Pivot or Perish: To Protect the Promise of Special Education

Outline

Agenda
Time Session Segment Content Focus & Key Actions Engagement / Method Intended Outcome
0:00 – 0:10 (10 min) Welcome, Framing & The Call to Pivot Open with personal story of leading through resource scarcity; connect to national SPED context (teacher shortages, compliance demands, IDEA/WIOA mandates). Storytelling + audience reflection poll (“What’s your biggest SPED challenge?”) Sets emotional connection and urgency. Establishes shared purpose.
0:10 – 0:25 (15 min) Introducing the RISE Framework Overview of RISE (Readiness, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employability) as a strategic and human-centered model for SPED transformation. Visual presentation with real examples and mini-case study discussion. Participants connect framework to their own district or classroom reality.
0:25 – 0:40 (15 min) Barriers & Breakthroughs: The Reality Check Identify the systemic gaps — IEP overloads, limited staff, burnout — and define opportunities to innovate. “Think-Pair-Share” + digital sticky-note brainstorm on Padlet/Jamboard. Participants surface real pain points and start reframing them as opportunities.
0:40 – 1:00 (20 min) AI & Tech Integration Lab: From Overwhelm to Optimization Demonstrate AI and EdTech tools for goal-writing, progress monitoring, communication, and compliance tracking. Live demo (ChatGPT, IEP platforms, data dashboards). Participants test prompts and share wins. Educators learn how to use technology ethically and efficiently to manage large caseloads.
1:00 – 1:25 (25 min) RISE Action Plan Workshop: Building the System You Need Participants design personalized action plans for their setting using a guided RISE template. Interactive small-group work with facilitator coaching. Completed RISE Action Plan — linking goals, technology, and equity outcomes.
1:25 – 1:35 (10 min) Share, Reflect & Commit Participants share one breakthrough, idea, or tool they’ll implement immediately. Popcorn share + digital reflection form. Reinforces accountability and collective learning.
1:35 – 1:40 (5 min) Command Debrief & Close Revisit the “Pivot or Perish” theme — courage to innovate despite constraints. Provide QR link to post-session toolkit. Motivational close with call-to-action. Participants leave inspired and equipped to act.

Outcomes

Attendees will leave with a customized AI-assisted Special Education Action Plan, including an implementation template and sample digital tools to streamline IEP development, monitoring, and collaboration. Each participant will be encouraged to leverage a tech-based workflow tailored to their context to improve efficiency, reduce caseload pressure, and enhance student outcomes.

Supporting research

Supporting Resources

Hattie, John (2012). Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning.
Groundbreaking meta-analysis linking teacher clarity and goal setting (core to IEP quality) to measurable student achievement.

Hammond, Zaretta (2015). Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain.
Provides the neuroscience foundation for equitable, responsive instruction that aligns with the “Independence” and “Self-Advocacy” elements of the TSA RISE Framework.

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). (2024). OSEP Guidance on IDEA Implementation and Workforce Innovation.
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/

Federal guidance linking IDEA, WIOA, and technology integration to improved special education and transition outcomes.

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). (2023). High-Leverage Practices in Special Education.
https://highleveragepractices.org/

Nationally recognized resource detailing evidence-based instructional practices that support quality IEP development and delivery.

CAST (2022). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines 3.0.
https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

Framework emphasizing flexible, technology-enabled learning pathways that support all learners—directly tied to “Readiness” in RISE.

Test, D. W., et al. (2005). “Student Involvement in Individualized Education Program Meetings: A Review of the Literature.” Career Development for Exceptional Individuals.
Key research supporting student self-advocacy and involvement in IEPs—mirrors the “Self-Advocacy” pillar of RISE.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). (2014, amended 2022).
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa

Federal legislation promoting employment readiness and transition supports for youth with disabilities—foundation for “Employability” in RISE.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2023). ISTE Standards for Coaches and Educators.
https://iste.org/standards

Aligns to your session’s Change Agent theme—demonstrating how technology coaches build equitable, high-impact learning systems.

National Center for Learning Disabilities (2023). The State of Learning Disabilities: Understanding the 1 in 5.
https://ncld.org/

Data-driven insight on equity gaps, access issues, and workforce implications for neurodiverse students.

The Simmons Advantage (TSA). (2025). RISE Framework: Readiness, Independence, Self-Advocacy, Employability.
Practitioner-developed model that integrates federal mandates, culturally responsive practice, and innovation to ensure equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.