3rd Annual Summit on School Climate and Culture

This skill building, work-shop length session is designed for general and special educators, school counselors, administrators and/or school psychologists who want to better understand the Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Support Planning (BSP) process. Participants will learn best practice steps for completing behavioral assessments that lead to effective individualized interventions. Practice opportunities using brief video clips are included. Example materials and resources will be shared.

The wellbeing of teachers is directly tied to the wellbeing of students. Get your year started on the right track by creating a classroom culture of achievement. This session particularly targets secondary level (grades 6-12) teachers who are new to the profession and veteran teachers looking to re-vitalize their learning environment. Participants will hear about evidence-based strategies for establishing a positive classroom community and see application of these practices in a real-world setting. Examples provided will be focused at the secondary level but elementary level staff are welcome to attend as well.

Amber Lawrence, Program Specialist with Teens Against Human Trafficking, will introduce participants to human trafficking in Iowa, with a focus on its impact on youth. Participants will learn about the process of recruitment, grooming, and control, and what indicators may point to human trafficking. Participants will also learn what risk factors make youth more vulnerable to trafficking. This session will also describe statewide efforts to prevent human trafficking and identify victims in Iowa schools and what services are available for victims.

This session will focus on practical strategies to support teachers in the use and refinement of facilitation skills so that classrooms are safe, connected learning communities where students lead the talking, thinking, interaction and learning! The session begins with a consideration of the core principles of a learning community where students think deeply and learn with and from one another. Then participants are guided through a learning experience, where facilitation techniques are demonstrated. Participants explore practical strategies and facilitation techniques that support the development of a strong and safe classroom community where students think critically and learn from one another.