Greenbush University

FastBridge for Beginners

with Tonya Smedley

Are you new to FastBridge or getting FastBridge in the Fall? During this session we will go over some important features of FastBridge to help make it a smooth transition as you start the 21-22 school year. Sessions are the same, so choose a session that fits your schedule and join us.

Kite Survey Solutions: the Cool Free Tool for Surveys and Observations in Your School

with Lisa Braun

We all need to collect data on students and teachers. Data is the evidence we need to identify problems and then prove that our ideas are working. Survey Solutions is the answer for our schools! In this session, you will learn how to use Kite Survey Solutions, a data collection tool free to use for all Kansas school districts. It supports timed or untimed observations (e.g., functional behavior assessments, teacher observations and walkthroughs), training and training surveys, feedback, etc. Because Kite Survey Solutions was created by the same team that developed the Kite Assessment Suite, it can also be used to streamline your annual test security and ethics training across your district. Come and join us to learn more and get your district imagining how to leverage this versatile data tool!

Access Slides HERE

Using Data/Scoreboards as an Improvement Tool

with Sarah Perryman

During this session, we will coach educators in how to ‘keep score’ on their lead strategies. We will talk about lead and lag measures, how to create scoreboards, and how to use your data to facilitate conversations around improvement.

Utilizing AimswebPlus

with Jennifer Hanni

Join AimswebPlus users to learn more about how to utilize this tool to drive instruction, monitor progress and meet the new dyslexia screening requirements. Access to your AimswebPlus account will be needed during this session so you can review various reports and information.

Access Resources HERE

Utilizing NWEA MAP to Drive Instruction

with Jennifer Hanni

Join us to dig into the various NWEA MAP reports that can directly impact instruction. Ideally, teachers will be able to log into their MAP account and review several reports; please have that login information ready.

Access Transcript and Resources HERE

Connecting Classrooms to Careers for ALL Students

with Jamie Manhart

This session will include a presentation by DreamWakers for the first hour, followed by a discussion about reaching your special population students during the second half. DreamWakers provides the unique opportunity to virtually meet professionals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives beyond a school’s city limits through 45-minute virtual “flash chats.” They collaborate with 4th-12th grade educators, and their services are FREE for under-resourced, rural schools and schools where over 50 percent of the student body is on free or reduced lunch. If a school does not fit into these categories, DreamWakers just asks that the school limit their free flash chat requests to one flash chat every two months.

CTE 101

with Jamie Manhart

This session will provide basic information every Career and Technology Education coordinator, administrator, and teacher should know to start, maintain and grow CTE pathways and programs to provide the best opportunities for your students. Topics include, but are not limited to: pathways, timelines, resources, Work Based Learning, Individualized Plans of Study, special populations, and professional development. This session is recommended for new CTE teachers and coordinators, as well as those who need a refresher course.

Exploring Different Models for Work-Based Learning

with Jamie Manhart

All approved pathways require a “work-based element” at the application level. What does that look like? Several school districts will share their WBL models, including internship classes, student-run businesses, etc.

CS – Teaching Cybersecurity to High School Students

with Stephen King

This session will provide 9-12 teachers with a topical outline, some pointers, and strategies for teaching the topic of cybersecurity to the Kansas model computer science standards at the high school L1 level.

K-8 Lesson Planning Bonanza for PE

with Mark Thompson

From instant activities to fitness activities to skill focus to brain boosts and everything in between! Participants will see how two veteran K-8 physical educators structure their days lessons, how they focus on skills for K-8 grades, and learn some new activities that might stimulate thinking about getting out of the box, or at least maybe getting a bigger box!

Small-Sided Games: Maximizing Participation, Fitness, and Fun

with Mark Thompson

If you’re looking for ways to maximize participation, emphasize inclusion, facilitate skill development, and provide convenient assessment opportunities, small-sided games are for you. Participants will be exposed to a number of small-sided games that allow improvement of skills and fitness levels while still engaging in the physical and tactical aspects of game-play. Participants will see how old and new activities can be structured as small-sided games. Participants will leave with a treasure trove of fun, easy to implement small-sided games.

