Special Topics
The following Special Topics are for 1 graduate equivalent credit, not CEUs.
TIENET: Less Stress, More Success
Course Description
This course is designed to equip educators, case managers, and special education staff with the skills and knowledge to effectively navigate Tienet. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and procedures for key forms and notices, including Notice of Meeting, Prior Written Notice, Consent for Evaluation, Excusal of Required IEP Team Members, and many others. The course emphasizes the alignment of these documents with Procedural Safeguards under IDEA, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Through this course, participants will also explore the critical connection between the documentation process and the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process, from the initial meeting to final implementation. Special focus will be placed on understanding IEP components,
writing effective and compliant IEPs for students aged 3-21, and integrating paperwork into the broader framework of student support and transition planning.
By the end of this course, participants will have the skills to confidently manage special education documentation, write high-quality IEPs, and ensure all processes align with federal and state regulations.
Cost $200
WIAT-4
Course Description
Welcome to the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test®, Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) Professional Development!
Wechsler Individual Achievement Test® (WIAT-4) is an individually administered achievement test for use in a variety of clinical, educational, and research settings. The WIAT-4 Professional Development course is designed to teach educators how to utilize the WIAT-4 in an educational setting. Educators will gain an understanding of the features and subtests related to the WIAT-4, as well as how to administer, score (using Pearson’s Q-Global), interpret results, and generate a diagnostic summary report. The lessons will focus on administering, scoring, and interpreting results for the Reading, Written Expression, and Mathematics Core Composites, and the Dyslexia Index Supplemental Composite. Subtests related to other Supplemental Composites will be introduced. Please note that you will need to obtain a WIAT-4 kit from your special education unit or district in order to take this PD.
Cost is $250 and includes 1 credit equivalent. You will receive a transcript upon completion.
Cost $250
KTEA-3
Course Description
Welcome to the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement- Third Edition (KTEA-3)
Professional Development!
Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-3) is an individually administered, norm-
referenced assessment for children, adolescents, and young adults. The KTEA-3 Professional
Development course is designed to teach educators how to utilize the KTEA-3 in an educational
setting. Educators will gain an understanding of the features and subtests related to the KTEA-3,
as well as how to administer, score (using Pearson’s Q-Global), interpret results, and generate a
diagnostic summary report. The lessons will focus on administering, scoring, and interpreting
results for the Reading, Written Language, and Mathematics Core Composites, and the Oral
Language Supplemental Composite. Subtests related to other Supplemental Composites will be
introduced. Please note that you will need to obtain a KTEA-3 kit from your special education
unit or district in order to take this PD. This course is taught using the KTEA-3 print (physical)
version, not the digital version.
Cost $250
Trauma-Informed Practices
Course Description
Trauma-Informed Practices is designed to teach educators how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact students’ neurological, physical, and emotional development. Educators will learn how to respond to students’ trauma-based characteristics by identifying their mental state and corresponding brain function. The 10 essential elements of a trauma-informed school system are presented, with a focus on Individualized Education Programs and assessments. Trauma-informed interventions will be taught following three primary principles:
1) empowering students by meeting physical needs,
2) connecting in the classroom by creating relationships that matter, and
3) correcting behavior by rethinking classroom management.
Cost $200
Supervising Paraeducators
Couse Description
The purpose of this training is to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be an effective supervisor for the paraprofessionals whom you work with on a daily basis. This supervisory responsibility can be one of the hardest jobs as a special education teacher. This training offers practical methods interwoven across six lessons:
Lesson 1 Supervising Paraeducators: Introduction
Lesson 2 Supervising Paraeducators in the Classroom
Lesson 3 Supervising Paraeducators: Training
Lesson 4 Supervising Paraeducators: Role of the Supervisor
Lesson 5 Supervising Paraeducators: Evaluation
Lesson 6 Supervising Paraeducators: Professional and Ethical Issues
Cost $200
Teaching 101/Pedagogy
Course Description
The purpose of Pedagogy/Teaching 101 is to provide an introductory examination of key practices new teachers must know to be effective the first day in their unique learning environments. In addition, this course is to bring about a greater awareness of evidence-based practices of effective teaching and learning, as well as to get the participants thinking about applying each of these practices within their own settings. Each module of this online course contains interactive lectures, brief videos, and supplemental handouts. There is no text required for this course; however, at the end of each module, multiple sources and resources are provided that new teachers can (and should) seek out on the topics discussed.
This course contains six interconnected modules:
- Effective Teaching and Learning
- Developing Positive Relationships Between Teacher and Student
- Lesson Design
- Summative, Formative, and Authentic Assessments
- Personalized Learning for the 21st Century Learner
- Models of Teaching