Embedded Files
Professional Learning Offerings
Building Better Access: Strengthening Assistive Technology Systems
Description: This collaborative professional learning series brings together the COOR ISD Assistive Technology Leadership Team and Alt+Shift to strengthen assistive technology practices across our region. Participants will use the Alt+Shift Practice Profiles to evaluate current systems, identify strengths and opportunities for growth, establish shared goals, and develop consistent, evidence-based practices. The series is designed to build local capacity, improve collaboration among educators, monitor implementation, and ultimately enhance access and outcomes for students who benefit from assistive technology.
Scheduling Information:
In Person
September 2 & September 30 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 8a-3:30p
Facilitator: Megan Hojnacki, Alt + Shift Assistive Technology and AAC Specialist
Audience:
By invitation only
Register Here - to come
SCECHs available
EdPlan Essentials: A User Bootcamp for Special Education Processes
Description: This training is designed for new EdPlan users and those looking for a refresher on navigating key special education processes within EdPlan and PCG products. Participants will receive a practical, “how-to” overview of common workflows, including REEDs, METs, IEPs, assessments, and service logging for personal care, ancillary services, and targeted case management.
This session focuses on using EdPlan tools effectively and is not a comprehensive IEP development training. For in-depth IEP training, participants should attend the Michigan Virtual IEP Bootcamp.
Scheduling Information:
Virtual
September 3, 2026 | Time: 1p-3p
Facilitator: Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance
Audience:
New EdPlan users, Special Education Teachers, Special Education Coordinators, Case Managers, related service providers, School Psychologists, Administrators, and other staff responsible for entering, reviewing, or managing special education documentation in EdPlan.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDR): Understanding the Process and Making Informed Decisions
Description: This training provides an overview of the Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) process, including when an MDR is required, the roles and responsibilities of team members, and how to make compliant, data-informed decisions. Participants will explore the connection between student disability, behavior, and disciplinary actions while gaining practical guidance for navigating MDRs effectively.
Scheduling Information:
Virtual
September 22, 2026 | Time: 8:30a-10:30a
Facilitator: Christine Foren, Oakland Schools Compliance Consultant
Melissa Strobridge, Oakland Schools Special Populations Compliance Consultant
Audience:
Teachers, coordinators, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, counselors, and other staff involved in student discipline.
Register Here - to come
SCECHs available
Education-Based Autism Evaluations: A Comprehensive Approach from Referral to Eligibility
Description: This training will provide an overview of the education-based autism evaluation process, guiding participants through each step from initial referral to the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) decision. Participants will explore best practices for conducting evaluations with fidelity, including gathering meaningful data, selecting appropriate assessment tools, collaborating with team members, and determining eligibility based on educational impact.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities within the evaluation process and practical strategies to support consistent, compliant, and comprehensive autism evaluations in the school setting.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
September 29, 2026 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-12:30p
Facilitator: Amber Larrison ASD, Teacher Consultant, Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance,
Becky Bunn, School Psychologist
Audience:
Professionals involved in the autism evaluation process.
Register Here - to come
SCECHs available
Writing Meaningful and Compliant IEPs: Michigan Virtual Module Study Series
Description: Develop high-quality IEPs that are both legally compliant and designed to support meaningful educational progress for students with disabilities. Using the Michigan Virtual IEP modules developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education, participants will deepen their understanding of the procedural and substantive requirements of the IEP process.
This professional learning series follows a blended learning format. Participants will complete each assigned Michigan Virtual module independently prior to the scheduled virtual discussion session. During the facilitated meetings, COOR ISD staff will guide collaborative conversations to reinforce key concepts, answer questions, discuss real-world application, and provide opportunities for participants to share effective practices from their districts.
The series includes ten Michigan Virtual modules, with each module varying in length.
Before attending the first session, participants must register for the Michigan Virtual IEP modules. If you are new to Michigan Virtual, you may be prompted to create a free account before accessing the coursework.
Scheduling Information:
Virtual | Time: 3p-4p
2026: September 10 • Sept 24 • Oct 8 • Oct 22 • Nov 5 • Nov 19 • Dec 3
2027: Jan 14 • Jan 28
Facilitator: Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance/Compliance Monitor
Audience:
Anyone who is new to the IEP process or anyone who would like to deepen their understanding of the IEP process.
