Events

This workshop is an extension of the April 29 workshop (Navigating the K-12 Illinois Standards for Science: A Deep Dive into NGSS Principles with Dr. Jeff Spencer, Science Instructional Coach, ROE # 17, Bloomington.

 

In this second meeting, participants will build off of material covered in the first NGSS training, offered in Spring 2025. This session will include a model activity to ground discussion on considering how to evaluate resources based on a nationally-recognized, peer-reviewed rubric to determine alignment with the NGSS. This session will establish a framework where participants can assess and become a critical consumer of science resources to help meet the vision of the NGSS.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Be introduced to a rubric that considers NGSS alignment

• Evaluate a model activity using the rubric

• Understand if teaching or curricula are aligned to the current standards.

• Consider ways to shift your current teaching to better align with the NGSS

Registration will close on August 19 at 3:00pm. Time will be given for lunch (on your own).

This workshop will cover topics such as but not limited to Title IX, Mandated Reporting & Faith's Law.  Any adult working in public schools is highly recommended to attend this session with Michelle Denault.  This sessions builds on the foundational 'Groomining 101 - A Predator's Playbrook,' and offers an in-depth exploration into the complexitites of grooming and sexual abuse. This session delves deeper into the risk factors, signs to watch for, and the lasting impacts on victims. It aims to educate adults about the nuances of grooming and the critical steps that can be taken for prevention and intervention.  This comprehensive initiative is designed to empower participants with a profound understanding of predatory behaviors and the grooming process, thereby enabling attendees to safeguard the well-being of children and young adults effectively. Registration closes August 21 at 12:00pm unless tickets are sold out.    

This is a free workshop on behalf of the Illinois Masonic Foundation.  Statistics show the average teacher asks between 300-400 questions per day. Utilizing effective questioning is a key aspect of the teaching and learning process, as the kinds of questions we ask determine the level of thinking we develop. It is also a key tool in assessment when checking for pupil understanding and keeping them engaged. To have the desired effect, these questions need to be well-considered and challenging. Utilizing effectivequestioning in the classroom creates opportunities for students to analyze their own thinking, is crucial to opening conversations, inspires deeper intellectual thought, and promotes student-to-student interaction. Targeted audience: General, Special Educators, Interventionists, Coaches, Related Support Personnel    

This is a free workshop on behalf of the Illinois Masonic Foundation.  How is it possible for teachers to divide their limited time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct all of their students? Although much has changed in schools over the past few years, the power of differentiated instruction has remained the same. There is no secret formula or recipe that works for all learners at all times. With that in mind, many differentiated instructional strategies will be shared in this session as well as insightful guidance on what to differentiate, how to differentiate, and how to bring differentiation into your classroom.

Navigate the complexities of special education law and avoid costly litigation by sharpening your legal knowledge and enhancing your parent communication strategies. In this comprehensive and interactive session, you'll learn proactive steps to minimize the risk of due process hearings and other legal challenges.  Hosted by a former due process hearing officer and school district attorney, this workshop will provide practical, real-world strategies to ensure that your special education processes and procedures are legally sound and defensible. Participants will gain valuable insights into strengthening IEPs, handling disputes effectively, and fostering positive relationships with parents, all while reducing the likelihood of legal action. Join us for an engaging, solution-oriented session designed to equip educators, administrators, and special education professionals with the tools they need to protect their district and better serve students with disabilities.

Christina Sepiol, J.D. Ed.D, currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Indian Prairie School District # 204.  Dr. Sepiol also serves as the assistant director of the SWCCCASE Cooperative. Prior to her position within the cooperative, Ms. Sepiol was legal counsel for numerous school districts throughout the State of Illinois, focusing her practice in matters related to special education, student discipline and disability rights. Ms. Sepiol graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in education. She received her J.D. from Loyola, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her educational experiences have included teaching in the field of special education at the elementary through high school levels and serving as a building principal in an alternative day school setting. She is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and has served on the Illinois Council of School Attorney's Committees on Special Education and the No Child Left Behind Act. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

PDC Member District $185.00 Non PDC District $200.00 (pricing includes lunch provided on site).  Participants should bring a fully charged device to this academy. The application/dissemination must be completed and submitted prior to your departure from the academy on September 16. This presentation will analyze the special education case law and recent legal guidance from both OSEP and OCR to ensure that your school organization can avoid the decisions that ultimately led schools to litigation. Each case will be discussed with a focus on the missteps or omission, including alternative options for action and legal requirements under both state and federal law. Christina Sepiol, J.D. Ed.D, currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Indian Prairie School District # 204.  Dr. Sepiol also serves as the assistant director of the SWCCCASE Cooperative. Prior to her position within the cooperative, Ms. Sepiol was legal counsel for numerous school districts throughout the State of Illinois, focusing her practice in matters related to special education, student discipline and disability rights. Ms. Sepiol graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in education. She received her J.D. from Loyola, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her educational experiences have included teaching in the field of special education at the elementary through high school levels and serving as a building principal in an alternative day school setting. Prior to representing school districts, Ms. Sepiol represented parents whose interests were averse to school districts. She is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and has served on the Illinois Council of School Attorney's Committees on Special Education and the No Child Left Behind Act.  Ms. Sepiol is the author of Section 504: A Legal Guide for Educators: Practical Applications for Essential Compliance (PESI, 2015). Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.  Cancellations must be made on or before September 11, 2025 or the amount will be non-refundable. PD hours or academy credit or ceu's can be issued for this event.

Do you know some to a moderate level of AI tools and technology and how to implement them into your current special education role?  This FREE virtual workshop is specifically designed for attendees who have knowledge of and have used AI and how its  in the special education realm.  Join Emily Flach Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, Learning Technology Center) in this workshop that is designed for special education teachers seeking to elevate their current foundational AI skills. We'll explore advanced prompting and expanded AI toolsets, empowering you to create deeply personalized learning experiences. Master AI's ability to develop data-driven IEP goals, implement progress monitoring, and craft targeted behavior plans. Learn to effectively employ AI for advanced differentiation and tailored accommodations, ensuring every student thrives. Through hands-on activities, you'll refine your AI proficiency and confidently integrate AI applications into your daily preparation and instruction to maximize student achievement and streamline your work. Participants will collaborate to share effective AI strategies and applications for the special education classroom, fostering a supportive learning community and expanding your practical AI knowledge. A virtual link will be sent prior to the event date. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

Target Audience: General & Special Education Teachers, Building Administrators, Related Service Staff Providing Behavioral Consultation at the Secondary Level This free virtual training will outline easy to implement, yet highly effective, preventative strategies which increase student engagement and decrease challenging behaviors in grades 6-12. Join Amanda Wilson, a board-certified behavior analyst, nationally certified school psychologist and co-founder of Navigating Behavior Change, LLC as you will learn the core components to implement Instructional Choice, Active Student Response Methods, Behavior-Specific Praise, Active Supervision, and Precorrection with fidelity in their secondary classrooms. Examples will be utilized to assist in demonstrating how each strategy can be implemented, both individually and in combination across classroom environments, instructional activities, and with various staff members. Common implementation errors will also be discussed and recommendations to increase fidelity will be outlined. Downloadable resources to assist in implementation will be provided for each strategy. Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will be able to: 1. List five evidence-based tier 1 strategies 2. State why each strategy is effective 3. List the steps to implementing each strategy 4. Describe how to effectively incorporate strategies together within an instructional block Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out. A virtual link will be sent out prior to September 17, 2025.