MTSS Integrated Conference &#x27;26

As school systems increasingly embrace time-based progress monitoring metrics, classroom practices for building fluency are either absent or very limited. Enter Precision Teaching (PT), a system for building and measuring fluency across skills with a rich history of producing significant students outcomes. This presentation will describe how PT is an ideal fit for MTSS systems, as it allows for the correct dosage of deliberate, timed practice across different tiers for different learners.

Speakers

Andrew Kieta

Executive Director, Morningside Academy

Andrew is Morningside’s Executive Director. He’s been with Morningside for 10 years, first as a trainer with Morningside Teachers’ Academy partner schools in Hawaii and then as Associate Director of Morningside Academy since 2017.

He received his B.A. in Public Affairs Journalism from The Ohio State University in 2007 but after a summer at Morningside’s Summer School Institute, turned towards Generative Instruction. He first started teaching middle school but quickly expanded to working with a wide array... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Fuji 3

Attendance

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:10am PDT

Rethinking Tier 1 Supports: Re-igniting Joyful Teaching and Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Gala 2

OSPI and the University of Denver will share Tier 1 supports from Building Blocks for Belonging (BB4B) to create learning environments where all young children can access the general education curriculum and experience joyful learning. As they define and explore Tier 1 supports, participants will learn to use strategies and tools from across the mixed delivery system and design activities that diversify instruction and environments while addressing learner variability to promote more joyful teaching experiences.

Speakers

Alissa Rausch

University of Denver

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational
Grade Band District-wide

10:10am PDT

Recent Online Threat Trends & Practical Tools to Assess and Respond

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Fuji 1

Safer Schools Together (SST) presents a workshop reflecting the most up-to-date worrisome trends identified by SST Threat Analysts in their day-to-day case consultations with Safety/Threat Assessment teams. This session is based on our most sought after Current Online Behavioral Trends and Digital Updates training and will highlight worrisome behaviors frequently identified by our team on platforms like TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and Telegram. Participants will further learn how to navigate and assess darker corners of the digital world, such as 4chan, Sanctioned Suicide, and Watchpeopledie.tv.

Speakers

Steven MacDonald

Director of Training, Safer Schools Together

Steven joined Safer Schools Together (SST) as a Threat Analyst in 2019 after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. As an Executive Director, he collaborates closely with SST’s CEO, Theresa Campbell, to design and implement training programs such as Behavioral and Digital... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:10am PDT

Tiered from the Start: An MTSS Approach to Belonging and Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Golden Delicious

What does it look like to embed belonging and social-emotional learning into a tiered system from the start? Join our team as we share our experience implementing Preschool Life Skills (PLS) — an evidence-informed, MTSS-aligned curriculum — across five early learning classrooms. Grounded in the WA Pyramid Model and Building Blocks for Belonging, we'll explore our district-OESD coaching partnership: what worked, what we learned, and how this approach builds lasting SEL growth.

Speakers

Laura Batcheller

Director of Special Services, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Lisa Hawkins

Principal, Central Kitsap School District

Lara Richardson

Future Ready Coach, Central Kitsap School District

Hello! I am a Kindergarten teacher who uses technology, play and flexible seating to create an environment in which students feel empowered to take charge of their own learning. 2017 WA Teacher Leader with CORElaborate. Class Dojo Mentor, Google Educator Level 1, Primary Google Guide... Read More →

Paola Stepney

Behavior Specialist, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary

10:10am PDT

Autism: Advocacy is Unconditional. Tier 2 support for social skill intergration in all class settings

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Red Delicious

Tier 2 Support for Secondary Students with Autism. Social Skill Foundations of Support across all classrooms based on sociocultural theory, integrating social skills in general education classrooms, recognizing autistic features in classrooms, using evidence-based practices, and creating a classroom and school wide culture of equity. (My Ph.D. dissertation qualitative research)

Speakers

Dr. Kyrin Gregory Ph.D.

Autism Inclusion Special Education, Kennewick School District

Students with autism don't just need passive acceptance disguised as compassion-they need relevant teaching tools, safe space, school-wide cultures of diverse engagement, direct guidance, and naturalistic opportunities to grow socially. Inclusion teachers and all relative school personnel... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience District Administration, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Principals, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, Teachers
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide, Elementary, Secondary

10:10am PDT

Using Your MTSS Data to Support New SLD Eligibility Determination Procedures

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Orchard South

Washington’s shift to RtI-based SLD eligibility requires a system-level approach. This session translates WAC and OSPI guidance into action, highlighting what districts must do to deliver defensible decisions. We’ll address common gaps like—fragmented data, inconsistent Tier 1 instruction, and weak progress monitoring, and we will define what a high-functioning MTSS system looks like in practice. Through a real-world use case, learn how to operationalize MTSS with the infrastructure needed to support early identification, and eligibility determination at scale.

Speakers

Caitlin Crossman

Senior Professional Services Manager of Operations, Branching Minds

Caitlin Crossman is the Senior Professional Services Manager of Operations at Branching Minds. In this role, she partners with district and building leaders to support the successful adoption and implementation of the Branching Minds platform.Caitlin earned a Bachelor of Science in... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

11:20am PDT

Rethinking Tier 1: Reducing Escalation and Exclusion Through Systemwide Support

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Fountain 2

Secondary schools often rely on individualized, reactive responses that escalate behavior and increase exclusionary discipline. What if support was designed systemwide instead? This session explores how strong Tier 1 systems—predictable environments, shared adult responses, and integrated SEL—reduce escalation and reliance on exclusion. Grounded in MTSS and RREI, participants will learn how to shift from individual intervention to collective responsibility.

Speakers

Sue Ann Bube

Presenter, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Kelley Clevenger

Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Holly Galbreath

School Psychologist, Other

Lindsay Myatich

Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Secondary

11:20am PDT

The Charcuterie Board of Supports: Strategies and Resources to Keep Students with Complex Behavioral Needs Successful in Their Home Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Fountain 3

While out-of-district placements may sometimes be necessary, schools must first explore how to support students in their home settings. This session highlights statewide resources and practical strategies school teams can implement immediately. From regional partnerships to mental health and capacity-building supports, participants will leave with actionable ideas to strengthen systems, build staff capacity, and improve outcomes for students with complex behavioral needs. Come get a taste of what is out there for you!

