7:30 am Tech Check8:15 am - 8:45 am Exhibitor Breakout Rooms9:00 am - 10:00 am Opening General SessionTHRIVE THROUGH FIVE: LEADING THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES | Presented by Dr. Jill Siler We absolutely love what we do as school leaders, but there is a small percentage of our work (and life) that is just really hard! And we are not alone. This session will dig into some internal strategies to help us be our best, as well as some external strategies to help us lead in the best way during difficult seasons. We owe it to ourselves and everyone around us to not just survive challenging times, but to truly thrive! Sponsored by MSB School Services

10:10 am - 10:50 am Hallway Conversations11:00 am - 11:45 am Learning LabsCONTINUED

9:00 am - 10:00 am Tech Check12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Tech Check1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Pre-Conference Launch SessionHOW DID WE GET HERE? | Presented by Dr. Will MillerThe challenges we face as a result of COVID-19 and our new reality bring with them a host of emotions that might be unfamiliar to many of us. Anxiety, depression, and restlessness are just a few of the symptoms that we face, and are also a concern for our students, our team and our families. Join Dr. Will Miller for this pre-conference session where he shares strategies for working through this challenging time, strategies for symptom relief and takeaways you can implement that will ease this going forward.

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm Supplier Thought Leader SessionsJoin industry suppliers as they share the latest research and best practices on hot topics learned through their experiences of providing products/services to the special education field.

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 4

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 8

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Tech Check1:00 pm - 2:30 pm BONUS SESSION: Self-Assessment Q&AWith the TEA Self-Assessment scheduled to be released late January, join us for a LIVE session where we will dive in with the Review and Support team to figure out what it’s all about. The team will also discuss the transition to the Ascend platform and the development and implementation of strategic support plans (SSPs).

TUESDAY, FEB. 2

Agenda

tota�y unconventional! TCASE

8:15 am - 8:45 am Exhibitor Breakout Rooms9:00 am - 10:00 am General SessionTEA STATE OF THE STATE | Presented by Dr. Justin Porter, Texas Education AgencyJoin Dr. Justin Porter, state director for special education at TEA, for this LIVE session as he shares the latest updates on the state of special education in Texas. Topics covered will include the state's COVID-19 response and TEA resources, technical assistance networks and the state’s standing with the U.S. Department of Education. Sponsored by TASB Special Education and Student Solutions

Hallway ConversationsLearning LabsLunch with FriendsLearning Labs

10:15 am - 11:00 am 11:15 am - 12:00 pm 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm 2:45 pm - 3:15 pm Exhibitor Breakout Rooms

TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 9

8:15 am - 8:45 am Exhibitor Breakout Rooms9:00 am - 10:00 am General SessionARE WE READY? WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE 87TH TEXAS LEGISLATIVE SESSION. Presented by Kristin McGuire, TCASEJoin us for a LIVE session to dissect the issues and items that are on the agenda for the 87th Texas Legislative Session. We will also explore ways TCASE members can ensure their voices are heard, given the limited in-person opportunities. Sponsored by Walsh Gallegos Treviño Russo & Kyle, PC

10:15 am - 10:45 am Break and Exhibitor Breakout RoomsCONTINUED

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 10

Agenda12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch with FriendsJoin us for guided conversations that focus on a hot topic. Learn from each other as everyone offers guidance and their strategies for navigating these challenging times.

1:45 pm - 2:30 pm Learning Labs2:45 pm - 3:15 pm Exhibitor Breakout Rooms

tota�y unconventional! TCASE

FACILITATORSFrances Stetson, Ph.D.

Brandi Breaux, M.Ed.Brian Malechuk, Ph.D.

Cyndi Short, Ed.D.Stetson and Associates, Inc.

tota�y unconventional! TCASE

Agenda11:00 am - 12:00 pm Closing General SessionSTRATEGIES TO MOVE FORWARD AND HAVE HOPE | Presented by Dr. Will MillerAs a follow up to the pre-conference session, Dr. Will will take us through to the other side and give us tools and strategies for going forward. How can we expect COVID-19 to change us? How do we move forward? How do we see the blessing in this time? Join us as we close out the conference and talk about ways we can use, take, and share the lessons we have learned through COVID-19. Sponsored by Bayes Achievement Center.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Supplier Thought Leader SessionsJoin industry suppliers as they share the latest research and best practices on hot topics learned through their experiences of providing products/services to the special education field.

10:00 am – 11:30 amLIVE POST-CONFERENCE WRAP UP SESSION: READY, SET, LAUNCH! From Knowing to Doing for a Super Successful 2021

Don’t leave this year’s Great Ideas 2021 Conference with a list of priorities to address without a little help from your friends! Join us for Ready, Set, Launch! - a special session designed to transform that list into a clear, practical Action Plan!

Frances Stetson and members of her Stetson and Associates staff will be joined by several of your colleagues (stellar special education directors) from across Texas to identify five of the highest priorities that emerged from the conference and to share their strategies and tools for moving forward. This will include priorities from the Legislative Update and the TEA State of the State sessions that offer insights of importance to us all. In addition, the priorities for this action planning session will address the key themes from the various presentations.

In this live session, you will receive innovative ideas, a suitcase of resources, and an actionable format for solutions you can apply immediately. This will also be a very interactive opportunity to discuss your own ideas and solutions in breakout discussion groups with your peers. In addition, look for one or two surprise guests who will provide their specialized expertiseto our problem-solving efforts!

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 11