Special Education Conference

2026 Special Education Conference
Navigating Special Education: Basics, Behavior, Parent Participation, and Resolving Disagreements
Saturday, April 4, 8:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Whether you are new to special education or want to build on what you already know, this virtual conference is designed for you. Join us as we explore topics many families face, from learning the basics of special education to understanding behavior supports, taking part in the IEP process, and working through concerns or disagreements with schools.
Sessions include special education basics, functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans, and information about facilitated IEPs, mediation, abbreviated school days, and meaningful parent participation.
Choose the sessions that fit your needs and gain practical information and strategies from experienced advocates, mediators, and leaders from the Oregon Department of Education.
- FREE | Certificate of Attendance $25
- Most sessions are in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation. Please request additional language supports or ASL at least 14 days prior to the conference.
- Questions? Email program@factoregon.org or call: 503-786-6082 or 541-695-5416.
Opening Remarks with Ramonda Olaloye, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities at the Oregon Department of Education
Ramonda has 20 years of experience serving at the district and state level in Texas’ public education system. For the last two years, she has served as the Assistant Superintendent of Research and Accountability in a large suburban school district in Houston, Texas directing all district activities related to collecting, reporting, and analyzing data associated with federal, state, and local accountability systems to increase positive outcomes for all students.
Special Education Basics: What Families Need to Know | Educación Especial: Conceptos Básicos que las Familias Necesitan Saber
Britania Vazquez and Maria Rangel, FACT Oregon
Best Practices for Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
Patrick Kelly, Oregon Department of Education
Understanding Facilitated IEPs and Mediation
Scott Bellows, Attorney and Mediator
Meaningful Parent Participation in the IEP Process
Karen Trombley, FACT Oregon
Understanding the Basics of Abbreviated School Days (ASDP)
Dr. Elizabeth Jankowski, Oregon Department of Education
Preparing Parents for Productive Conflict Engagement
Dr. Melanie Reese, CADRE