Speakers

Anna Troutman

MASH Director, NCESD

Currently acting as the MASH Director, Anna Troutman has integrated her background in behavior analysis and special education into leading this statewide program. Prior to MASH, Anna has worked as a clinical, in-home, and school-based BCBA, as well as an elementary special education... Read More →

Katy Bateman

Research Scientist, University of Washington

Patrick Mulick

Director of Student Engagement, Auburn School District

Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. Originally from the humble town of Boring, Oregon, Patrick earned his undergrad and masters in special education and behavior analysis from Gonzaga University. While... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fountain 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

11:20am PDT

We Built This for You! Building an Aligned Early Learning MTSS System from PK-22

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Golden Delicious

To truly align for impact, we must rethink where MTSS begins. This session shares a district’s journey to design an aligned early learning system (ages 3–Grade 3) within a K–12 MTSS framework using Ci3T. Participants will explore how a shared blueprint creates clarity across teams, data, and supports—integrating preschool into the system. We will highlight alignment of curriculum, assessment, standards, the Pyramid Model, and BB4B, and invite reflection to strengthen participants’ own systems.

Speakers

Laura Batcheller

Director of Special Services, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Beth Bourque

Assistant Director of Special Education, Foundations for Growth

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Early Learning

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Elementary

11:20am PDT

Inclusive Education in Practice

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Gala 3

This session will show systems in place at Toppenish Middle School for inclusive education. This includes strong tier 1 systems (including SEL instruction), RTI groups (schoolwide, counselor-led, and inclusive), and delivery and monitoring of SDI across different placements, Attendees will leave knowing how general education curriculums can be adapted so SWD can be involved and progress within general education curriculums at the same time and same classroom as their peers.

Speakers

Brenda Brophil

Toppenish School District

Hello! Thank you for attending MTSS 2026! I have been teaching since 2005. I graduated from CWU in 2005 but moved to the Oregon Coast to begin my career as it was (and is!) beautiful there. I taught within a self-contained and medically fragile classroom for four years, followed... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary

11:20am PDT

Introduction to Comprehensive, Integrated 3-Tiered System of Prevention (Ci3T)

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Fuji 2

Feeling stretched by fragmented initiatives and competing priorities? Focus on building one coherent MTSS aligned to Washington’s integrated approach for academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. Developed and studied by researchers at the University of Kansas, this session introduces the Ci3T Building Your Model series and walks district and building leaders through the what, why, and how of strengthening Tier 1 systems and coordinated Tier 2/3 supports.

Speakers

Andrea Bowman

Regional MTSS Implementation Strategist, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Andrea Bowman currently serves as a Regional Implementation Strategist at Olympic Educational Service District 114, where she partners with district and building leaders to assess their current MTSS design and support action planning for system-wide improvements. Her work centers... Read More →

Sandra Gessner

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Olympic Educational Service District 114

The Fellows’ Network is a group of instructional leaders convened by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Washington State Fellows’ Network and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) Network. Our mission is to support district and community implementation of state learning standards in Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Early Learning Guidelines. Fellows meet four times per year and are committ... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

11:20am PDT

UDL and the Purposeful Shift: Using AI to Empower Student-Led Learning

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Gala 1

Does it ever feel like you’re working harder than your students? Have you spent hours on lessons, only to face disengaged learners? It’s time to shift your practice. Based on the transformative work of Katie Novak, this session explores how to move from a teacher-led to student-led environment where learners take the lead and teachers regain their time.

Speakers

Tracy Dabbs

Director of Technology & Innovation, Burlington-Edison School District

Check out our Ed-Tech Support site:
https://sites.google.com/be.wednet.edu/besd-technology-and-innovation/home

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

11:20am PDT

Using a Semi-Structured Interview to Accompany the MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric to Establish Building and District Priorities

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Fountain 1

The AIR MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (2025) provides a comprehensive view of a building’s MTSS framework. Washington AIMS faculty developed a semi-structured interview for facilitators to examine building-level implementation of essential components in ELA, math, and social-emotional/behavioral areas. This session provides participants with steps to facilitate interviews, reliably score, and prioritize next steps for implementation. Participants will receive access to a facilitator’s guide, interview template, example building and district reports, and a resource library.

Speakers

William Rasplica

Executive Director, Learning Support Services (Retired), UW Bothell

Bill retired after 42 years working in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa and Washington State. Past positions include paraprofessional, special education teacher, principal, AEA special education consultant and district special education administrator. In Washington, Bill has been... Read More →

Susan Ruby

Susan is a nationally certified school psychologist and practiced in five states before working as a professor in School Psychology at Eastern Washington University. She recently retired as Professor Emeritus and looks forward to collaborating with districts and schools in their MTSS... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fountain 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

11:20am PDT

NTAC Case Study utilizing the Systems Approach

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Gala 2

This interactive case study utilizes the NTAC Systems Approach to examine the behavioral background and life circumstances of an individual of concern. The presenter will use specific question prompts to engage the audience in discussion surrounding procedural considerations, opportunities for additional information gathering and assessment, and strategies for intervention and response.

Speakers

Kristy Domingues

United States Secret Service

Arlene Macias

National Threat Assessment Center, United States Secret Service

Shannon

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

11:20am PDT

Eligibility Is Not Enough: Aligning MTSS Data with the ‘Need for Special Education’ Requirement

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Orchard South

Eligibility determinations under IDEA require more than identifying a disability—they demand a legally sound analysis of whether a student needs special education. This session examines the often-misunderstood “second prong” and its connection to MTSS. Participants will learn how to use MTSS data to distinguish between students supported in general education and those requiring specialized instruction, avoid common legal pitfalls, and strengthen documentation and decision-making to ensure consistent, equitable, and defensible eligibility outcomes.

Speakers

Howard Fulfrost

Partner, Other

Howard Fulfrost represents school districts, county offices of education and special education local plan areas in all aspects
of special education law. Howard’s ability to facilitate fair and effective negotiations brings administrators and families together to attain the best outcomes possible. Howard is known for his experience in the area of local educational agencies’ obligations to students with... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

Beyond Punishment: Practical Alternatives to Suspension, Restraint and Isolation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Fountain 3

When behavior escalates, exclusion often follows—but it rarely improves outcomes. This session focuses on practical alternatives to suspension, restraint, and isolation. Participants will learn strategies to intervene early, de-escalate effectively, and reteach behavior without power struggles. Grounded in MTSS and SEL, this session equips teams with actionable approaches to reduce exclusion and respond to behavior more effectively.