Register Here
SCECHs available
COOR ISD Special Education Coordinator Collaborative
Description: District Special Education Coordinators are invited to participate in monthly collaborative meetings throughout the school year. These sessions provide an opportunity to network with colleagues, discuss timely special education topics, share resources and best practices, receive important state and ISD updates, and collaborate on solutions to support students with disabilities. Together, we will strengthen leadership, build consistency across districts, and promote continuous improvement in special education programs and services.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
2026: September 17 • October 15 • November 19 • December 17
2027: January 21 • February 18 • March 18 • April 15 • May 20 • June 17
Location: COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-11:30a
Facilitator: Melisa Akers, Director of Special Ed
Audience:
District Coordinators of Special Education
Register Here
SCECHs available
COOR ISD Transition Council: Connecting Partners for Successful Postsecondary Outcomes
Description: The COOR ISD Transition Council brings together educators, community agencies, adult service providers, and other stakeholders who support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school. These collaborative meetings provide updates on state and local transition initiatives, share best practices and resources, and offer opportunities for professional learning, networking, and cross-agency collaboration. Participants will work together to strengthen transition planning and improve postsecondary outcomes for students.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
2026: September 29 • December 1 - Virtual
2027: February 16 • April 20
Location: COOR ISD | Time: 12:30p-3:30p
Facilitator: Kerri Smitz, Transition Coordinator
Audience:
Transition coordinators, special and general education teachers involved in transition planning, special education coordinators, administrators, school counselors, adult service agencies, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Community Mental Health (CMH), local employers, postsecondary representatives, and other professionals who support transition-age youth.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Classroom Solutions in 30
Description: Join our Teacher Consultant for 30 minute virtual mini sessions designed to give you practical, evidence based strategies you can use right away. Each session focuses on a key topic to support student success and build stronger, more inclusive classrooms.
September: Utilizing Breaks in the Classroom
September: Utilizing Breaks in the Classroom
October: Use of Visuals in the Classroom
October: Use of Visuals in the Classroom
December: Peer Partners
December: Peer Partners
January: Increasing Engagement and Independence
January: Increasing Engagement and Independence
February: Behavior Support(s) for Elopement and Self-Injurious Behaviors
February: Behavior Support(s) for Elopement and Self-Injurious Behaviors
Scheduling Information:
Virtual | Time: 3p-3:30p
2026: Sept 30 • Oct 28 • Dec 2
2027: Jan 27 • Feb 24
Facilitator: Amber Larrison, Teacher Consultant
Scheduling Information:
Virtual | Time: 3p-3:30p
2026: Sept 30 • Oct 28 • Dec 2
2027: Jan 27 • Feb 24
Facilitator: Amber Larrison, Teacher Consultant
Audience:
General Ed Teachers
Special Ed teachers
Ancillary Staff
Support Staff
Register Here
SCECHs available
Early On PLC: Foundation for Success
Description: A gathering of professionals committed to growth through the sharing of ideas, evaluating current practices using the latest research, and commitment to adherence to the Key Principles of Early Intervention, Local Service Area Plan, the State Plan for Early On, and IDEA Part C.
Agenda
Working with the very young student with autism, using strategies learned through the Teach Me To Talk Strength Based Autism course
Developing functional social-emotional outcomes
Primary Service Provider model
Documentation of AAC on IFSPs
Premature infants - what makes them unique?
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
October 1, 2026 • April 29, 2027 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 9a-3p
Facilitator: Amber Larrison, Teacher Consultant, Amber Akin, Early Intervention Home Visitor, Kimberly Young, Early On Coordinator, Tammy Baudoux, Special Education, Occupational Therapist
Audience:
Birth to three - Early Intervention Home Visitors, OTs, PTAs, SLPs, ECSE Teachers, Early On and Special Education Coordinators
Register Here
SCECHs available
AAC in Action: Building Communication Success with TD Snap Training Series
Description: This two-part hands-on training will build participant confidence in supporting students who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Participants will learn the basics of TD Snap, including editing buttons, creating folders, navigating page sets, selecting appropriate vocabulary layouts, and adding personalized actions.
The second session will focus on supporting student access and independence by exploring access methods such as touch, switch access, and eye gaze, along with personalization features. Participants will also learn effective AAC modeling strategies, classroom supports, and environmental adjustments that promote communication, collaboration, and inclusion.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
October 6, 2026 | Location: COOR Education Center | Time: 9a-12p
February 9, 2027 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 9a-12p
Facilitator: Taylor Baker,Tobii Dynavox Representative
Audience:
Teams or Individuals using or wanting to use Tobii Dynavox products- including general education staff, SLPs, OTs, SSWs, special education staff, paraeducators, and administrators
Register Here
SCECHs available
Understanding Behavior: Using FBAs and BIPs to Support Student Success
Description: Effective behavior support begins with understanding the reason behind the behavior. This training will help educators move beyond simply responding to challenging behaviors and focus on identifying the underlying needs of students. Participants will learn how Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) guide intervention planning and how Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) can provide consistent, proactive strategies to support students.
