Federal and state policy can read very differently from a Washington, D.C. memo than it does from a director’s office in a Washington school district. This opening session brings the policy lens and the practitioner lens into the same room. Drawing on her experience leading special education at both the federal and state levels, Glenna Gallo will walk through the policy pressures shaping our work right now — from IDEA implementation to state-level guidance — and where directors are feeling the friction between intent and execution. Expect a candid look at what is shifting, what is staying the same, and where district leaders have leverage. The session is designed to set context for the rest of the day and to surface the questions you will want to keep asking.
