24th Annual WI Transition Conference
Date: February 12-13, 2026
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Schedule 
This schedule is subject to change. Registrants will receive a conference program at conference check in.
Click on the dates below to view a specific date.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
7:30 am - 8:45 am
Check In, Light Breakfast, Networking, ExhibitorsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:50 am - 9:00 am
Welcome: Mr. Patrick Vavra, CESA 11, EdEvents DirectorSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
9:00 am - 10:15 am
Pamela Schuller- Keynote Suite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:15 am - 10:30 am
Break: Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Pamela Schuller- WorkshopSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
LunchSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:20 pm - 1:10 pm
1. WI Long-Term Services for Students Transitioning to Adult ProgramsAralia
Presenters: Jamie Champine (Self-Determination Supervisor); Lakisha Gunderson (ADRC Youth Transition Supervisor); Paul Mross (Community Partnership Specialist); Victoria Gunderson (Executive Director, WI )Attending this session will result in everyone understanding what long-term services are available in Wisconsin. Three objectives will be met by attending this session 1) you will understand what the process is to receive long-term supports and services; 2) you will understand the role of an ADRC, MCO, ICA, and FEA; and 3) you will have an understanding of what self-direction means to a person with a disability.
Level: Beginner2. Utilizing a Multi-Level System of Support to Decrease Dropout RatesBanyan
Presenters: Hector Santiago (Special Education Supervisor); Robin Scholz (Education Consultant )A multi-level system of support includes strategic use of data, starting at the universal level and providing support at differing levels of intensity. At one school, the creation of Link Crew led to the identification of students with IEPs in need of more intensive support. Join us as we discuss how the school’s GRIP leadership team utilized a unique approach to learn more about these students, instill a sense of belonging for them, and how this ultimately can lead to a decrease in dropouts.
3. Shifting the Power: Student-Led IEPs for Self-Advocacy and Future ReadinessCypress
Presenters: Lisa Van Dyke (Special Education Coach ); Robin Scholz (Special Education Coach )Student-led IEPs empower youth to build self-advocacy, communication, and goal-setting skills. They are a key part of transition planning and help strengthen family-school partnerships. This session will provide participants with the “why” and “how” of student-led IEPs, offering a ready-to-use module with lessons and a rubric to support implementation. Resources will be provided that can be adapted for grade/ability levels, along with strategies for scaffolding student participation.
Level: Intermediate4. Discover TIG’s Free Online Learning for Transition Success!Tamboti/Aloeswood
Presenters: Jen Hilgendorf (TIG Implementation and Improvement Project Coordinator ); Pam Jenson (Technical Assistance Project Coordinator ); Pam Jenson (TIG Grant Coordinator); Shana Ratzburg (TIG Technical Assistance Transition Specialist)This engaging session highlights a wide range of online resources including courses, technical assistance videos, and on-demand modules designed to strengthen skills in transition planning, career and technical education, and understanding the Indicator 14 survey. Participants will leave with practical, no-cost tools to boost student outcomes and access professional learning anytime, anywhere.
Level: Beginner5. Making the Shift from Compliance to Best Practice with Transition-Level IEPMangrove
Presenters: Julie Mlagan (Implementation Specialist); Lara Janisch-Garcia (Special Education Program Manager); Theresa Whitney (Special Education Program Manager)This session highlights how the School District of Beloit is transforming transition planning from a compliance task into a student-centered process. What started as state-mandated work has grown into a districtwide vision focused on purposeful Postsecondary Transition Plans (PTPs). Participants will learn the reasons for this shift, explore ways to strengthen PTPs, and strategies to foster IEPs led by transition goals for better student outcomes.
Level: Intermediate6. Incorporating SEL and Servant Leadership in Transition and BeyondMarula
Presenter: Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)Explore how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Servant Leadership can transform transition planning for students with disabilities. Led by veteran special educator and SEL coach Tara Schmitz, this session provides practical strategies to build self-awareness, empathy, and leadership skills that empower students for life beyond high school.
Level: Intermediate1:10 pm - 1:15 pm
Snack, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
1:15 pm - 1:45 pm
DPI: Transition UpdatesSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Alicia Reinhard from the Department of Public Instruction, Office of Continuous Improvement, will provide updates on transition matters.
1:45 pm - 2:15 pm
The WiTransition App Reloaded: Interactive, Engaging, and Student-FriendlySuite 1, 2, 7, 8
The WiTransition App Reloaded: Interactive, Engaging, and Student-Friendly
2:20 pm - 3:10 pm
7. Maximizing Transition Funding: Utilizing Incentive and Readiness GrantsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenters: Alicia Reinhard (Statewide Transition and Graduation Consultant/Education Consultant); Jenny Jacobs (Technical Assistance Specialist & Indicator 14 Coordinator); Joanne Metzen (Director of Special Education)By participating in the Indicator 14 Survey each year, districts have the chance to qualify for Transition Incentive Grant funds. Districts can receive up to $1,000 for each eligible survey. Learn how one district used these funds to offer mini-grants to staff. The Transition Readiness Grant (TRG) is another opportunity to enhance transition programming. Discover what the program is, how to apply, and how your district can use these funds to create competitive employment opportunities.
8. Future-Ready IEPs: Using WCRS to Strengthen Transition GoalsAralia
Presenters: Ben Urbanek (Special Education Teacher); Brandon Ihrcke (Special Education Teacher); Christy Tainter (Director of Academic and Career Planning ); Jennifer Riggle (Director of Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness )All students deserve a future they are ready for. This session shows how the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards (WCRS) can strengthen IEP transition planning by making goals meaningful, measurable, and connected to real future-ready skills. Learn how to align WCRS with Academic and Career Planning (ACP) and write transition goals that build employability, independence, and self-advocacy through student strengths and interests.