Participants will leave with practical tools for creating supportive environments, responding effectively to behaviors, and helping students develop skills for success
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
October 22, 2026 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-3:30p
Facilitator: Ayesha Weber, School Social Worker, Amber Larrison, Sp Ed Consultant, Rebecca Bunn, School Psych
Participants will leave with practical tools for creating supportive environments, responding effectively to behaviors, and helping students develop skills for success
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
October 22, 2026 | Location: COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-3:30p
Facilitator: Ayesha Weber, School Social Worker, Amber Larrison, Sp Ed Consultant, Rebecca Bunn, School Psych
Audience:
Staff who support students with behavioral needs, including special education and general education staff
Register Here
SCECHs available
Recognizing Implicit Bias: Building Awareness to Strengthen Therapeutic Practice
Description:
This session explores how implicit bias may influence professional decisions, interactions, and relationships with students and families. Participants will build awareness of unconscious assumptions and identify strategies to support more equitable, inclusive, and effective therapeutic practices.
This session explores how implicit bias may influence professional decisions, interactions, and relationships with students and families. Participants will build awareness of unconscious assumptions and identify strategies to support more equitable, inclusive, and effective therapeutic practices.
Scheduling Information:
Virtual
November 5, 2026 | Time: 1p-3p
Facilitator: Alex Boesch, PhD Owner, Intercultural LLC
Audience:
Anyone who is LARA licensed
Register Here - to come
SCECHs available
Strengthening Tier 1 Supports: Creating Inclusive Classrooms for Students with Disabilities
Description: Creating a classroom environment where all students can engage, learn, and develop independence requires intentional planning and proactive supports. This training will explore universal classroom practices designed to increase student engagement, promote independence, and reduce challenging behaviors across learning environments.
Participants will be introduced to the CETA (Classroom Environment and Teaching Assessment), a research-based tool that supports educators in identifying classroom strengths, developing meaningful goals, and implementing effective Tier 1 supports for students with disabilities in the general education setting.
Educators will leave with practical strategies to strengthen inclusive practices, enhance classroom routines and expectations, and create learning environments that support the success of all students.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
November 17, 2026 | COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-2:30p
Facilitator: Amber Larrison and Nicole Grace, ISD START Representatives
Audience:
Educators who support students in inclusive classroom settings and other school staff interested in strengthening universal classroom supports and Tier 1 practices.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Seclusion and Restraint in Michigan Schools: What Every Educator Needs to Know
Description: As expectations around seclusion and restraint continue to increase, it is essential that all school staff understand their responsibilities and the requirements guiding these practices. This session will review Michigan rules and expectations, allowable uses of seclusion and restraint, prohibited practices, documentation requirements, reporting responsibilities, and strategies for preventing behavioral escalation.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
May 17, 2027 | COOR ISD | Time: 8:30a-11:30a
Facilitator: Melisa Akers, Director of Special Ed, Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance
Audience:
All Audience
Register Here
SCECHs available
Navigating Student Discipline Under IDEA: Supporting Students While Maintaining Compliance
Description: Disciplining students with disabilities can be a little overwhelming for educators and administrations. During this training, you will gain the knowledge on processes and practices to understand how to better support these students. You will gain experience in learning definitions of different terms and practices. You will get resources that will help you to address behavior. You will also gain experience on how to apply protection for students with disabilities and those who are not yet eligible for special education in compliance with IDEA
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
January 14, 2027 | Location: COOR Education Center | Time: 8:30a-11:30a
Facilitator: Melisa Akers, Director of Special Ed & Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance
Audience:
All school staff who are directly involved in student discipline and all special education staff who want to learn more about the legalities of discipline as it relates to special education.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Peer-to-Peer Programs: From Idea to Implementation
Description: Interested in starting a Peer-to-Peer program in your school? These two sessions will provide a practical roadmap for developing a program that fosters inclusion and student connections. Participants will learn the essential components of a successful Peer-to-Peer model, including program planning, student recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing support. A local educator will share real-world examples, successes, and strategies that have helped create positive outcomes for students across the school community.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
January 25, 2027 | Location: Houghton Lake Junior/Senior High School | Time: 8a-3:30p
Facilitator: Amy Bontekoe, Houghton Lake P2P Coordinator, Danielle Csapo, Special Education Teacher,
Amber Larrison, Special Education Teacher Consultant/Regional START Representative
Audience:
All Audience
Register Here
SCECHs available
Educational Benefit Review (EBR): Strengthening the Quality and Impact of IEPs
Description: Educational Benefit Reviews (EBRs) provide districts with a structured process for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Through a collaborative review of a student's three-year evaluation cycle, participants will examine whether IEPs are both procedurally compliant and reasonably designed to enable meaningful educational progress.