Speakers

Sue Ann Bube

Presenter, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Kelley Clevenger

Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Holly Galbreath

School Psychologist, Other

Debra Limon

Lindsay Myatich

Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fountain 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary

1:20pm PDT

The Untapped Power of BCBAs: What Districts Are Missing—and How to Fix It

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Looking to reduce restraint and isolation, ease staff burnout, and limit the need for out-of-district placements? While BCBAs can’t do everything, when they are clearly defined, well-integrated, and properly supported, they can be powerful drivers of change at both the classroom and systems level. This session will highlight practical structures, staffing models, and implementation strategies that increase district capacity, strengthen staff support, improve student outcomes, and reduce long-term costs.

Speakers

Mariah Angele

Auburn School District

Patrick Mulick

Director of Student Engagement, Auburn School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

ADHD and the Missing Data: What Every MTSS Team Needs to Know

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Fountain 2

When MTSS is missing key data about what drives behaviors in students with ADHD, the costs are systemic — student disengagement, teacher burnout, and classrooms that can't function at their best. ADHD is one of the most misunderstood conditions in education, and that misunderstanding is costing us. This session examines how neuroscience should be reshaping our data collection, educator training, and family partnership — and gives MTSS leaders practical tools to change outcomes at scale.

Speakers

Jenny Bethke

Advanced ADHD Life Coach, Jenny Bethke ADHD Coaching

I'm an Advanced ADHD Life Coach (A-CALC) who came to this work to support my own neurodivergent family — and found a passion in helping the helpers at every level, from individual teachers to district leadership teams. I support parents, teachers, schools, and districts not just... Read More →

Ashia Smock

NWESD 189

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

What Actually Works: An exemplar district’s journey of Integrated MTSS and Universal Screening

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Gala 3

District MTSS coaches and university partners co-present on successful implementation of integrated MTSS and universal screening. Presenters share lessons learned, implementation strategies, and partnership structures that supported sustainable screening practices aligned to district context and need.

Speakers

Stacy Artz

Kara Lamb

Mari Meador

School Mental Healther Coordinator, University of Washington

Rayann Silva

School Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, University of Washington

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

Implementing Inclusive Kindergarten Programming

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Fuji 1

Learn about one school district's journey to ensure early learners with disabilities experience inclusive programming in preschool and kindergarten. Initiating a fully-inclusive kindergarten program (aptly named Developmentally Responsive Kindergarten) is complex and requires a balance of strategy and nuance. This session will discuss celebrations, challenges, and replicable systems to support your district’s journey to support early learners in a truly inclusive learning environment.

Speakers

Melissa Munson-Merritt

Executive Director of Special Services, Bethel School District

Amy Weaver

Bethel School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fuji 1

Early Learning

Target Audience Principals, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, District-wide

1:20pm PDT

From Classrooms to Communities – The Power of Gathering in Education

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Fountain 1

Speakers

Priya Parker

Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fountain 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:20pm PDT

MTSS from Scratch to Success: Empowering Educators, Students, and Families With a MTSS Success Story for the Virtual School

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Gala 1

This professional development session explores how a virtual school designed and implemented a fully functioning Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) from the ground up. Participants will learn key structures, processes, and tools used to build a responsive system in a remote environment. The session highlights first-year successes, future plans, and practical strategies for data-driven decision making, intervention planning, and team collaboration to support all learners effectively in a virtual setting with actionable examples and templates.

Speakers

Katherine Blair

Special Services Director, Valley School District

Taylor Morgan

Intervention Specialist, Valley School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary

1:20pm PDT

Multi-Tiered System of Supports: A District Implementation Roadmap — An Evidence-Based Framework for Systemic School & District Improvement

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Orchard South

MTSS/RTI is not a program you purchase — it is a systemic transformation in how districts think about students, data, and instruction. Drawing on two decades of peer-reviewed research and real-world district experience, this session walks participants through a three-phase, three-year implementation roadmap anchored in four non-negotiable components: a tiered continuum of supports, universal screening, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making. Equity, family partnership, and lessons from Washington State's Last Mile Project are woven throughout.

Speakers

Cassie Martin

Executive Director of Special Education, OSPI

Dr. Cassie Martin is WA state’s Executive Director of Special Education at OSPI. For over 25 years, Cassie has dedicated her professional life and learning to equitable and inclusive education for students with disabilities in support of strong educational outcomes for all students... Read More →

Tania May

Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, OSPI

Dr. Tania May is the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education for the Washington state Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Her work is focused on collaborating with schools,
community partners, families, and students in support of improved outcomes for stude... Read More →

William Rasplica

Executive Director, Learning Support Services (Retired), UW Bothell

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

Both Ways In: Building MTSS That Works for Multilingual Learners — and Multilingual Services That Work Within MTSS

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Fuji 2

Multilingual learners are over-referred to intervention and under-served within it. This session presents a district-tested framework with two orientations: applying MTSS principles within multilingual learner services to tier ELD support by need, and infusing multilingual expertise into every MTSS tier — from reading and math intervention to universal instruction. We also examine RTI accountability structures for linguistically informed decision-making. Participants leave with a replicable model and concrete next steps.

Speakers

Kate Morin

Director of Multilingual Education, Mount Vernon School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Fuji 2

Multilingual Learners

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:20pm PDT

Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT

Gala 2

This presentation will highlight the U.S. Secret Service’s threat assessment model. This model is intended to proactively identify students displaying concerning or threatening behavior, then gather information to assess and manage risk to reduce the risk of an unwanted outcome. It will also focus on NTAC’s Enhancing School Safety guide which outlines 8 steps school can use to develop or enhance a multidisciplinary targeted violence prevention program.

