Workshops / Trainings
Featured Training: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
A proactive strategy for defining, teaching and supporting student behavior resulting in academic and social gains and a positive school environment
Research shows that when a school environment is positive and predictable, students feel safer, have better academic performance, higher test results and make better behavior choices. Schools also show a gain in instructional time, reduction in out of school suspensions and discipline referrals and show a decrease in referrals to Special Education.
Is it a curriculum?
No. PBIS is not a curriculum, but a process of planning and problem solving that includes direct teaching of social behaviors like academics. The basic PBIS approach is to use proactive, research-based strategies to teach clearly defined behavioral expectations. Most importantly, it establishes ongoing behavior supports that can be used by ALL students, staff, volunteers, parents and community members.
Can parents be involved?
Yes! Research shows that parent involvement in a child’s school experience greatly increases their chances for academic success, positive behavior, higher self-esteem, better attendance and greater motivation. Parents are key sources of information about their child, are their child’s first teachers, and have strengths and interests that can contribute to the educational process. When schools and families work together to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but also throughout life. (National PTA, n.a.; Newman L. 2005; Henderson and Berla, 1997).
Upcoming Workshops & Events
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School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, February 25, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Willmar - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors.School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504 - Register for this workshop
Co-sponsored by PACT for Families Parent Advisory Committee -
Hot Tips on the Individualized Education Program: Is your child's IEP individualized and appropriate?
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019 — 9:30 AM - 11:30 AMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressParents will learn to use their child's special education evaluation report to determine how well the Individualized Education Program (IEP) addresses their child's needs. Parents must bring the child's most current school evaluation and IEP. -
Anxiety and School Success: Creating a Plan that Works
Date: Monday, March 4, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThe most common emotional difficulty experienced by youth in school is anxiety. When anxiety contributes to challenging behaviors parents and others may struggle to know how to help. Topics addressed will include: understanding behavior as communication, learning about behaviors that may reflect anxiety, discovering alternatives to consequences and punishment, exploring effective interventions for support at school, including the role of Section 504 and special education. -
School Avoidance & Challenging Behaviors: Special Education & Section 504
Date: Monday, March 11, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Rochester - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
Making the Transition Beyond High School: Technology to Support Success for College and Career
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2019 — 2:00 PM - 3:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will feature assistive technology to support youth with disabilities at college and in their career. Demonstrations will include tools and apps for executive function, computer access, reading, writing, and notetaking. -
ABCs of the IEP for Transition-age Students and Their Parents
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Faribault - Map and AddressThis workshop helps parents and students in 8th grade and above understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support the transition to adulthood. Students can register separately for their own workshop where they will have the opportunity to talk about what transition means to them, learn about the laws that support transition, get to know their IEP better, and create a self-advocacy tool. -
Planning for Educational Inclusion: A Viewing of 'Including Samuel'
Date: Monday, April 1, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Waseca - Map and AddressPACER Center is excited to offer a showing of 'Including Samuel,' produced by photojournalist Dan Habib. This one-hour, award-winning documentary is designed to help schools, families, community groups, and others work toward educational inclusion in an informed and innovative way. It examines the educational and social inclusion of youth and young adults with disabilities. Q&A with a PACER advocate will occur before and after the film. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Monday, April 8, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: Forest LakeWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
ABCs of the IEP for Transition-age Students and Their Parents
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2019 — 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Fairmont - Map and AddressThis workshop helps parents and students in 8th grade and above understand how to use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support the transition to adulthood. Students can register separately for their own workshop where they will have the opportunity to talk about what transition means to them, learn about the laws that support transition, get to know their IEP better, and create a self-advocacy tool. -
Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Guardianship
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressIn this first session, participants will learn about guardianship-conservatorship laws and other life planning issues. Plan to attend both the 4/16 and 4/30 sessions as they cover different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information. -
Challenging Behaviors & School Success: The Role of Section 504 and Special Education
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: OwatonnaEvery child has the right to an education, but children and youth with challenging behaviors often struggle to be successful in school. This workshop will cover the role of Section 504 and Special Education as well as the importance of using a strengths-based approach when working with the school to address behavior concerns. -
School Avoidance and Challenging Behaviors: Special Education and Section 504
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:00 PMLocation: Duluth - Map and AddressWhen children or teens experience difficulties attending school or participating in school tasks, parents may struggle to know how to help. This workshop will provide parents and others with information and resources on the role of Special Education and Section 504 when addressing a child’s challenging behaviors. -
Life Planning for People with Disabilities : Special & Supplemental Needs Trusts
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 — 6:30 PM - 8:30 PMLocation: PACER Center - Map and AddressThis workshop will focus on power of attorney, health care directive, special & supplemental needs trusts, and the ABLE Act. Each session (4/16 and 4/30) covers different information. Visit Life Planning for People with Disabilities for more information.