This professional learning opportunity will guide participants through the EBR process to identify strengths, opportunities for improvement, and best practices in IEP development. While this training is most beneficial when attended by a school-based team—including administrators, special education staff, and general education staff—individual educators will also gain valuable knowledge and practical tools that can be applied within their own roles.
This professional learning opportunity will guide participants through the EBR process to identify strengths, opportunities for improvement, and best practices in IEP development. While this training is most beneficial when attended by a school-based team—including administrators, special education staff, and general education staff—individual educators will also gain valuable knowledge and practical tools that can be applied within their own roles.
By engaging in this reflective review process, participants will strengthen IEP quality, improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and ensure compliance with IDEA requirements.
By engaging in this reflective review process, participants will strengthen IEP quality, improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, and ensure compliance with IDEA requirements.
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
January 29, 2027 | Location: COOR Education Center | Time: 8:30a-3:30p
Facilitator: Nicole Grace, General Supervision Monitor
Audience:
Invitation only. District Special Education Coordinators will work with their district teams to determine who will participate in this training. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to your district's Special EducationCoordinator.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Program/Services Available Upon Request
Transition Topics
Description: Training must be requested by district, specific times and dates cannot be predetermined. Once a request is made, we will coordinate scheduling and provide a detailed agenda outlining the agreed-upon breakdown and timing for both trainers and the districts.
Transition Topics include but are not limited to:
Post-Secondary Goals
B-13 Monitoring & Coaching
How-to-use Transition Assessments
Personal Curriculum 101, tips & tricks
NTCAT: How to utilize the resource of Evidence-Based Practice
Self Determination
Summary of Performance (SOP)Michigan Rehabilitation Services and other outside agencies collaboration
Post-Secondary Education Supports
Scheduling Information:
Available Upon Request
Facilitator: Kerri Smitz,Transition Coordinator
Audience:
educators involved in the development and implementation of transition IEPs, including transition teachers, principals responsible for ensuring effective transition services, and special education coordinators.
Register Here
SCECHs available
Paraeducator Bootcamp
Description: Training must be requested by the district, specific times and dates cannot be predetermined.
Once a request is made, we will coordinate scheduling and provide a detailed agenda outlining the agreed-upon breakdown and timing for both trainers and the district. Paraeducator Bootcamp is now offering Level One, Level Two, Early Childhood, and Transition-Aged Paraeducator Training.
These trainings will include the following topics:
Paraeducator Orientation: Roles and Responsibilities
Professional and Ethical Practice
The Teacher-Paraeducator Team
Academic Supports (expanded in Level 2)
Behavior Support (expanded in Level 2)
Individuals who participate will receive:
A one-year Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Paraeducator membership
Digital and Physical Badging
Manuals
Scheduling Information:
5 hours of on-demand virtual training | 1 in person training (6 hours) | Virtual or In Person Format
Available Upon Request
Facilitators:
• Virtual: Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE)
• In person: Amber Larrison Special Education Teacher Consultant, Thalma Hibbard, Paraprofessional Coach,
Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance
Audience:
This training is designed for paraeducators who support students across the educational system, including those working in Title I, special education, and general education settings.General education teachers who work with paraeducators in their classrooms are also encouraged to attend to strengthen collaboration, communication, and effective support for students
This training has a cost so enrollment will need to be authorized by your building principal. Slots are limited
Register Here
SCECHs available
Building Independence Together: A Collaborative Training for Paraprofessionals and Teachers
Description: Effective student support begins with a strong partnership between teachers and paraprofessionals. While this training is most impactful when classroom teams attend together, teachers and paraprofessionals are also welcome to participate individually.
Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Topics include visual supports, universal supports, prompting hierarchies, data collection, roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution, and strategies for fostering student independence and meaningful participation across educational settings
Scheduling Information:
Virtual or In Person Format
Available Upon Request | Request During District PD Days
Facilitators: Amber Larrison, Special Education Teacher Consultant, Thalma Hibbard, Paraprofessional Coach,
Nicole Grace, Special Education Technical Assistance
Audience:
Paraprofessionals and Classroom Teachers who have para support in their classroom
Register Here
SCECHs available
Transforming Behavior Through PFA-SBT
Description: Effective student support begins with a strong partnership between teachers and paraprofessionals. While this training is most impactful when classroom teams attend together, teachers and paraprofessionals are also welcome to participate individually.
Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Topics include visual supports, universal supports, prompting hierarchies, data collection, roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution, and strategies for fostering student independence and meaningful participation across educational settings
Scheduling Information:
In Person Format
Available Upon Request | Request During District PD Days
Facilitators: Amber Larrison, ASD Teacher Consultant
Audience:
By invitation only. Schools or districts interested in building internal capacity to support students with significant behavior challenges. Ideally, each participating district will send a small implementation team (3–6 members) representing multiple disciplines.
Register Here-to come
SCECHs available
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