Speakers

Kristy Domingues

United States Secret Service

Arlene Macias

National Threat Assessment Center, United States Secret Service

Shannon

Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Beyond Spreadsheets: Building MTSS Dashboards That Drive Action

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fountain 1

Effective MTSS depends on clear and usable data, but many Washington districts struggle with fragmented information and inconsistent implementations. In this session, a Washington district shares how they use integrated MTSS dashboards to bring academic, behavioral, and attendance data into one place. Participants will explore practical strategies that support actionable team conversations based on real-time data, align with state priorities like assessment/SLD criteria, and improving early warning systems all to make more informed decisions across schools.

Speakers

Chelsea Lane

Renaissance Learning

Nick Pinzke

Renaissance Learning

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fountain 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Building Balanced Assessment Systems Within MTSS

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Gala 1

This session guides educators through building a balanced assessment system that strengthens instructional decision-making across all MTSS tiers. Participants explore the Balanced Assessment Framework, examine alignment of formative, diagnostic, and summative assessments through an equity lens, and analyze their own assessment maps to identify gaps and redundancies. Interactive mapping and real-time polling connect assessment practices directly to daily planning and improved outcomes.

Speakers

Trish Geraghty

Collaborative Learning Solutions

With over two decades in K-12 and higher education, Trish helps schools turn research and frameworks into actual practice. Her expertise spans MTSS, Universal Design for Learning, instructional coaching, and strengths-based leadership approaches she's used to help schools remove barriers... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Aligning for Impact: Building an Integrated MTSS Approach in the Middle Grades

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Golden Delicious

This session shares lessons from implementing a district-wide, integrated MTSS approach through the lens of the middle grades. Participants will explore how we aligned PBIS, mental health, and academics to create safe, welcoming schools grounded in each student’s story, strengths, and needs. With a focus on growth of the “whole child”, we will highlight a systems approach that increases student outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen MTSS implementation in their schools.

Speakers

Wyeth Jessee

Superintendent, Shelton School District

Mary K. Johnson

Principal at Olympic Middle School, Shelton School District

Mary Johnson is the principal of Olympic Middle School in Shelton, Washington, where she is committed to building systems that support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success of every student. With more than 20 years in education, Mary has served in a variety of roles... Read More →

Adrienne Minnery

Shelton School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Belonging by Design: Improving Inclusive Tier 1 Settings in Elementary Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fuji 2

What leadership moves help schools increase belonging and meaningful access to grade-level instruction for students with disabilities? In this session, elementary principals share brief case studies of how they strengthened Tier 1 systems to support inclusive practices within an MTSS framework. Participants will explore the leadership decisions, structures, and instructional shifts that led to improved outcomes and consider how these approaches might inform their own efforts to build more inclusive schools.

Speakers

Faye Britt

Edmonds School District

Cassie Stevens

Inclusionary Practices Coordinator, Northwest Educational Service District 189

Cassie Stevens has served as the Inclusionary Practices Coordinator at Northwest Educational Service District 189 since 2020. Cassie is part of a statewide team of Inclusionary Practices coordinators that support school and district leaders to implement and improve inclusionary practices... Read More →

Johnna Stewart

Principal, Edmonds School District

Johnna Stewart has served as the Principal at Brier Elementary for the past 11 years. Prior to that, she served as a school counselor for 10 years in the Edmonds School District and worked in various social service roles before working in education. The team at Brier Elementary has... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational
Grade Band Elementary

2:30pm PDT

From Consultation to Transformation: How District Partnerships Remove the Barriers That Disempower Students in MTSS

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Red Delicious

Most MTSS systems were designed to support students—yet too often, they continue to disempower those furthest from opportunity. Through a partnership with an elementary school in a Washington State district, this interactive session reveals how consultation can surface hidden barriers and transform Tier 1 practices. Participants will use a practical diagnostic tool to uncover inequities in their own systems and leave with a clear, actionable approach to build inclusive environments where every student can thrive.

Speakers

Britney Boyles

Senior Liberation Consultant, And Still We Rise

Consulting Coordinator and Senior Liberation Consultant at And Still We Rise, Britney Boyles is based in Washington State and was a public school educator for nearly a decade. As an administrator, Boyles centered the needs of those who are often unseen and amplified the voices of... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

From Framework to Function: MTSS in Action for Small Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fountain 2

This session highlights how a small district moved MTSS from theory to fully functioning systems. Participants will see real structures for behavior, RTI, and SPED integration, including meeting processes, data use, and intervention cycles. We will share tools, templates, and team roles that support sustainability. Outcomes include increased staff clarity, improved intervention effectiveness, and stronger alignment between general and special education systems in a small school setting.

Speakers

Sarah Lewman

Special Services Director, Omak School District

Nicole Roberts

SpEd Teacher, Omak School District

Star Stone

Omak School District

Brenda Worden

Omak School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Proficient
Grade Band Elementary

2:30pm PDT

Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction for MLs with the WIDA ELD Standards

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fuji 1

Strong Tier 1 instruction is essential to ensuring multilingual learners experience meaningful, rigorous, and accessible learning every day. This session provides participants with a practical approach to understanding and implementing the WIDA ELD Standards Framework within Tier 1 instruction. Through examples of strong practice and student-centered planning tools, participants will learn how to support teachers in integrating language and content across any curriculum, position multilingual learners as engaged learners, and foster a deep sense of academic belonging in which MLs understand themselves as valued participants in both social well-being and academic success.

Speakers

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Virginia Morales is the Assistant Director of Multilingual Education with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Multilingual Education. Most recently, Virginia was a Professional Learning Specialist at WIDA. In addition... Read More →

Patricia Venegas-Weber

Dual Language Program Supervisor, OSPI

Dr. Patricia Venegas-Weber is originally from Chile and holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, specializing in the development of bilingual education teachers’ professional identity. She has more than 20 years of experience in bilingual... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 1

Multilingual Learners

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Tracing the Pathway to Violence: What Can Digital Leakage Reveal During a Threat Assessment?

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Gala 2

Nearly 90% of today's threats are communicated digitally; therefore, an accurate assessment of risk cannot be determined without assessing a threat maker’s digital behavioral baseline. This training will highlight worrisome behaviors frequently identified by SST Threat Analysts on platforms like TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and Telegram. Participants will further learn how to navigate and assess darker corners of the digital world, such as 4chan, Sanctioned Suicide, and Watchpeopledie.tv.

