WCASS Learning Events and Opportunities

WCASS offers several professional learning events and opportunities throughout the year. Topics include cutting edge information and best practices for student services and educating students with disabilities.


 

New Directors' Collaborative Network

The opportunity to connect and collaborate with colleagues is, perhaps, one of the most important ways for new directors to learn and grow into their role. The facilitated New Directors’ Collaborative Network is an informal opportunity for new directors, those in their first 5 years, to come together to discuss their most pressing questions and to process information shared by DPI and other agencies. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions or topics of interest in advance, but will also be able to ask their questions during the session. The one and only goal of the New Directors’ Collaborative Network is to ensure that new directors feel supported and successful as they work to improve programming for students in their district. Directors participating in the “New Director Coaching” service will be registered for this network at no additional cost.

  • Seven Session Series

  • Offered from 12:00-1:00 on the following Thursdays:

    • December 19, 2024
    • January 30, 2025
    • February 27, 2025
    • March 20, 2025
    • April 17, 2025
    • May 15, 2025
    • June 19, 2025
  • Fee for 7 sessions $50 - available only to WCASS members

  • Register Now!

 

Virtual Legal Learning Series: Practical Application of Legal Considerations

WCASS is proud to partner with our Legal Firm members from Attolles Law, S,C., Boardman & Clark, LLP, Buelow Vetter, and Renning Lewis and Lacy, S.C. to offer timely, relevant and useful legal information. Understanding and staying current with legal issues and best practice will be easier thanks to the expertise and experience of our presenters. Join us for this webinar series on critical legal issues including current hot topics

  • Eight Session Series

  • Offered from 12:00-1:00 on the second Thursday of each month November through June

    • November 14, 2024
    • December 12, 2024
    • January 9, 2025
    • February 13, 2025
    • March 13, 2025
    • April 10, 2025
    • May 8, 2025
    • June 12, 2025
  • Fee for 8 sessions $350.00 - available only to WCASS members

  • Register Now.

  • Session recordings and resources are available to those who have purchased the series.

New Director Coaching and Networking Support

Directors in their first 3 years deserve to be supported in a personalized manner that addresses their specific context, challenges, and goals. WCASS is invested in your success and believes that a formalized coach/mentor relationship is the best pathway to get there. When you engage with a WCASS Coach, you will have a committed partner who will schedule regular sessions with you and will also be “on-call” for those pressing questions that arise in our unique and ever-changing roles.

  • Monthly, goal-focused coaching sessions.

  • On-call support available for up to 5 hours per month.

  • New Director’s Network: Meet virtually with fellow new directors for informal, collegial conversations that will support your implementation and application of your new learning.

  • Pilot Program- Special Pricing. $599 for the 2024-2025 School Year

  • Connect with Danica Lewis to learn more ([email protected])

  • Registration is available here.


2024-25 Opening Doors Book Study Group


Trudy Arriaga inspired us at the Fall WCASS Conference and many attendees expressed interest in digging deeper into her work and into the Cultural Proficiency Framework. During this 3-part book study, we will gather as colleagues to explore what it might mean to open doors for marginalized students and how we, as leaders, can make that happen. Participants will be provided with a toolkit to get started with this work in their own district, and will leave with an understanding of what steps they must take based on their current realities and "closed doors." Author Trudy Arriaga will join the book study for the first session to provide context, encouragement, and the knowledge directors need to get things moving! 

  • Three Session Series

  • Offered from 11:30-12:30 pm

    • November 25, 2024
    • December 2, 2024
    • December 16, 2024
  • Book Study price: $95 for three session

  • Connect with Danica Lewis to learn more ([email protected])

  • Registration is available here.

2024-25 Special Education & Pupil Services Leadership Academy

WCASS is proud to partner with WDPI and the RSN Network for this ongoing virtual learning opportunity. The Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Academy for 2024-25 will consist of a series of virtual sessions specifically designed for Special Education Directors and Pupil Services Leaders in their first three years of leading, but anyone is welcome to attend. The purpose of these sessions is to build awareness and understanding on technical topics related to Special Education/Pupil Services. Most sessions will run approximately two hours in length from 10 AM - 12:00 PM. Three of the offerings will be three hours in length to allow for additional learning from 9 AM- 12PM. Registration is free and is required for each individual event. To register, scroll down to the registration information on this webpage.

DPI-WASBO-WCASS Federal Funding Conference

WCASS is proud to partner with WDPI and WASBO for this annual conference on Title I and IDEA funding. The purpose of this conference is to provide school districts with the information they need, not only to be in compliance, but also to maximize their federal resources. This conference has been designed to “get everyone in the same room.” Districts are encouraged to send their Special Education Director or Director Designee, Title I program coordinator, and business office staff who work closely with special education and Title I funding.

  • Date & Location: February 24-25, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells

  • Highlights: Educational sessions on Title 1 and IDEA funding compliance. 

  • Registration opens in December 2024 through WASBO; visit WASBO.com/federalfunding for additional information

WCASS Spring Conference

  • Date & Location: April 30 - May 2, 2025 Hilton Paper Valley, Appleton

  • Highlights: Educational sessions focused on legal, legislative, and policy and procedural updates, networking opportunities. 

  • Vendor Exhibits: Yes

  • Sponsor Opportunities: Yes

  • Thank you for your interest in learning with us! Registration is not yet open for this event. When registration opens, members will receive an email and see registration information in the banner of the WCASS Daily Education News. Links and additional information will also be available on the WCASS homepage.