homeless Children & Youth Coordinator, Kansas State Department of Education

SHC Title I Part A Requirements and Guidance on Serving Homeless Students pdf

2026 SETS June Conference Dispute Resolution (002) pdf

Dispute Resolution, it's a McKinney Vento Requirement Session Resources docx

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block B, Title Services/ ESEA Programs

Subject Title Services
NEW FIELD 1 McKinney-Vento state plan

12:30pm CDT

B3. From Data to Decisions: Strengthening Indicator 7 Through High Quality Training, Reliable Tools and Local Data Analysis

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Birch

This session focuses on helping early childhood leaders and program staff effectively use data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes related to Indicator 7. By moving “from data to decisions,” participants will learn how to collect, analyze, and apply meaningful data to strengthen program performance and ensure continuous improvement The session will explore strategies for...
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Speakers

Vera Stroup-Rentier

TA Provider IDC/NETA B, Westat

Angel Spann

Early Childhood Special Education(619 Coordinator), Kansas State Department of Education

SETS Summer Leadership 2026 Indicator 7 pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Birch

Breakout Block B

Subject Special Education, Early Childhood

1:30pm CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Cypress AB

Wednesday June 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

2:00pm CDT

Legal Updates- General Session

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Kansas Legal in Review & What it Means for you

Speakers

Brian Dempsey

Assistant Director, Kansas State Department of Education

Mark Ward

2026 Leadership Conference Legal Updates Pm GeneralSession pdf

Wednesday June 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

Subject Special Education

3:30pm CDT

Conference Day 1 Adjourn

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

TBA

Conference Day 1 Adjourns, if you are not staying at the Hyatt, the parking garage gates will be open for you to exit. Remember, breakfast starts at 7 am tomorrow, the session will start promptly at 8am

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
TBA

3:30pm CDT

TASN Marketplace Break

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT

Cypress AB

Wednesday June 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
Cypress AB

TASN Marketplace

7:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Grab breakfast from the buffet, and proceed to find a seat in the Eagle Ballrooms for the general session.

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Breakfast

7:00am CDT

Internet Lower Level- Select Wireless Network: HYATT_Meeting Access Code: Leader2026

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Follow the instructions below to access the internet when you are in the Eagle Ballrooms, Trails, or Lower Gallery.

Network: Hyatt_Meeting
Access Code: Leader2026
Valid Until: 6/25/2026 at 11:59 pm
*After clicking the network, it will pop-up a slash page requesting the access code, where you will enter in the access code: Leader2026

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Eagle Ballrooms

7:00am CDT

Internet for Upper Level- Connect to Century2-secure Enter Password: Century2

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT

TBA

Thursday June 25, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm CDT
TBA

Internet- Redbud

8:00am CDT

General Session: The Positive Impact of MTSS in Special Education

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

Across Kansas, leaders are navigating growing student needs, limited resources, and funding pressures that challenge traditional approaches to special education delivery. If the goal is improved outcomes for students, leaders may need to rethink where—and how—they invest scarce capacity.This session examines the leadership shift toward strengthening prereferral intervention systems and...
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Speakers

Amy Haussler

Director, Holton Special Education Cooperative

The Positive Impact of MTSS in Special Education Amy Haussler pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

8:45am CDT

General Session: KSDE Structured Literacy Updates

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am CDT

Grand Eagle Ballrooms

This session will provide district leaders with an overview of Kansas' structured literacy initiatives, upcoming legislative requirements, and resources available to support successful implementation and improved literacy outcomes for students.

Speakers

Laurie Curtis

Assistant Director: Literacy, Kansas Department of Education

KSDE Structured Literacy Update pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am CDT
Grand Eagle Ballrooms

General Session

9:15am CDT

C1. Improving Specially Designed Literacy Instruction at the Secondary Level

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Redbud AB

This session will share a systemic approach to improving specially designed literacy instruction for secondary students with reading goals on their IEP’s. We will highlight the collaboration between KSDE and the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education in the implementation of a pilot project that builds secondary special education staff capacity in the science of reading, structured...
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Speakers

Sara Hoepner

Director of Special Services, East Central Kansas Cooperative in Kansas

Jeri Powers

Teacher Leader Consultant Dyslexia/Early Literacy Team, KSDE

Jeri Powers is a Teacher Leader Consultant with the Kansas Department of Education's Dyslexia/Early Literacy Team. For over 30 years, she has been dedicated to supporting students facing literacy challenges, working as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and District Literacy... Read More →

Improving Specially Designed Literacy Instruction at the Secondary Level pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Redbud AB

Breakout Block C, Evidence Based Practices- For all programs

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education, Title Services

9:15am CDT

C2. Indicator 8 & ESEA Family Involvement- New Measure, New Process, Better Feedback

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Redbud C

Beginning this upcoming school, the Family Engagement Survey–2 (FES–2) on districttools.org will be used to collect the SPP APR Indicator 8 data as well as the ESEA parent and family engagement requirements. Bring your computer to this session to access the website and view available data from prior years. We will discuss the process for administering the survey, how to review results for your...
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Speakers

Amy Gaumer Erickson

Kansans Can Competency Framework

Dr. Amy Gaumer Erickson is an associate research professor at the University of Kansas, USA and co-author of The Skills That Matter: Teaching Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Competencies in Any Classroom and Teaching Self-Regulation: Seventy-Five Instructional Activities to Fost... Read More →

Jane Groff

Executive Director, Kansas Parent Information Resource Center

Dr. Jane Groff has served as the Director of the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) for seventeen years. While supervising all KPIRC priorities, Dr. Groff provides professional development and technical assistance on family engagement in education to Kansas districts... Read More →

Josie McClendon

Education Program Consultant, Kansas State Department of Education

Indicator 8 Leadership Conf. 2026 pdf

FES 2 Flyer 2026 pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Redbud C

Breakout Block C

Subject Early Childhood, Special Education, Title Services

9:15am CDT

C3. Indicator 12-Strengthening Partnerships Through MOUs

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Birch

This session highlights the critical role of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in building and sustaining effective partnerships in early childhood and community-based programs. Participants will explore how MOUs can clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations among partners, while promoting accountability and trust. The session will cover key components of strong MOUs, strategies for...
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Speakers

Chelie Nelson

Project Director, Northern Arizona University

Angel Spann

Early Childhood Special Education(619 Coordinator), Kansas State Department of Education

SETS Summer Leadership 202 Indicator 12 pdf

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Birch

Breakout Block C, Early Childhood

Subject Special Education, Early Childhood

9:15am CDT

C4. Maintenance of Effort (MOE) & Excess Cost

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Cypress A

This session will provide an overview of Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and Excess Cost reports. We will walk through each report and highlight key areas – budgets, exceptions, consequences of failure. Common errors and best practices will also be discussed. This session is helpful for both seasoned and new staff.

Speakers

Helen Swanson

Kansas State Department of Education

MOE and Excess Cost KSDE SETS Summer Conference pdf

MOE Calculation xlsx

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Cypress A

Breakout Block C, Special Education

Subject Special Education

9:15am CDT

C5. Getting to Better Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

Thursday June 25, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Cypress B

This session will dive into current graduation, drop-out, transition, employment and post-secondary participation rates for Kansas students with disabilities. After our review a panel of special education administrators will share the practices and procedures in their organizations that promote success for their students with disabilities.

Speakers