Speakers

Steven MacDonald

Director of Training, Safer Schools Together

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Bringing Psychology to School Psychology in Washington

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Fuji 3

The progression to MTSS provides needed opportunity for school psychologists in Washington to step beyond the IEP Matrix. As school-based mental health experts, we should be ready and willing to provide prevention (SEL), intervention (psycho-education), and services (counseling) in support of students and schools. Let's return to our roots and meet increasing needs!

Speakers

Leslie Baunach

Amy Cannava

Lead School Psychologist, Rainstorms to Rainbows

Amy Cannava is an east coast transplant trying to both remember and forget the Seattle Stare. As a veteran Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) of 25++ years who remembers RtI's attempt to eradicate the archaic discrepancy model and improve academic achievement through... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 3

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

Investing in Prevention: Special Education Resources to Strengthen MTSS Implementation

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Orchard South

Speakers

Cassie Martin

Executive Director of Special Education, OSPI

Tania May

Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, OSPI

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

2:30pm PDT

The Road to 2028!

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

Orchard North

This session explores the intentional steps taken to prepare our region for the sunset of the discrepancy model and the shift toward an RTI-based diagnosis for Specific Learning Disabilities. Participants will hear our story of how we mapped out the next few years, including key resources and professional development opportunities that supported this transition. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and tools to guide their own district's internal planning ahead of the 2028 deadline.

Speakers

Susan Ruby

Amber Targus

Capital Region ESD 113

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

3:40pm PDT

Creating Connections: Classified Educators Leading Tiered Behavior Professional Development

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Red Delicious

Consider opportunities to empower and leverage classified educators supporting their peers with professional learning focused on tiered behavior supports. Learn how shifting from administrator-led professional development for classified educators empowered one district to support their strategic plan goals by increasing the sense of belonging for all; staff and students. This session will discuss audience, scope, and content for the past two years’ professional learning and where the district plans to grow next.

Speakers

Jennifer Hansen

Bethel School District

Ryan Kolowinski

Student Resource Specialist, Bethel School District

Melissa Munson-Merritt

Executive Director of Special Services, Bethel School District

Kelly Todd

Student Resource Specialist, Bethel School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

3:40pm PDT

Sustaining Student Presence: Strategies for Keeping Learners in the Classroom

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Orchard North

Grounded in MTSS, inclusive practices, and trauma-informed approaches, this workshop emphasizes prevention over reaction. This session focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies that reduce student removal from instruction and increase meaningful time in the classroom. Participants will examine the root causes of exclusionary practices—ranging from unmet behavioral and academic needs to systems-level barriers—and explore how to proactively design environments that support engagement, regulation, and access for all learners. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to sustain student presence, reduce reliance on exclusionary discipline, and create classroom conditions where students remain engaged, supported, and learning.

Speakers

Dr. Sara Paul

Program Supervisor - Students Served in Nontraditional Settings, OSPI

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

3:40pm PDT

Acceleration by Design: Progress Monitoring Across the MTSS Tiers

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Orchard South

Learn how purposeful progress monitoring can turn MTSS into a true learning accelerator. This session clarifies what progress monitoring looks like in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 and how learning progressions help teams use the right data to guide instruction and support catch-up growth. Participants will explore practical tools and “quarter-turn” improvements that strengthen Tier 2, clarify educator roles, and build a coherent, sustainable MTSS system that supports both intervention and core instruction.

Speakers

Joan Fleming

Educator, Ephrata School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

3:40pm PDT

Beyond the Rainbow: Tiered Supports for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Fuji 3

Schools have an ethical responsibility to meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth which goes beyond a GSA. This session will provide guidance for meeting the needs of LGBTQIA+ students using an affirming framework, empowering educators with the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to do so. Interventions and resources are recommended in a subdivided, tiered framework addressing essential elements in inclusive school environments including culture, climate, curriculum, and counseling.

Speakers

Amy Cannava

Lead School Psychologist, Rainstorms to Rainbows

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Fuji 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary, District-wide

3:40pm PDT

Inclusive by Design: Reimagining Tier 1 Through Belonging, Access, and Calibration

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Gala 2

What if instruction was designed from the start to support every learner—especially those most often pushed to the margins? This session explores how to build belonging, access, and calibration to create inclusive instruction and learning environments. Centering students with disabilities—including Black students and students with cognitive differences—whose experiences often reflect layered inequities—we explore how beliefs shape design, how proactive planning expands access, and how ongoing calibration using student response strengthens outcomes for all learners. Participants will leave with a practical reflection tool to redesign Tier 1 practices.

Speakers

Britney Boyles

Senior Liberation Consultant, And Still We Rise

Roberta Holmes

And Still We Rise

Kristin Leslie

Director, Special Education Technology Center (SETC)

The Special Education Technology Center equips educators and parents with the knowledge and skills needed to create equitable, meaningful and inclusive learning experiences for students receiving special education supports or 504 accommodations through the use of technology across... Read More →

Brent Stark

Washington School for the Deaf

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

3:40pm PDT

What's New & What's Next for IPTN

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Fuji 2

Speakers

Jaimee Kidder

Special Education Program Supervisor, OSPI

Amy Vaughn

OSPI

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

3:40pm PDT

How DOES a Learning Disability Show Up in Math?

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Gala 1

This session will explore the use of math learning progressions centered on foundation PreK–12 math standards to support the RTI process of identifying learning disabilities in math. Examples will be shared of formative assessments that surface student thinking to more deeply identify a student’s math learning challenge. Participants will receive practical tools and evidence-based math intervention strategies that support both intensive math interventions as well as classroom and small group instruction.

Speakers

Anne Gallagher

Wenatchee School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

3:40pm PDT

From Talk to Traction: Leading MTSS Implementation That Actually Gets Done

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Gala 3

Does your team spend time talking about MTSS without seeing meaningful progress? This session focuses on moving MTSS from discussion to action using practical project management strategies. Participants will explore tools such as project charters, RACI matrices, communication plans, and structured team routines to clarify roles, set priorities, and sustain momentum. With an emphasis on equity, participants will leave with concrete strategies and ready-to-use tools to ensure MTSS efforts translate into consistent, systemwide implementation.