Level: Intermediate9. Beyond Numbers: Getting a GRIP with “Street Data”Banyan
Presenters: Monique Haralson (Education Consultant); Robin Scholz (Education Consultant)Quantitative data tell us some things about student performance, but they do not tell the whole story. “Street data” offers educators a way to gather and make meaning of data. Street-level data offer deep insight into both the student and educator experience. In this presentation, participants will learn various examples of how to collect street data and one school’s journey to collecting it to make data-informed decisions to improve student performance.
Level: Intermediate10. From Planning to Outcomes: Leveraging PTP and PSO DataCypress
Presenters: Lisa Van Dyke (Transition Improvement Grant Coordinator); Lisa Van Dyke (Transition Improvement Grant Coordinator)This session explores how Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) and Post School Outcomes (PSO) data can drive transition success. Participants will learn to access and use reports to analyze trends, identify gaps, and design research-based services that connect secondary planning to post-school results. Strategies will strengthen compliance, improve outcomes, and prepare students for work, education, and independent living.
Level: Intermediate11. Strengthening Transition Plans Through CTE and Youth ApprenticeshipTamboti/Aloeswood
Presenters: David Gordon (Director of Career and Technical Education); Lindsay Allen (CTE Specialist)Learn how Career & Technical Education and Youth Apprenticeship can strengthen transition planning and open meaningful career pathways for students with disabilities. This session highlights practical steps to increase access, work collaboratively with special educators, align IEP goals with hands-on learning, and provide supports and accommodations that help students thrive in real workplace experiences.
Level: Beginner12. Build your own BRIDGE: One school’s journey to better student outcomesMangrove
Presenters: Julie Mlagan (Implementation Specialist); Maddie Satre (Special Education Teacher: Transition Services)What happens when a passionate Transition Teacher has big dreams but no roadmap? This session follows the journey of a small 18 & Beyond Transition Service in Beloit, led by a teacher full of ideas but unsure how to grow. With a few solid foundations in place but no clear direction, everything changed after connecting with TIG (Transition Improvement Grant). Learn how intentional support, collaboration, and targeted goals helped transform the service in just one year—and how you can do the same.
Level: Beginner13. Beyond Accommodation: Harnessing AI for Inclusive LearningMarula
Presenters: Jason Krug (Teacher ); Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)In today’s classrooms, educators face increasing demands to provide individualized instruction, behavioral support, and inclusive learning experiences for all students—especially those with special needs. However, limited staffing and resources often make it difficult to give every student the attention and specialized instruction they require. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers innovative solutions that can help bridge these gaps, making personalized learning and inclusion more achievable.
Level: Intermediate3:15 pm - 4:05 pm
14. Engaging Youth in Transition: Creative Activities to for Transition SkillsAralia
Presenter: Carrie Wilson-Smith (DPI/WSPEI Information and Support Specialist)Are you looking for creative ways to engage youth in transition? Look no further. Transition is crucial for youth with disabilities and each student has specific needs in the area of transition. Join the presenter in learning about new and fun ways to engage students in transition through activities both in the school and community. Step away with resources to help begin making transition fun!
Level: Advanced15. Tools for Including Health/Wellness in the IEP and PTPBanyan
Presenters: Shelley Burke Otto (Statewide Technical Assistance Transition Specialist); Tim Markle (Director)People need to be mentally and physically well to go to school, work, or engage in their community. In 2025, for the 1st time health questions were included in the Indicator 14 Post School Outcomes Survey. In this session, we'll share what we learned about former students' level of responsibility in their own health care, as well as showcase tips and "hot off the press" tools to: 1) Include health/wellness in the IEP and PTP and, 2) Increase youth self-advocacy in their own health care.
Level: Intermediate16. Data 101: Using Multiple Data Points to Tell a StoryCypress
Presenters: Jen DuMond (Implementation Specialist - TIG); Lisa Van Dyke (Evaluation Specialist - TIG)Take a journey that goes beyond the grade or score and dives deeper into how to build a data story for each student. In this session, we will walk through a real-life best practice scenario that highlights the different types of data that can be utilized within the education system. You will learn how to make connections between student outcomes data, progress monitoring data, and fidelity of adult practice data that will allow you to implement data-based decisions.
Level: Beginner17. The Transition from Children’s Long-Term Care Supports to the IRIS ProgramTamboti/Aloeswood
Presenters: Beth Zopfi-Selig (ICA Team Manager); Tara Ditter (ICA Team Manager)The transition process from Children’s Long-Term Supports to Adult Long-Term Care can be intimidating, confusing and frustrating. Hear from professionals in the Children’s Long-Term Care Supports program and the IRIS program on the similarities and differences between the two programs, what to expect during the transition process, and what resources are available to assist you and your family throughout the process.
Level: Intermediate18. Self-Monitoring Interventions to Support Transition-Aged StudentsMangrove
Presenter: Grant Allen (Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout)Self-monitoring is an effective intervention to support transition-aged students in a variety of areas, such as academic, behavioral, or social skills development. Self-monitoring interventions involve teaching students to observe and record their own behavior. This is a necessary skill to support independence and self-determination, which are indispensable skills in transition planning. Participants will learn why this strategy is effective and how to implement this intervention with students.
Level: Intermediate19. The New Learning Ally: AI’s Role in Special EducationMarula
Presenters: Jason Krug (Project-based educator); Tara Schmitz (Special Education Teacher)In today’s classrooms, educators face increasing demands to provide individualized instruction, behavioral support, and inclusive learning experiences for all students—especially those with special needs. However, limited staffing and resources often make it difficult to give every student the attention and specialized instruction they require. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers innovative solutions that can help bridge these gaps, making personalized learning and inclusion more achievable.
Level: Intermediate
