9/24/2025-Tailoring Success: Effective Writing Strategies, Lesson Planning, and Specialized Instruction for Students with Complex Needs

Target Audience: MSD Teachers, Special Ed Teachers in a Resource Setting, Instructional Coaches, Special Ed Facilitators

This in-person session is designed for MSD teachers who wish to improve their writing instruction. Due to the many physical and academic challenges that students in an MSD setting may face, teaching writing can be difficult. Join other MSD teachers across the state as we learn from highly respected specialist Dr. Robert Pennington, as our virtual guest presenter. Dr. Pennington will share research around teaching writing for students with complex needs, practical strategies, and high-leverage practices during the morning session. This is an excellent opportunity for teachers to learn from a highly skilled and widely respected presenter! 

For the afternoon, we will explore the amazing world of artificial intelligence! AI tools can be used to improve the quality or life and efficiency of education for our low incidence learners. In this session, we will explore a variety of AI tools that may benefit the low incidence population. We will also use AI tools to learn to create activities for student use. Participants will receive 6 hours of PD credit for participation. Contact erica.price@ckec.org with questions about this session.

1/14/2026-Teaching Foundational Reading Skills Using the UFLI Foundations

Target Audience: General Education Teachers working with students with IEP’s, Co-Teachers, Interventionists, Instructional Coaches, Resource Teachers

This professional development session provides educators with an in-depth understanding of the UFLI Foundations program—a comprehensive, systematic phonics curriculum developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. Grounded in the science of reading, UFLI Foundations is designed to help educators deliver explicit and sequential instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding, and irregular word recognition.

Participants will explore the key components of the UFLI program, including the structure of daily lessons, the use of decodable texts, and multisensory routines that support all learners, particularly those at risk for reading difficulties. Hands-on modeling, guided practice, and implementation strategies will be provided to support immediate application in the classroom.

Participants will receive a copy of UFLI Foundations and each will receive 6 PD hours for attending. If you have any questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org

10/22/2025-Math Specially Designed Instruction Toolkit: Supporting ALL Learners of Mathematics Through Utilizing Research and Evidence-based Strategies and Approaches

Target Audience: General Education, Special Education, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists

The Math SDI Toolkit is a set of resources designed by the math consultants of the KY Special Education Cooperative Network.  The purpose of the Toolkit is to enhance the quality and selection of specially designed instruction (SDI) while strengthening connections across IEP goals, progress monitoring, and Kentucky Academic Standards.  This 2-hour online, virtual training is for those who will be using the toolkit to support students. It will include a deepening understanding of SDI and application of the toolkit.

Contact maryruth.hertweck@ckec.org with questions.

1/13/2026- The Autism Helper Cadre: Classroom Schedules

Target Audience: General Ed Teachers, Special Ed Teachers, Behavior Interventionists, Behavior Coaches, Special Education Instructional Coaches

Classroom Schedules

Schedules are one of the most essential components to any effective classroom! Schedules let us know when transitions will occur, the order of activities, and alerts us to changes. Children with autism, receptive language challenges, anxiety, and a history of trauma, schedules are even more important. Effective use of schedules can increase functional independence and decrease negative behaviors. However, there are some common pitfalls we fall into when it comes to appropriate schedule use. Learn my 10 dos and don’ts for classroom schedules and make the most out of this must-have strategy!

Three hours of PD or EILA credit will be awarded for participation in each virtual session. For questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org

 

3/3/2026- The Autism Helper Cadre: Practical Behavior Approach

Target Audience: General Ed Teachers, Special Ed Teachers, Behavior Interventionists, Behavior Coaches, Special Education Instructional Coaches

Practical Behavior Approach

The Practical Behavior Approach is a comprehensive workshop designed to help attendees successfully reduce problem behaviors and improve cooperation, independence, and engagement of children of all ages. Learn how to prevent problem behaviors and respond effectively when negative behaviors occur while building essential positive skills. Discover how a child’s diagnosis, history of trauma, and sensory needs impact behavior and the strategies we use. The strategies in this session can apply to students of all ages with and without a disability.

Three hours of PD or EILA credit will be awarded for participation in each virtual session. For questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org 

8/28/2025- Getting Started with Peer Supports

Target Audience: MSD/FMD Teachers, Middle and High School Special Education Teachers, Special Education Facilitators, Administrators

In the realm of special education, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is paramount for the holistic development of students. This virtual training is designed to equip educators with the necessary tools and strategies to leverage peer support effectively within self-contained special education settings. Participants will discuss getting started with peer supports in a secondary self-contained setting, ways to promote peer engagement, and how opportunities for social interaction can benefit students in a self-contained classroom. Two hours of professional development credit will be awarded for attending this session. 

Contact erica.price@ckec.org for questions.

9/9/2025- Inclusive Excellence in Reading: Using UFLI in an MSD Classroom

Target Audience: High school MSD Teachers, Middle School MSD Teachers, Elementary MSD Teachers, Special Education Instructional Consultants/Coaches

Interested in implementing UFLI in your MSD classroom, but not sure where to start? This session is for you! On September 9th, we will have an in-person session to work together and dig into UFLI Foundations. During this session, our goals would be to enhance our background knowledge for teaching foundational reading, setting up the lessons, breaking down the lessons to meet student access needs, and more! Please note, that this session is specifically for special education teachers using UFLI with students who have complex needs, multiple disabilities, and/or limited verbal language. Participants who attend will receive a copy of UFLI Foundations and 6 PD hours for attending this in-person session.

If you have any questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org for more information.

 

9/16/2025-Resources for Teaching Alternate Assessment Targets

Target Audience: MSD/FMD teachers, Special Education Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, ACCs

This session will provide you with the tools and knowledge to effectively locate and utilize resources for teaching Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment targets. Participants will learn to navigate various state-provided platforms, SERTAC-created resources, understand the structure of alternate assessment standards, and implement best practices in their classrooms. This session is ideal for participants who are not sure where to begin with regards to instruction around alternate assessment targets. Let us get you started on the right track! Two hours of professional development credit will be awarded for attending this virtual session.

Contact erica.price@ckec.org with any questions.

10/22/2025-Tools and Strategies for Struggling Readers

Target Audience: General Education Teachers working with students with IEP’s, Co-Teachers, Interventionists, Instructional Coaches, Resource Teachers

Struggling readers need more than encouragement—they need the right tools and strategies! Join us for a practical, hands-on session packed with tech tools (like Read&Write and Immersive Reader), research-backed strategies (Think Alouds, Reciprocal Teaching, Paraphrasing), and ready-to-use resources to help below-grade-level readers thrive. 

Upon completion, participants will receive 6 hours of PD credit. If you have any questions, please contact erica.price@ckec.org 

10/30/2025-Assess with Success! An Alternate Assessment Overview

Target Audience: New MSD Teachers, Building Assessment Coordinators, Special Education Teachers working with Alternate Assessment

Get ready for a successful assessment year! This essential training provides a clear overview of the Alternate Kentucky Summative Assessment (AKSA), including KDE-mandated trainings, timelines, materials, attainment tasks, AKSA focus targets and alignment, KDE created resources, and teaching resources created by state low incidence consultants. Learn how to access key resources, navigate assessment targets, and ensure compliance for your students participating in alternate assessment.

Two hours of professional development credit will be awarded for attending this virtual session. Contact erica.price@ckec.org with any questions.