Speakers

Dr. Hannah Gbenro

Chief Operations Officer, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

3:40pm PDT

High Impact, Low Cost: Leadership Moves That Make MTSS Work

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT

Golden Delicious

When budgets are tight, leadership moves matter most. This session dives into practical, no-cost strategies to strengthen MTSS through facilitation, alignment, and inclusive systems design. Participants will learn how to improve teaming, decision-making, and coherence without adding initiatives, while leveraging existing state, regional, and local supports. Attendees will leave with concrete tools to increase impact, reduce fragmentation, and build sustainable, inclusive MTSS systems using what they already have.

Speakers

RJ Monton

Monton Consulting

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

8:30am PDT

Welcome

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am PDT

Grand Apple Ballroom

Speakers

OSPI

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

9:00am PDT

Knowing What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do: The Making of an Expert Teacher

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am PDT

Grand Apple Ballroom

Teaching is a profession defined by uncertainty that no amount of training can prepare you for. Classrooms are complex environments where lessons rarely unfold exactly as planned, where students respond in unexpected ways, and where new challenges continually emerge—from shifting curricula to the rapid rise of technologies such as AI. In these moments, the most effective teachers aren’t simply those with a large repertoire of strategies. They are those who know what to do when they don’t immediately know what to do. This is the hallmark of expert teaching. The natural question, then, is: How do teachers develop this kind of expertise?

Part of the answer lies in recognising that teaching is both a science and a craft and both need to be continually developed and honed, long after initial teacher education has been completed. This path to expertise development requires ongoing intentional and effortful commitment to growth. Some teachers rely primarily on gaining more experience in the classroom, others on continuous professional development and training. A third pathway—deliberate practice—focuses on consciously and systematically improving specific aspects of instruction. This keynote explores how these different routes shape teacher development, and why deliberate practice may offer a particularly powerful way of strengthening teachers’ ability to make effective instructional decisions over time.

Speakers

Nidhi Sachdeva

Educator, Educational Technology Researcher, Evidence-informed Learning Designer, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Nidhi Sachdeva is a teacher educator, researcher, and learning design consultant specializing in the science of learning, teacher expertise, and evidence-informed instructional design. She teaches at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto and is... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am PDT
Grand Apple Ballroom 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Let Data Drive You Where You Want to Go: Build an Assessment Roadmap!

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fountain 3

Drowning in data but starving for clarity? This session introduces the Assessment Roadmap pathway—an action-oriented approach to aligning assessments with purpose, teaming structures, and decision-making across MTSS. Participants will explore ready-to-use tools and templates and engage with modeled examples of what is possible, inspired by district practice, to see how the right data can reach the right teams at the right time to drive meaningful action.

Speakers

Andrea Bowman

Regional MTSS Implementation Strategist, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Kjersti Clayton

ESD 105

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fountain 3

Target Audience Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

Making MTSS Work: Building a System That Supports Every Student

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fountain 1

Learn how a district operationalized MTSS to create consistent, high-quality instruction and targeted supports across all schools. This session highlights practical structures, including use of the AIR MTSS Fidelity Rubric, building-level interviews, and data-informed decision-making to strengthen Tier 1 and align teams. Participants will leave equipped with actionable tools and strategies to critically examine their systems, surface strengths, address gaps, and take purposeful next steps to accelerate their MTSS implementation.

Speakers

Glenn Johnson

Superintendent, Cashmere School District

Linda McKay

Deputy Superintendent, NCESD 171

Each of Washington’s nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) provides essential local services, responsive to their region’s communities. Together, they form a network that leverages each other’s strengths, and supports all students and schools statewide.

OSPI and ESD superintendents represented within the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) have agreed to commit to establishing and maintaining the OSPI/AESD partnership. They are working together to realize an open and coordinated system focused on shared statewide... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fountain 1

Target Audience MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

Track Your Data!

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Orchard South

Need to track student data? Not sure where to start? Come check out how to easily track data on your students using Google Sheets and other tools. This hands-on tutorial presentation will show you how to track the data you have on your students and make it easy to share with your intervention team, administration, and other specialists. Please bring a laptop with you to this session.

Speakers

Susan Schuh

K-8 MTSS Coordinator, Bridgeport School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Tier 1 for Every Learner: Practical Tools for Comprehensive Inclusive Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fountain 2

High-quality MTSS requires that Tier 1 instruction is accessible to every learner. This session introduces the Comprehensive Inclusive Education tools that empower IEP teams to bridge the gap between specialized instruction and core curricula. Participants will explore the CIE framework, ensuring IEP goals drive meaningful participation in general education. Attendees will leave with role-specific resources to strengthen team collaboration and improve Tier 1 access and outcomes for students.

Speakers

Jessica Bowman

Assistant Director, TIES Center

Jennifer Sommerness

Research Associate, Other

Jennifer Sommerness is a distinguished educator and researcher at the TIES Center at the University of Minnesota. She is known for her dedication to inclusive education, student success, and educational equity. Jennifer has played a leading role in advancing inclusive education, partnering... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

Aligned on Paper, Stuck in Practice: Using the Knoster Model to Build Inclusive Systems That Actually Work

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 1

When MTSS collaboration breaks down, it's rarely a people problem — it's a systems problem. This session uses the Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change as a diagnostic lens for why inclusive systems stall, drawing on honest case studies from Washington state IPTN demonstration site teams. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what collaboration requires and a practical framework to diagnose exactly where their system needs attention.

Speakers

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None

Shane Miramontez

Inclusion Specialist, Other

Stacia Tellefson

Other

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Beyond Compliance: Leadership Lessons in Hope

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Gala 3

Special education leadership is becoming increasingly complex. Legal requirements, staffing shortages, student needs, and system pressures can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed. While compliance remains essential, it cannot be the ultimate goal.
Drawing from 36 years of experience in special education, this session explores how leaders can move beyond survival toward building systems that support students, staff, and themselves. Participants will reflect on the realities of leadership today, reconnect with the purpose of the work, and leave with practical tools for sustaining excellence and hope in challenging systems.

