Classroom Routines Build Executive Functioning Skills

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Delve into the principles of executive functioning and their significance in the context of teaching and learning. Explore how classroom routines serve as powerful tools for developing and strengthening these skills among students of all ages and abilities.

Drawing on the expertise of Mitch Weathers, founder of Organized Binder, and Katie Novak, internationally renowned educator and author of “UDL Now!,” we examine research-based strategies and practical techniques for embedding executive functioning support within daily classroom routines.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define executive functioning (EF) skills and understand your own strengths and “stretches.”
  2. Understand the importance of EF Skills in the context of student learning and classroom success.
  3. Describe how classroom routines can support the development of executive functioning skills across diverse learning environments.

     

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Empathetic Partnering with Families

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This session explores the importance of collaboration among families, educators, and therapists in supporting students with diverse learning profiles. Rather than working in isolation, these key invested parties can form a unified support system that enhances student outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understanding Complex Relationships: Examining the challenges of fear, grief, miscommunication, and misconceptions that can arise among families, educators, and therapists.
  2. Fostering Cohesive Teams: Developing strategies to build effective “dream teams” that prioritize each child’s growth and well-being.
  3. Actionable Strategies: Gaining practical insights into how to overcome common barriers and create a collaborative environment that supports student success.

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1 in 36: Autism Basics

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This presentation provides an introduction to the concept of neurodiversity, highlighting the natural variation in how people’s brains function and process information. We will explore how this diversity enriches our communities and discuss strategies for supporting students with different learning profiles.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Introduction to Neurodiversity: Understand the range of neurological differences that exist within human populations, including profiles of the Autism spectrum
  2. Explore Autism: Delving deeper into autism, a neurodevelopmental difference characterized by unique social interaction and communication patterns, sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors. We will discuss how these differences can be valued and supported in educational settings.
  3. Support Needs and Admissions Decisions: Examine how understanding neurodiverse support needs, as defined by relevant guidelines, can inform admissions decisions and ensure that schools provide appropriate support for all students.
  4. Practical Strategies: Discuss ways to create supportive learning environments that recognize and celebrate the strengths of neurodiverse students, enhancing their academic and personal success.

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Diploma Pathway Options

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As international schools work to improve support services for students requiring moderate to significant support, they face a common challenge: limited diploma options that may not adequately cater to all learners. This concern resonates across institutions worldwide, highlighting a critical need for reform in how we address diverse educational requirements.

In response, a task force was formed during the 2024/2025 school year to investigate and develop viable diploma pathways tailored for students who do not fit into traditional options.

This session invites participants to engage in a collaborative discussion about the task force’s initiatives aimed at developing alternative diploma pathway options. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Learn about the task force’s objectives and progress in creating adaptable diploma pathways.
  2. Review the new diploma options designed to better serve students who require moderate to significant learning support services.
  3. Share insights, experiences, and feedback to inform the ongoing work of the task force.

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Profiles and Case Studies of Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Learners

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Through the lens of case studies, this session offers an in-depth look at the diverse profiles of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) learners. 

Learning Outcomes

  1. Address Social and Emotional Challenges: Discuss issues like asynchronous development, perfectionism, overexcitabilities, and peer relationships.
  2. Develop Collaborative Strategies: Apply collaborative approaches to address both intellectual and emotional well-being.
  3. Implement Practical Theories: Use tools like a profile matrix of support to meet unique needs in an international school context.

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MTSS 101: An Introduction to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

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A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a proactive, data-driven framework designed to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. This session will introduce the foundational principles of MTSS. Participants will explore the three-tiered model, learn about the role of data-based decision-making, and discuss strategies for building a strong MTSS foundation within their schools. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Define MTSS and Its Purpose – Understand the core components of MTSS and how it supports all students.
  2. Understand the Three-Tiered Model – Explore the universal (Tier 1), targeted (Tier 2), and intensive (Tier 3) supports for academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning.
  3. Recognize the Role of Data in MTSS – Learn how to use screening, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making to guide interventions.
  4. Explore the Role of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in MTSS – Understand how UDL principles help create accessible learning environments that proactively support diverse student needs in Tier 1 instruction.
  5. Identify Key Steps for MTSS Implementation – Determine initial actions for integrating MTSS within their schools, including team structures and collaboration strategies.

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Asset Based Language

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This course explores the power of language in shaping inclusive school environments, focusing on asset-based language when discussing disability and neurodiversity. Participants will examine the shift from a medical model to a social model of disability, uncovering how language choices influence student identity, belonging, and school culture. Through discussions and real-world examples, educators and school leaders will gain tools to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand the historical evolution of disability language and the shift from the medical to the social model.
  2. Analyze how language choices impact student identity, inclusion, and educational experiences.
  3. Identify common ableist language and develop strategies to replace it with asset-based terminology.
  4. Apply asset-based language principles in school policies, classroom practices, and communication with students, families, and staff.
  5. Advocate for inclusive language that affirms the strengths and potential of all students.

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Tame The Beast: Coaching AI to Reach All Learners Everyday

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rocking the education world. Every day, there is a flashy new tool promising to transform teaching, leaving us wondering: Do I need this? Is this the game-changer, or just another shiny object?

This session is your AI survival guide, helping you cut through the noise by using a structured framework for AI communication and categorization. You’ll learn how to refine your prompts for better responses and make sense of the ever-growing list of AI tools and platforms

Learning Outcomes

  1. Master Prompting:  Get AI to actually give you what you need, when you need it.
  2. Integrate Educational Models: Weave frameworks like UDL, MTSS, and others into your teaching strategies.
  3. Leverage “Meta” AI Tools: Understand how large AI platforms such as Magic School and Teacher Server may be your one-stop shop for all things AI.
  4. Personalize Learning Like a Pro: Develop AI-powered prompts to support all learners effectively.
  5. Explore Specialized AI Tools: Take a peek at the zillions of AI tools and how they do and don’t help you.
  6. Beat the AI Hype Cycle: Next time someone asks, “Have you seen this life-changing AI tool?” you’ll know exactly how to respond (well, most of the time).

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