Using Schema-Based Math Vocabulary Instruction to Teach Word-Problem Solving!

with Dr. Elizabeth Stevens & Megan Mowbray

Do your elementary students have difficulty solving word problems? Do they struggle to understand words and phrases like fewer, more than, how many more, and some vs. sum? If so, this is the session for you! Learn how to teach students to solve word problems by (1) using an attack strategy (e.g., read the problem, underline the label and cross out irrelevant information, and name the problem type), (2) identifying the word-problem schema (specific word-problem type; difference, total, and change problems), and (3) understanding important, word-problem language. We will present each word-problem type, show examples of how to solve the problems using the RUN attack strategy, and provide examples on how to explicitly teach math words and phrases. Join us to learn more about word-problem schema and math vocabulary instruction!

Note: this is NOT teaching keywords, which ties words to operations.

What a Year for PE! Beyond Just Surviving

with Mark Thompson

This training will focus on how Kansas physical educators adjusted to “the new normal” stemming from teaching during a year dominated by a pandemic. Three experienced Kansas physical education teachers will share the activities that worked for them, discuss modifications that they had to make, and provide insight into things they’ll keep, moving forward. They will address how they continued to incorporate standards, emphasized physical activity, dealt with mask, equipment, and remote instruction issues, and how they rolled with the punches throughout this very unique year. Participants will leave the training with some ideas for new activities and innovative ways to conduct their classes in both the “new normal” and “old normal”.

Cooking Up Writing Confidence and Competency

with Jacque Coleman

Cooking and writing have much in common. Students have the writing process while chefs have recipes. Teachers use traits to help students add variety and structure to writing while chefs use a myriad of utensils and ingredients to create delicious dishes. Just like cooking is an art and takes time to perfect, so does getting students to be master writers. This session will focus on the key ingredients in developing proficient writers. Using the elements of the writing process and the 6 + 1 traits, educators will learn how to mix these components together to cook up powerful writing lessons guaranteed not to flop.

Gaming Grammar: How do I Transfer Grammar to Student Writing?

with Joann McRell

How might we teach syntax, grammar, or usage that transfers to student writing? Follow the research that supports instruction, and tap into advice from William VanCleave and Jeff Anderson to revise your instruction to make an impact!

Help! How Do I Teach Spelling?

with Marie Walker

We’ll delve into how spelling instruction and practice are different in the structured literacy classroom, making sure you and your students understand the building blocks of our language and how to use orthographic mapping of phonemes and graphemes, as well as how to teach and use the six syllable types. Best suited for a K-5 audience.

Increase the Tools in Your Structured Literacy Toolbox (Pk-2nd grade teachers/leaders)

with Cindy Hadicke

If you are beginning your structured literacy endeavors in the classroom and need some strategies, tools, and resources to assist you, this is your session. In this session we will work in small groups, practice strategies for skills in pre-school through second grade, and offer resources. Join us for an informative session.

Increase the Tools in Your Structured Literacy Toolbox (Grades 3 – 5)

with Cindy Hadicke

If you are beginning your structured literacy endeavors in the classroom and need some strategies, tools, and resources to assist you, this is your session. In this session we will work in small groups, practice strategies for skills in third grade through fifth grade, and offer resources. Join us for an informative session.

Literacy & Social Studies: A Match Made in Heaven

with Janet Rehmert

Yes, we must be very structured in how we teach reading & writing, but why not incorporate history to take our ELA (and our students) to the next level? Not only will we have literate linguists, pragmatic pontificators, and eloquent elocutionists, we’ll also have holistic historians, content connoisseurs, and genealogical geniuses!

In this session we’ll explore two historical topics and how each can be taken on in the ELA classroom, fostering and inspiring literate and content savvy students. K – 5.

Newsela and the Reading Rope

with Lauren Kenney

There are many strands woven into skilled reading, and Newsela can support your secondary readers in developing the background knowledge, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge they need to be successful readers. Join us to learn about how Newsela can support your district with the text comprehension strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope and the Science of Reading.

Structured Literacy: Language Comprehension

with Amy Huizenga

The topics in this session will help you strengthen language comprehension in your students by digging into vocabulary instruction, building background knowledge, and the importance of discourse and listening in comprehension.