Outcomes -
✔ renewed sense of purpose
✔ emotional steadiness
✔ two practical leadership tools
✔ reflection on their own leadership journey

Speakers

Justin Bradford

Executive Director of Special Services, ESD 123

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

From Instruction to Referral: Getting MTSS Right for Multilingual Learners with Culturally Responsive Practices

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Orchard North

This session explores how MTSS and the pre referral process should function for multilingual learners. Participants will examine culturally and linguistically responsive practices, the integration of English Language Development across all MTSS tiers, and structured tools to guide decision making. Attendees will leave with practical tools and reflective questions to support whole child data review, instructional access, and the differentiation of language difference from disability prior to special education referral.

Speakers

Kad El-Atwani

Multilingual Program Supervisor-OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Kadriye El-Atwani (a.k.a Dr. Kad) is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), currently residing in Eastern Washington. Before joining OSPI, Dr. Kad served as a Multilingual Education Specialist at the New... Read More →

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Katie Sperling

Multilingual Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Katie Sperling is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading K–12 language development programs across Washington State. In her current role at OSPI, Katie provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to support... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard North

Multilingual Learners

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Pathways to Preventing Targeted Violence in Schools: A Collaborative Approach

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Red Delicious

This practical session equips K–12 educators with clear, actionable steps for preventing targeted violence. Using a real-world case study to demonstrate how trusted adults, educators, and community partners can intervene early and guide students toward safe, prosocial pathways.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying warning signs and risk factors for targeted violence
- Collaborative strategies for professionals
- How as a professional you can support students on a prosocial pathway.

Speakers

Jason McPherson

ESD 101

Malorie Woods

Olympic Educational Service District 114

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Skill-Building Alternative to Punitive Safety Responses

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Gala 1

Schools are increasingly challenged to respond to concerning student behavior in ways that maintain safety without relying on exclusionary or punitive discipline. This session explores how behavior support practices and behavioral threat assessment can work together to create proactive, skill-building responses. Grounded in applied behavior analysis and multidisciplinary threat assessment principles, participants will learn how understanding behavior as communication helps teams move beyond reaction toward prevention, shared decision-making, and supportive interventions that balance safety, dignity, inclusion, and staff confidence.

Speakers

Anna Troutman

MASH Director, NCESD

Hunter McLeod

Threat Assessment Coordinator, ESD 171

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary

10:40am PDT

Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Using the MTSS Framework

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 3

If you are looking for effective, inclusive strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness within the MTSS framework, this informative session is for you. Through discussion, collaborative activities and real-world examples, participants will learn:
• How inclusive systems can remove barriers to student success.
• Practical strategies for early identification of students experiencing homelessness.
• How to design and implement evidence-based supports at all tiers of MTSS.
• Strategies for building cross system collaborations.
Participants will leave this session equipped to support this vulnerable student group, while connecting students and families with essential resources both at school and in the community.

Speakers

Vivian Rogers Decker

Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Vivian Rogers Decker has spent over 30 years in education serving students and families experiencing trauma, poverty, and housing insecurity. Currently she serves as the Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction... Read More →

Rosemary Peterson

Education & Employment Manager, Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Homeless Youth

Rosemary Peterson (she/her) is the Education & Employment Manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), where she leads statewide initiatives to expand education, training, and economic opportunity for young people experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to this... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

Inclusionary and Integrated School Mental Health and MTSS: Medical Lake School District’s Implementation Journey, Impacts, and Outcomes

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 2

This session will share collaborative efforts to provide a statewide comprehensive and integrated approach to inclusionary practices, MTSS, and school mental health, and will provide examples, resources and tools to effectively align student supports and services into a single system of delivery. This session will feature the Medical Lake School District’s implementation journey, impact, and outcomes from an inclusive, integrated, and wellness-centered approach.

Speakers

Tawni Barlow

Director of Integrated Student and Community Services, Medical Lake School District

My career journey, more accurately described as an ongoing adventure in public service, has taken me from the field of corrections to education, driven by a deep commitment to finding the most meaningful ways to serve my community and make a lasting, positive impact. I currently serve... Read More →

Meg Holliday

Medical Lake School District

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, University of Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Your MTSS Roadmap: A Strategic Planning Session for School Teams

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fountain 1

MTSS works best when teams plan together. Bring your team to this collaborative workshop where you will conduct a self-assessment of current MTSS practices, explore implementation barriers through root cause analysis, and use structured planning time to identify intentional next steps. Whether your team is building, strengthening, or refining MTSS practices, this session provides structured time to reflect, problem-solve, and plan next steps together.

Speakers

Emily Bushouse

Behavior Inclusion Coach, NCESD 171

Emily is originally from Michigan where she earned her Educational Specialist degree in school psychology. She has worked in Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington in public school, university, and residential settings, serving students with special needs from preK through university... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Beyond the Tiered Pyramid: Driving Sustainable Change through Leadership and Well-being

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fuji 2

Implementing a Social-Emotional and Behavioral (SEB) MTSS framework is often viewed as the definitive roadmap for student success, yet many districts find these initiatives stalling at the "educator buy-in" phase. Why? Because systems are only as strong as the people who power them. This session explores how leadership practices support SEB and Special Education programming to prevent initiative failure.

-Audit implementation friction to diagnose systemic challenges.

-Move beyond mandates to co-designed professional trust.

-Operationalize well-being, recognizing regulated adults as the primary intervention.

-Align SpEd with MTSS to bridge silos and create unified support

Speakers

Annalisa Sanchez

Educational Consultant, Lumera Leadership

I specialize in supporting school and district leaders as they design and sustain effective SEB MTSS and special education systems. My approach is rooted in the belief that leadership comes first. I have often seen strong initiatives stall because student supports exceed adult readiness... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Building Functional Tier 2 MTSS Systems That Drive Results

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fountain 3

This interactive workshop helps schools move beyond fragmented, inconsistently implemented Tier 2 supports toward a structured, data-driven system grounded in clarity and fidelity. Drawing from real statewide examples, participants will examine proven strategies for identifying interventions, collecting and using data, and strengthening team infrastructure. Using a Tier 2 Teaming Guidance Document, teams will assess current systems and build an actionable plan tailored to their setting.

