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
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!

 

 2025-2026 Virtual Events: CLOSED

2026-2027 Virtual Events: OPENING SOON

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, October through May (2025-2026)

*January Session will take place on Monday, January 26th on account of the 3rd Monday of the month being MLK Day. 

Register Here

Elevate! Leadership Learning Series

Free to WCASS Members! This monthly learning series will focus on timely topics, with member input. The focus of each meeting will be determined a month or two in advance by series participants. Register for the series and attend any time the topic is of interest! 

2nd Monday of the month at Noon, November through May (2025-2026)

Register Here

Leadership Lab: Transformative Practices Network

Free to WCASS Members! This network is intended for experienced directors looking for ways to improve student outcomes.

1st Monday of the month at Noon, November through May (2025 - 2026)

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. 

Register Here

The Peer Connection: Early Career Leadership Network

This Network is for directors in their first 5 years who are looking to connect with other professionals and get support on relevant and timely topics.

1st Monday of the month at 11:00 am, December through May (2025-2026)

Legislative Updates Session

A timely and important update prepared especially for our WCASS members. During this session, Dee will provide updates on legislation and budget related items that impact the work we do in special education and pupil services.

Session Date: 

January 9th 12pm-1pm

March 13th 12pm-1pm

Register Here
 

2nd Annual Midwest Leadership Meeting - From D.C. to Your District: Special Ed Policy Updates

Join your Midwest special education colleagues for a federal legislative update from Myrna R. Mandlawitz, policy and legislative consultant to the Council of Administrators of Special Education & Kuna Tavalin, CEC Senior Advisor, Policy and Advocacy. This session is presented in collaboration with the Midwest Executive Directors from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Immediately following Myrna’s and Kuna’s updates, WCASS will host a brief debrief for WCASS members.

Session Date: 

February 19th, 2026

12:00-1:00 Central (Session with Myrna and Kuna)

1:00 - 1:30 Central (WCASS Debrief)

Registration Closed

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.