Structured Literacy: Decoding, Word Study & Spelling

with Amy Huizenga

In this session we will use elements and principles of structured literacy to learn and practice strategies to strengthen your students’ decoding and spelling skills.

Take Note: Harness the Power of Notetaking to Boost Student Achievement

with Amy Compton

Teachers will learn how to harness the power of note taking to support student learning, speaking, and writing. This session applies to all subject areas and focused on strategies for upper elementary and middle school students.

The Building Blocks of Writing: Sentences

with Amy Compton & Janet Rehmert

Teachers will explore the power of how intentionally focusing on sentences supports writing instruction and student writing skills in all subject areas.

The Inquiry Design Model: Supporting Informed, Thoughtful, and Engaged Citizenship

with Lauren Kenney

A 21st century citizen requires a variety of skills to be successful, such as analyzing problems, collecting information, evaluating sources, and finding solutions. In the Social Studies classroom, this learning happens through student-led inquiry. Join us to learn how Newsela supports the new 2020 Kansas HGSS through the promotion of authentic intellectual work, civic engagement, digital and interdisciplinary literacy, all through a culturally responsive lens. Walk away with ready-to-use tactics for implementing the inquiry design model in your classroom, and with a series of ideas for authentically incorporating literacy into Social Studies instruction.

The Shift to Structured Literacy

with Amy Huizenga

In this session we will examine the shift to structured literacy and how it compares to typical literacy practices of recent years.

The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction with Practical Ideas to Help Students “Pick Up What the Text is Putting Down”

with Mary Jo Fox

This session utilizes the findings of Nell Duke, Alessandra Ward, & P. David Pearson. Research on the Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction will be shared with practical ideas to implement the research findings to build your students’ comprehension.

The Yellow Brick Road to Reading Comprehension at the Secondary Level

with Jacque Coleman

Dyslexia, intervention, comprehension, oh my! Is your head swirling with questions about how to effectively reach a wide range of students in your middle school/high school classroom when it comes to reading comprehension? As a former secondary ELA teacher for sixteen years, my teacher toolbox is overflowing with proven strategies to ensure students at all academic levels continue to grow reading skills for post secondary success. This session will clarify the components of an effective reading lesson and examine evidence-based comprehension strategies teachers will be able to implement immediately next fall. From building background knowledge to synthesizing a variety of text, teachers will leave with the knowledge and confidence of a reading teacher.

Classroom Strategies for English Language Learners

with Kristy Nerstheimer

Come and learn effective and practical strategies for English Language Learners in the elementary setting. Takeaways will be available!

ELL Strategies (Part 1)

with Shauna Pierce

This workshop will go over effective ESOL strategies and real life examples of when they have or could happen. We will talk about situations and experiences from an ESOL teacher and how you can better prepare for ELLs in your classroom.

ELL Strategies (Part 2)

with Shauna Pierce

This workshop will go over effective ESOL strategies and real life examples of when they have or could happen. We will talk about situations and experiences from an ESOL teacher and how you can better prepare for ELLs in your classroom. This is part 2 of a 2 part session. Questions and answer session will conclude the workshop.

ESOL Teacher Endorsement Test Prep (Part 1)

with Shauna Pierce

This workshop will cover topics assessed on the ESOL Praxis test. Test taking strategies and tips will also be addressed.

ESOL Teacher Endorsement Test Prep (Part 2)

with Shauna Pierce

This workshop will cover topics assessed on the ESOL Praxis test. Test taking strategies and tips will also be addressed. This is part 2 of a 2 part session, questions and test example questions will be covered.

Modifications and Strategies for English Language Learners in the Classroom

with Tammy Carter & Dr. Brendon Thiry

Second language learners require additional supports and modifications to engage with academic content. Join us for a session on providing strategies to make texts accessible for ELLs. Strategies, resources, and special considerations will be provided to assist teachers across any content area.

Second Language Acquisition and the Seal of Biliteracy

with Regina Peszat

In this two-hour session we will discuss how ESOL and World Language teachers can support second language acquisition and encourage students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy.

