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.

WCASS Special Education & Pupil Services Conference
 
October 14th - 16th, 2026
Glacier Canyon Conference Center in the Wisconsin Dells
 
In partnership, the WI Department of Public Instruction and WCASS will collaborate to bring you a unified Fall Conference for Directors of Special Education and Pupil Services.  

The conference previously known as the “State Superintendent’s Conference on Special Education and Pupil Services Leadership” will now be known as the “DPI Special Education and Pupil Services Pre-Conference.” Registrants do not need to be a WCASS Member in order to register for the DPI Pre-Conference, nor for the WCASS Conference. 

The DPI Pre Conference day (October 14th) will be priced the same for Members and Non-Members of WCASS.

 
Registration: OPEN
WCASS Conference: SOLD OUT
DPI Day: Remains Open
Members must log in and have an active membership to receive Member Pricing for WCASS Conference on October 15th & 16th. No refunds will be given to members who to not log in to receive member pricing.
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Special Education Budgeting Academy

The Special Education Budgeting Academy is back, featuring a yearlong professional learning opportunity from WASBO and WCASS designed to help districts make the most of their special education budgets while strengthening collaboration between Special Education Directors and School Business Officials.

The 2026-27 academy includes two in-person training days, two virtual check-ins, and two cohorts. The northern cohort will meet in Eau Claire at The Lismore Hotel, with in-person sessions on October 26, 2026, and January 14, 2027, and the southern cohort will meet in Pewaukee at Waukesha County Technical College, with in-person sessions on November 4, 2026, and January 7, 2027. Both locations will include virtual check-ins on December 4, 2026, and February 19, 2027.

Registration includes two in-person sessions from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, two virtual check-ins from 12:00 to 1:30 PM, and meals during the in-person days. Individual participation is welcome, but special education and finance leaders are strongly encouraged to attend together. Early bird registration is available through October 1 at $325 for single participants or $300 per person for multiple attendees.

Register Now!

 

2026-2027 Virtual Events: 

Curious about upcoming WCASS Virtual Learning opportunities? Check out the 25-26 WCASS Professional Learning Brochure HERE or read more about these upcoming offerings below:

Legal Learning Series

Legal Expertise on Hot Topics in Special Education and Pupil Services! Join us for monthly legal series led by our WCASS Legal Partners. During these sessions, you will hear about critical topics from the attorneys who are supporting Wisconsin Schools.

3rd Monday of the month at Noon, November through May (2026-2027)

Register Here

Building the Bridge: Aligning District Leadership Systems for Student Learning and Teacher Retention

Strong outcomes for students with disabilities depend on more than the special education office. They depend on how leaders across a district plan, support instruction, and care for the educators doing the work. Building from the focus on Collective Efficacy during the Fall Conference, this series brings directors together to build the partnerships that make that possible.

9:00 am - 10:15 am on November 17, 2026, December 15, 2026, January 12, 2027, February 16, 2027

Register Here

Early Career Director Coaching

Directors in their first 5 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.

Reach out to [email protected] for more information and to schedule your sessions.