Speakers

David Mendez

Associate Director, True Measure Collaborative

David has worked alongside educators his entire professional career as a teacher, community organizer, instructional coach and in various non-profit leadership roles. He is passionate about ensuring all kids have access to a high quality education, especially those who are furthest... Read More →

Micheal Williams

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Program Manager with The True Measure Collaborative, I bring 18 years of experience in Special Education supporting students with a wide range of cognitive, physical, social, and behavioral needs. Prior to my current role, I spent 3 years in the Tukwila School District, as a district... Read More →

Cassie Watkins

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Tasnim Elmaghrabi

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative

Program manager with The True Measure Collaborative supporting schools across washington state, as an experienced educator and program leader with over a decade in K–12 special education across charter and public schools in California and Washington. She began as a Special Education... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

From Silos to Systems: Reimagining School Safety Through MTSS

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 3

School safety and violence prevention is most effective when it is embedded within a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), rather than implemented as a standalone initiative.
This session will highlight how districts can integrate safety and violence prevention strategies across Tiered supports. Presenters will share how school-based threat assessment, behavioral health supports, and community partnerships are being aligned within MTSS to create more cohesive and responsive systems.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies and tools to integrate violence prevention into their existing MTSS framework.

Speakers

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

The Science of Hope

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 2

Hope is not wishful thinking—it is a measurable, teachable framework linked to improved academic, social, and emotional outcomes. This session introduces the Science of Hope, grounded in the research of goals, pathways, and agency, and explores how schools can intentionally build hope within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Participants will leave with practical strategies to foster hope for students and adults, strengthening engagement, resilience, and well being across tiers.

Speakers

Jolynn Kenney

Executive Director, Other

Executive Director by day. Professional hope-instigator by night. Leads a statewide nonprofit, corrals mentors like a benevolent chaos wizard, and will absolutely ask you to “just real quick reimagine the entire system” before lunch. Fueled by coffee, justice, and a deeply held... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Elevating Student Voice to Transform MTSS Systems

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Orchard North

This session centers student voice as a critical driver of effective, equitable MTSS. Participants explore how student perspectives can strengthen universal instruction and targeted supports, practice tools such as empathy interviews and student-led data reviews, and examine implications for Tier 1 redesign. Through reflection and collaborative planning, teams identify concrete ways to elevate student agency and embed student feedback into MTSS systems and decision-making.

Speakers

Trish Geraghty

Collaborative Learning Solutions

Jodi Shuppert

Principal, Kern School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Orchard North

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Beyond the Binary: Gender Inclusive Classrooms Uplift and Celebrate Transgender Youth

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 3

Participants will first experience an intro level session on gender diversity for school staff, including Tier 1 strategies to create intentionally inclusive spaces. Then, they will explore research that clearly indicates the need for this work and policy that calls for Washington educators to take action. Then, they will embark on a journey to explore multiple paths to classroom, school-wide, and district implementation of inclusive educational spaces that uplift and celebrate trans youth.

Speakers

Tracy Werthman

Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Highline School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

From Reflection to Action: Using the Principles & Practices Tool to Build Inclusive MTSS Systems

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Fountain 2

Most MTSS frameworks ask teams to measure fidelity to structures. But structures don't change systems — people do. In this session, participants will explore the Principles & Practices Tool, a self-assessment grounded in appreciative inquiry, developed through the UW Haring Center's Inclusionary Practices Technical Network. Washington state demonstration site teams share how the P&P Tool shifted conversations from compliance to conviction — creating conditions for more inclusive, sustainable MTSS implementation rooted in belonging and equity.

Speakers

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None

Shane Miramontez

Inclusion Specialist, Other

Stacia Tellefson

Other

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Before It Escalates: The Connection between HIB & Threat Assessment

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 1

This applied training focuses on Washington State’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) procedures and School-Based Threat Assessment practices. Using practical applications, participants will explore the realities of how school safety has intersections with school climate, student behavior, and intervention systems. Participants will practice how to identify behaviors and provide early intervention, implement safety interventions, and support students using existing systems to balance safety and inclusion.

Speakers

Jocelyn Nunez

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Bridging BTAM and MTSS: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach to School Safety

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Red Delicious

Discover how Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) already reflects
core MTSS principles through early identification, multidisciplinary teaming, and tiered
intervention. This session highlights the SK Cascade Student Threat Assessment Team
(STAT) Process and connects research, real-world application, and system alignment to
demonstrate how comprehensive threat assessment processes address threats of
school violence. Outcomes include identifying opportunities to strengthen violence
prevention, enhancing team collaboration, and aligning evidence-based practices and
the MTSS framework.

Speakers

Courtenay McCarthy

Senior Advisor, School Safety Solutions, Public Consulting Group

Courtenay is a school psychologist and senior advisor of school safety solutions for Public Consulting Group. She served over a decade as the lead school psychologist in student threat assessment and management for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, conducting multidisciplinary behavioral... Read More →

John VanDreal

Chief Architect, Violence Prevention Solutions; School Psychologist, Public Consulting Group

John Van Dreal is a school psychologist, the chief architect of violence prevention solutions for Public Consulting Group, and the retired director of Safety and Risk Management Services for the Salem-Keizer School District. He continues his career consulting with school districts and communities... Read More →

Katie Callahan

Research Assistant, University of Washington Tacoma

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Policy to Practice: Universal Mental Health Screening in Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Golden Delicious

Learn how regions and districts in the state of Washington are engaging in universal screening within an MTSS. We will share how they've expanded team membership and taken an integrated approach to School Mental Health and universal screening. Participants will learn about how universal screening data can be used to promote education equity for all students. This session will demonstrate approaches that foster adults' cultural competence and an interconnected approach to enhancing comprehensive school mental health.

Speakers

Mari Meador

School Mental Healther Coordinator, University of Washington

Kelcey Schmitz

Director, University of Washington

Rayann Silva

School Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator, University of Washington

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Golden Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Project ECHO for Inclusive Education and Collaboration

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 2

This presentation will cover WA INCLUDE's use of the ECHO model to bring together educators, clinicians, and community partners to improve outcomes for students with IDD and autism. This session will highlight how cross-sector collaboration among school districts and medical professionals in tele-mentoring fosters shared problem-solving, strengthens behavioral and mental health supports, and builds capacity within school systems. Participants will learn how partnerships between WA INCLUDE and school districts in WA State have led to the creation of innovative, coordinated approaches to supporting students with complex needs as well as how the ECHO model can be expanded in their own districts.

Speakers