Supporting ELLs in the General Education Classroom

with Tammy Carter & Dr. Brendon Thiry

Providing appropriate grade-level supports for linguistically and culturally diverse students in the classroom is a challenge. Join us for a session on strategies that support ELLs in math, science, English, and social studies! Simple SIOP, cooperative learning, and social-emotional strategies will be introduced.

Aligning Xello Lessons to the Kansas Can IPS Star Recognition Program

with Andrew Carrier

Join us as we detail how to leverage your Xello’s curriculum to help meet expectations of the Kansas Can IPS Star Recognition Program. Discover how Xello makes it easy with pre-made content, custom lessons, and one-and-done reporting created in collaboration with the KSDE to track your students’ progress towards Star Program goals & outcomes.

Access Resources HERE

College Admissions After COVID

with Tara Lebar

Learn how to help your students explore post-secondary options, what has changed and what is staying the same for college admissions in the post-pandemic world. We’ll cover topics test optional policies, campus visits, FAFSA and look at resources in Xello and other college searching platforms.

Using Xello with Elementary Students

with Camila Villarreal

Is there such a thing as starting career development too early? When it comes to preparing for the future, the answer is no. Join Xello in a session to discuss the benefits of exposing your youngest learners to concepts around career development; including how to engage them with age-appropriate activities and encourage self-discovery with Xello for Elementary. You’ll learn how to use specific in-program activities, missions, lessons, and supplementary activities in Xello for Elementary to support SEL Competencies, and other career awareness activities as identified in the Kansas IPS framework.

What’s new in Xello & looking ahead to 2021/22

with Garrett Concannon

Our goal is to deliver the best possible experience for you and your students. For that reason, we are constantly reinvesting in our product for Kansas schools. In 2020 alone, we released over 60 new features and enhancements, and we’re excited to show you what we have planned for 2021-22.

Join us at this session to catch up on new features launched in 2021, and what else is coming for next school year. We will showcase our new Family Portal, how Xello aligns to the IPS Star Rubric, Enhanced Reports, the Kansas Work Based Learning Network in Xello and more!

There will be lots of time for Q&A with our Kansas Xello experts throughout the session. Don’t miss out!

Differentiate Digitally

with Diana Beitz

How do we reach 21st Century learners? What can we do to keep learning appropriate for everyone? Find digital tools and ideas to differentiate for every student in your classroom, whether in person or virtually.

Implementing Inquiry Learning into your Classroom

with Brett Fenton & Jim Dillon

Are your students asking and pursuing questions to drive their own learning? This workshop will introduce teachers to an effective framework to implement Inquiry Based Learning into the classroom. This session will also address the History, Government, and Social Studies Assessment.

Utilizing Grade Band Competencies as a driver for creating Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Supporting Differentiating Instruction

with Heather Berckefeldt

Special Education providers are called upon to support general education teachers as they work to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learning in the inclusion environment. This session will focus on exploring the Competencies Assessment Rubrics as tools for supporting differentiation by looking at skill development. Additionally, participants will dive into using the competencies to create specially designed instruction in the resource room to teach content-specific skills.

20 Tips to Use Google Classroom Effectively and Efficiently

with Ronnie Williams

If you are already familiar with Google Classroom this session is meant to support those that want some additional tips and tricks. I’ll cover organization, grading, and collaborating with others. Please also bring your best tips as there will be an opportunity to share!

Collaborate, Communicate, and Engage Virtually With EdTech

with Ronnie Williams

Engaging students can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many EdTech tools that make engagement not only possible but fun and enriching. These tools connect and play well with Google Classroom, Seesaw and other learning management platforms and provide a great next step for teachers looking to more deeply engage their students.

CS – An Introduction to Classroom Robots

with Stephen King

This session will provide K-12 teachers with an introduction to the types of robots available and their vendors. Information related to rough costs will be included. Industrial robots and drones will also be discussed.

CS – Using Scratch to teach Algorithmic Teaching at All Grade Levels

with Stephen King

This session will familiarize K-12 teachers with the block programming application Scratch and provide some effective best practices tied to algorithm development in the computer science standards. A walk-through of examples will be included.

