2026 Fall Conference Materials and Information

Conference Schedule Downloadable

Thursday Speakers

Jason Pedersen

Keynote: Empower. Build. Elevate. Realizing the Promise of School Psychology

This session invites school psychologists to reconnect with the purpose and possibility of their work through the presidential theme Empower. Build. Elevate. Participants will reflect on how professional empowerment begins with clarity of role and voice; how intentionally built systems—especially strong MTSS frameworks—create the conditions for meaningful, sustainable practice; and how elevating our work shifts focus from constant reaction to lasting impact. Through real-world examples, this session challenges school psychologists to see themselves not only as service providers, but as system designers, leaders, and advocates shaping the future of the profession—one decision, one team, and one system at a time.

Jason Pedersen

MTSS & the NASP Practice Model: How Comprehensive School Psychological Services Come to Life in MTSS

This session explores how a well-designed Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) serves as the framework for delivering the comprehensive school psychological services outlined in the NASP Practice Model. Participants will examine how MTSS operationalizes key practice domains—including data-based decision making, consultation and collaboration, academic and behavioral interventions, mental and behavioral health services, systems-level practices, equity, and family-school-community partnerships—while promoting role clarity, prevention-focused service delivery, and workforce sustainability. Through the use of NASP's existing Practice Model resources and an applied mapping activity, participants will identify opportunities to better align their local MTSS implementation with comprehensive school psychological services. Designed for practitioners, administrators, and district leaders, this turnkey session provides practical strategies and tools that connect the NASP Practice Model to the day-to-day work of supporting students, schools, and systems.

Haleigh Carlson

Psychologists, Lawyers, and Paperwork (Oh My!): Navigating Disability Law Without Losing Your Mind

You speak the language of standard scores, rating scales, and response-to-intervention data. Lawyers speak the language of statutes, mandates, and liability. What happens when these two worlds collide? Success for students with disabilities! This presentation translates complex federal and Nebraska laws relating to students with disabilities into plain English. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of the legal requirements for initial evaluations, drafting MDT reports that classroom teachers understand and state auditors respect, navigating Section 504 eligibility and plan development, precisely scripting Prior Written Notices, mastering procedural rules for FBAs, and confidently guiding teams through complex manifestation determination reviews.

Jessica Shepard

Dyslexia - Name it To Tame It

"Does my child have dyslexia?" Come prepared for evaluations and meetings where you will be asked this question. Jessica will walk attendees through reasons why we must continue to use the term "Dyslexia" when evaluating students. She will also outline what core areas need to be evaluated to ensure we have a comprehensive assessment so you can feel more confident answering these questions and making verification decisions.