Designed to guide educators and campus administrators through the process of creating IEPs that meet legal requirements while ensuring meaningful educational outcomes. This course will cover the critical components of a compliant IEP, including Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), measurable goals, services, accommodations, and supplements. Participants will learn how to align documentation with IDEA and Texas regulations, avoid common compliance pitfalls, and develop IEPs that are both actionable and student-centered.
Explore effective strategies for developing academic vocabulary in secondary ESL science classrooms. Learn how explicit instruction, multimodal resources, and collaborative techniques enhance vocabulary acquisition. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, gain practical tools aligned with standards, and discover ways to foster multilingual, inclusive environments that support language and content mastery.
Explores how artificial intelligence can transform special education by enhancing instructional strategies, supporting diverse learners, and streamlining paperwork and compliance processes. Educators and administrators will learn how to integrate AI tools to personalize learning, track student progress, and simplify documentation tasks such as IEP development and data collection. This course offers practical insights into using AI ethically and effectively, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for improving outcomes while reducing administrative burdens.
Designed to help educators and support staff develop expertise in collecting and utilizing data to effectively implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Participants will learn how to design data-driven BIPs, collect meaningful behavioral data, and use that data to monitor progress and guide decision-making. The session emphasizes practical strategies for ensuring fidelity in BIP implementation and fostering collaboration among team members to support student success.
Designed to help educators and support staff develop expertise in collecting and utilizing data to effectively implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Participants will learn how to design data-driven BIPs, collect meaningful behavioral data, and use that data to monitor progress and guide decision-making. The session emphasizes practical strategies for ensuring fidelity in BIP implementation and fostering collaboration among team members to support student success.
Explores the key differences between positive reinforcement and negative punishment as tools for behavior management. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how these strategies influence behavior, when to apply them, and their impact on student motivation and emotional well-being. Through real-world examples, interactive discussions, and practical activities, attendees will learn how to implement these techniques effectively to create a supportive and structured learning environment.
Level 2: Must have attended Level 1 first. Required for all Secondary ESL program teachers. Focus on Emergent Bilingual students who have been in US schools for longer than 5 years. Participants will use the foundations of second language acquisition theory to determine specific language supports that can increase Academic English.
Equips educators with practical tools and strategies to effectively support students with ADHD and manage disruptive behaviors in the classroom. This session will explore the root causes of common behavioral challenges, provide insights into the unique needs of students with ADHD, and offer proactive strategies for creating structured, supportive, and engaging learning environments. Participants will learn techniques for promoting self-regulation, implementing positive behavior interventions, and fostering stronger teacher-student connections. The session will also address how to balance structure with flexibility to encourage focus, minimize disruptions, and promote academic and behavioral success.
This session leverages ELPS Academy resources to explore Speaking domain strategies for newcomers and experienced emergent bilinguals. Participants will gain practical tools to address diverse language needs and feel validated in their efforts, empowering educators to confidently support emergent bilingual students in achieving language and academic success.
Level 2: Must have attended Level 1 first. Required for all Secondary ESL program teachers. Newcomer student focus. Participants will use the foundations of second language acquisition theory to determine specific language supports that can decrease the language barrier that newcomer emergent bilingual students experience in the classroom while providing many opportunities to build their social and academic English proficiency.