Engaging Students With Powerful EdTech Tools

with Ronnie Williams

Students are interested in technology and crave interaction with it. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel digital overload when it comes to EdTech integration in the classroom. This session will focus on apps that provide additional methods of student input and feedback so you can utilize these tools in your classroom to boost engagement. The apps covered have a small learning curve but provide a big return on investment in the form of highly engaged students.

G-Suite Tips and Tricks to Get Organized and Increase Productivity

with Ronnie Williams

Come to this session if you’ve wondered any of the following questions: How can I keep my Gmail inbox uncluttered and organized? Where do all of those files go when people share items with me on Google Drive? Why should I use Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Slides when I already know how to use Microsoft Office, Excel, and Powerpoint? This session will provide an overview of the most popular G-Suite for education apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and give you real ideas on how you can use these powerful tools in your classrooms.

Google Chrome Extensions That Make an Educator’s Life Easier

with Ronnie Williams

You have probably used Google products in your practice as an educator, but are you using them to their full potential? There are millions of free extensions that enhance the use of Google products that make your life easier and bring entirely new experiences to your classroom. However, with so many of them out there, it is hard to know what is effective. In this session, you will learn about extensions that integrate with Google Chrome that are easy to use and will make those fantastic tools even better!

Google Classroom Crash Course and Suggested Tips

with Ronnie Williams

Maybe you’ve heard of Google Classroom and have used it in the past, but are not really comfortable with using it with your students on a daily basis. This session will focus on highlighting each of the features of Google Classroom and will walk you through setting up your Google Classroom, adding students, adding content, and engaging with them on this powerful piece of software. There will also be a section of suggested practices for those that have used Google Classroom more extensively and are looking for some new ideas specifically targeting organization.

Google Classroom Next

with Ronnie Williams

Google Classroom integrates beautifully with other websites such as Khan Academy, Newsela and Insert Learning to make the process of getting students involved with different kinds of activities a breeze as Google Classroom takes care of the login information for the students. This session will highlight some of those tools and also provide updates on the new Google Meet virtual meeting feature built right into Google Classroom.

Google Tips and Tricks

with Michelle Bruna

Google Certified for Education Trainer Michelle Bruna will provide an array of tips and tricks to use in any classroom. Learn how to increase your efficiency in using Google Drive and tips for Docs, Sheets and Slides in your classroom. Participants will be expected to have access to their Google accounts for ease of learning.

Seesaw Crash Course

with Ronnie Williams

Seesaw is an incredible EdTech tool that allows you to share your student’s work with the world. This session is meant for the beginner or intermediate user to help acclimate them to the platform and familiarize them with how to utilize this tool to take student engagement to the next level.

Technology to Support Different Learning Styles

with Ronnie Williams

You have probably used Google products in your practice as an educator, but are you using them to their full potential? There are millions of free add-ons and extensions that enhance the use of Google products which help to make curriculum more accessible as well as bring entirely new experiences to your classroom. However, with so many of them out there, it is hard to know what is effective. In this session, you will learn about EdTech tools that integrate with Google Chrome, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides that are easy to use and will better support students with diverse learning styles and needs!

Your Digital Footprint

with Diana Beitz

Help your students (and yourself) identify how to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world. Find out what your digital footprint says about you, and how to minimize it. Learn about the good and bad of Social Media. Create a healthy digital footprint for you and your students.

Becoming a Teacher Leader

with Amy Huizenga & Tonya Smedley

Together we will create an understanding of what it means to be a teacher leader in education today. We will introduce you to the 10 MINDFRAMES for Visible Learning by John Hattie and Klaus Zierer and utilize their information as we discuss and learn more about the importance of developing professional relationships and better conversations.

Coach The Coach

with Brett Fenton & Jim Dillon

Para, Teacher, Principal, or parent……….we are all coaching in the many roles and different hats we wear. Join us to create a structure to plan for success. Coach The Coach.

KSDE STAR Recognition Program Tips and Tricks

with Jennifer Hanni

Join us for a work session where we dive into the KSDE STAR Recognition Program. This session will include explanations of how Stars are received for quantitative measures, as well as explain how to apply successfully for qualitative measures. Access to your district’s data will be helpful in this session.

Access Summary Recording and Documents HERE

PDC Training and PDP Toolbox Users Group

with Tonya Smedley

Join us as we go over our Annual Required Training for your Professional Development Council Members, answer PDP Toolbox questions, and collaborate.

