Foundations in Special Education: Roles and Responsibilities

This course is the third module in a series of three. The purpose of the series is to introduce and clarify various topics related to the foundations of special education.

In this course, Dr. Dia Jackson of American Institutes for Research presents an overview of instructional best practices in special education service delivery and the roles and responsibilities commonly held by special education professionals. Dr. Jackson discusses several topics including collaboration, instructional strategies, and more. She also describes the type of professional development teachers should be receiving.

This course was recorded on December 14, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas.

Introduction to Behavior: Supporting Effective Behavior

Using a classroom management plan that includes reasonable expectations for student behavior is helpful in maintaining consistency and creating positive student-teacher relationships. In this course Nick Croninger, from American Institutes for Research, describes effective strategies for classroom management plans that help with building strong student-teacher relationships and with maintaining consistency among students, teachers, and environments.

This course, which was recorded on December 14, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas, is the first in a series of three introductory modules for building administrators, general education teachers, new special education teachers, and paraprofessionals. The purpose of the series is to introduce learners to various topics related to supporting student behavior in the classroom.

Introduction to Behavior: General Classroom Management Systems

Managing behavior and practicing consistency with positive and negative consequences can be difficult for even seasoned teachers. This course includes a presentation by Nick Croninger from American Institutes for Research, exploring classroom factors that influence behavior and effective classroom management. Mr. Croninger uses a continuous example scenario throughout the course to illustrate different steps in the process of developing and implementing an effective classroom behavior management plan.

This course, which was recorded on December 14, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas, is the second in a series of three introductory modules for building administrators, general education teachers, new special education teachers, and paraprofessionals. The purpose of the series is to introduce learners to various topics related to supporting student behavior in the classroom.

Introduction to Behavior: Behavior Intervention Plans

In this course Nick Croninger from American Institutes for Research discusses terminology related to behavior management and the basic steps in developing and implementing a behavior intervention plan (BIP). He uses example scenarios and activities to illustrate how to effectively define a problem behavior and the process of identifying the function of behaviors.

This course, which was recorded on December 14, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas, is the third of a series of three introductory modules for building administrators, general education teachers, new special education teachers, and paraprofessionals. The purpose of the series is to introduce learners to various topics related to supporting student behavior in the classroom.

Section 504 vs. IDEA: Understanding the Fundamentals

Though Section 504 and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) both exist to serve students with disabilities and have similar requirements, they have some fundamental differences as well. In this course, Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience working with schools, explains these differences and what schools need to do in order to be compliant with both. He discusses big picture concepts and minute details such as specific eligibility criteria. Mr. Martín also includes a discussion about challenging situations that may arise in determining a student's eligibility under Section 504 or Special Education.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

Discipline and the Section 504 Student

Navigating behavior and discipline issues regarding students with disabilities can be challenging and adding federal regulations to the mix can make it feel even more difficult. In this course Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, explains the provisions and guidelines for Section 504 and IDEA in terms of behavior and discipline. Mr. Martín begins with a brief discussion of the fundamental rules for short- and long-term disciplinary removals, then moves on to a variety of other topics related to discipline and the Section 504 student.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

OCR's Resource Guide on ADHD

In July of 2016 the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a resource guide in the form of a letter. This letter addresses various modern Section 504 legal compliance issues with a focus on ADHD. In this course, Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, discusses the broad guidance included in the letter. He briefly outlines the guide's basic reviews of Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and then delves more deeply into other topics included in the guide.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

Section 504 Services Plans: A Sample Form

In this course, Jose Martín, a lawyer with years of experience in disability law, discusses the model 504 plan form his firm has created. He goes through each section of the form, explaining why each element is included and/or constructed a certain way. He also shares specific examples and suggestions in order to make each area as clear as possible.

This course was recorded on September 20, 2016 at AETN studios in Conway, AR.

All In: Everyone's Unique, Everyone Belongs - Special Education Inclusive Practices

In this course, Jessica Saum, the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, will lead discussions about one of her passions - inclusive education. These discussions will focus specifically on changes in classrooms throughout Arkansas and how to meet the needs of all students. Panelists will present evidence on the benefits of inclusion, discuss what an inclusive classroom setting looks like, and review laws concerning the provision of special education services. The goal is to offer background information, techniques, teaching strategies, and tips to help families and teachers as they navigate through the many transitions of their students' educational journeys.

Autism: An Overview

This online professional development course, directed and produced by Connect with Kids Network (CWKN), was designed as an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge base of licensed educators and administrators and to facilitate learning for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Stacey DeWitt, founder and president of CWKN, states: "In this four-part professional development program, you will get to know the Nelsons and many others who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through their stories, interviews with experts, and research-based information, we hope you will gain a better understanding of how to identify and support social communication and behavioral challenges associated with ASD."