PDP ToolBox – Overview for Teachers

with Tonya Smedley

Have a hard time remembering to put in your PD points in the toolbox?
Can you refresh my memory on what knowledge, application, and impact mean?
How do I enter my points in the toolbox?
What do I need to do as I prepare for relicensure?
During this session, we will go over the features in the toolbox and answer those questions.

Simplifying the Continuous Improvement Model

with Mischel D Miller

Accreditation should be used to develop a continuous model of student achievement that meets the Kansas State Board Outcomes. All of us want success for each student, so join me and learn how to embed the work of your continuous improvement model to reach those outcomes.

Vaping: What Schools Should Know and What Schools Can Do

with Mark Thompson

This presentation will provide an interactive opportunity for teachers and other school staff to develop a greater understanding of e-cigarettes/vaping and schools. Participants will become familiar with the latest products, state trends, and health concerns associated with vaping. Participants will also develop an understanding of best practices regarding policy, discipline strategies, and cessation resources. The presentation will also address the vaping of marijuana. This information is valuable for the health educator, school nurse, school counselor, school administrator and parents.

CS – Implementing Computer Science Education at all levels

with Stephen King

This session will update K-12 teachers and administrators on the Kansas plan for implementation of computer science education and give tips and best practices for each grade band.

Elementary Science- Get messy, take chances and make mistakes!

with Meg Richard

What was that sound? Did you see that bird? OH NO! What’s that smell?!? During this session participants will learn more about our Kansas state science standards and way to help students see, hear and smell science in the world around them. This session will focus on how students observe the world and then integrate strategies to help them figure out what happens next… let’s play with it and then collect some data by reading great books!

Get Talking In and About Science! An Equitable Approach to Formative Assessment

with Meg Richard

This session will be tailored towards secondary science; however, all are welcome. We know we want students to talk about our content; but, what strategies can we use to make sure that every voice is heard? This session will cover the ideas between talk moves and non-linguistic modes to help students be engaged and excited to demonstrate understandings.

MS and HS Science- Big Data, Small Devices! Using Real-World data with the Science and Engineering Practices

with Meg Richard

During this session participants will examine ways that authentic data sources may be used to strengthen their science classroom sense-making practices. All science disciplines will be provided with a data sets and the session will examine strategies for students to interact with the data in meaningful ways.

Teaching Wind Energy Using Hands-On Activities

with Ryan Hamel

During this wind energy-focused session, attendees will use supplies from around their house or classroom to participate in a Sailcar and “MacGyver” Challenge. In addition to the materials gathered, some type of fan will be needed. We will also include a “Wind 101” discussion and provide details about the 2022 Kansas KidWind Challenge.

Access Slides HERE

Increasing Student Perseverance Through Self-Efficacy Instruction

with Elise Heger

Learn how to empower students to shift from a fixed to growth mindset, recognize when they lack confidence, and take steps to persevere through the Kansans Can Competency of Self-Efficacy. By teaching students how effort connects with progress and abilities, youth will be more motivated, persevere longer, and engage in learning. Students who have self-efficacy are more likely to take on challenging tasks, more open to feedback, and view mistakes as opportunities to learn.

Introduction to Collaborative Problem Solving

with Jennifer Taylor

Learn how to identify the thinking skill deficits that lead to challenging behavior. Apply a behavior intervention process that is proven to reduce challenging behavior while building skills, relationships, and internal drive. Want actionable strategies where you partner with your students to develop solutions? You’ve come to the right place!

Leveraging KCTC Student Survey Data Now and Into the Future

with Rachel Phillips

Student perception data is gathered annually from 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders through the Kansas Communities That Care (KCTC) Student Survey. In 2021, several improvements were implemented to reduce the overall length of the survey and enhance readability and inclusive language. This session will include a brief overview of changes in this year’s survey; highlight trends and insights from 2021 data; and present future considerations for the evolution of the student survey. Join this session to learn more about how KCTC Student Survey data can inform district, building, and classroom strategies and to provide input on future plans to ensure access to relevant and meaningful data.

Preview kctcdata.org and come equipped with questions and feedback.

Access Slides HERE

Regulation and De-escalation. Session 1: How Development & Experiences Impact Behavior

with Tommie Gonsalez

Do you want to better understand your most challenging students? Join us to dive into the root causes of the challenging behaviors you see in your classroom.

This training will provide participants with a foundational understanding of how certain risk factors increase the likelihood of disruptions in brain development and the ability to develop regulation skills later in life.

Regulation and De-escalation. Session 2: Challenging Behavior Yours, Mine, and Ours

with Tommie Gonsalez

Do you want to better understand your most challenging students? Join us to dive into the root causes of challenging behaviors you see in your classroom.

If behavior is communication, this training will help you learn how to speak your students’ language.

Regulation and De-escalation. Session 3: Observation and Data Collection to Inform Support and Intervention

with Tommie Gonsalez

Do you want to better understand your most challenging students? Join us to dive into the root causes of challenging behaviors you see in your classroom.

Work smarter not harder when it comes to data and observation! Learn how to focus on what is important and get the information you actually need to support your student.

Teachers & School Crisis: The Role Teachers Play in Crisis Preparation and Response

with Kenneth Massey

This session will provide teachers with the basic information related to crisis planning and response.

Teaching Social Skills to Youth with the Boys Town Model

with Lindsay McKanna

In this session, we will explore the science behind using the Boys Town Model to teach social skills to students. We will discuss social competencies, proactive and corrective teaching practices and work in small groups to practice.

The Neurobiology of Sensory Processing and Trauma: Viewing Behaving Through the Lens of the Nervous System

with Deana Lesher

Objectives:

1. Discuss neurobiology and brain function

2. Gain an understanding of how the survival responses impact behavior

3. Begin to read the postural body language of yourself and your students to understand their autonomic state

4. Understand the concept of neuroception and the concept of “felt safety” 

5. Discuss definitions of sensory systems and begin to problem solve behavior solutions

Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Practices

with Michelle Robert

This training will illuminate how trauma disrupts our nervous system and how mindfulness practices can help bring restoration. It will be especially helpful for those that serve students that have experienced trauma, such as alternative school teachers, caregivers, special educators, counselors, and social workers. A helpful (but not mandatory) precursor to this training would be Mindfulness: Strategies for Emotional Regulation & Wellbeing.

Understanding SECD Assessment

with Noalee McDonald-Augustine

Social-Emotional Character Development assessment requires a strengths-based approach. It is important that assessments focus on the knowledge and use of skills that are being taught. This approach builds on the strengths and skills students currently have and then fosters further development of competencies. This session will look at the types of collectable data; the three key categories of SECD data; how to use this data to guide schools as they seek to make decisions.

Understanding the SECD Competencies

with Noalee McDonald-Augustine

A competency-based system is one in which students move from one level of learning to the next based on their understanding of pre-determined competencies without regard to seat time, days, or hours. When Kansas Educators were asked to work on the Navigating Change document last summer, the SECD standards were converted into competencies (A successful student can …). This session will dig into the SECD competencies and ways to implement competency-based instruction and curriculum.

IEP Quality and Compliance: Focus on Present Levels and Goal Writing

with Heather Berckefeldt

Crafting quality IEPs is the first step in ensuring that students with disabilities are afforded the educational opportunities assured to all students. This session will take a deep dive into the writing of quality present levels of performance. Well-written PLAAFPs drive the crafting of effective Goals, lending themselves to the provision of specially designed instruction.

Post Secondary Transition is a Process, not an Event

with Nikki Heiman

Join us as we dig into why we do what we do! Let’s rethink what success after school looks like for students with disabilities. We will collaborate on issues such as evaluating what achievement looks like when we REALLY look at what students and their families are thinking and needing.

Utilizing Grade Band Competencies as a driver for creating Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Supporting Differentiating Instruction

with Heather Berckefeldt

Special Education providers are called upon to support general education teachers as they work to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of learning in the inclusion environment. This session will focus on exploring the Competencies Assessment Rubrics as tools for supporting differentiation by looking at skill development. Additionally, participants will dive into using the competencies to create specially designed instruction in the resource room to teach content-specific skills.