Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations: Full Schedule

Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations

July 22-24 2025 UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus

We’re thrilled to welcome you to three powerful days of learning, connection, and collaboration as we continue building bridges to support all students in Okaloosa County. This year’s institute is designed to equip educators, paraprofessionals, and service providers with strategies that not only address behavior but also strengthen academic outcomes and inclusive practices.

July 22: Blueprint for Success – Laying the Groundwork for Effective Instruction
🔹 Focus: Foundational teaching strategies, explicit instruction, and curriculum unpacking.
July 23: Bridging Behavior – Strategies for Connection & Classroom Success
🔹 Focus: Behavior supports, PBIS, social-emotional learning, and engagement strategies.
July 24: Pathways to Inclusion – Making Learning Accessible for Every Student
🔹 Focus: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology, and inclusive practices.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards building a brighter future for our students.
Warm regards,
Student Intervention Services

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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8:30am CDT

Morning Message: Connection | Clarity | Consistency

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Auditorium

Start each day of the Summer Institute with inspiration, connection, and practical insight during our 30-minute Morning Message sessions. These powerful kick-offs are designed to model strong Tier 1 practices by building community, reinforcing expectations, and centering our purpose for the day. Through stories, strategies, and shared reflection, you’ll leave each morning grounded, motivated, and ready to make meaningful progress for yourself and your students.

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Auditorium

Whole Group

9:00am CDT

SEL Strong Start: Harmony Curriculum™ Everyday Practices

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

UWF FWB Rm 355

Start your school year strong by exploring the everyday practices of Harmony Curriculum™—a research-based program designed to build healthy relationships and social-emotional skills in the classroom. In this interactive session, you'll be provided details and expanded features of the Everyday Practices in Harmony Third Edition, including Personal Goals, Meet Up and Buddy Up. You will also learn about Harmony Curriculum™, including Lessons & Activities, that you can implement in your classes right away.

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 355

Structure & Processes

9:00am CDT

Advanced Behavior Data Collection: Turning Insights into Action (Part 2) LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

Building on last year’s foundational training, this advanced session takes a deeper dive into effective behavior data collection methods for students with complex needs. Participants will explore how to select and implement the right data tools, analyze trends, and use the data to inform behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and decision-making within the MTSS framework. Through case studies, guided practice, and collaborative discussion, educators will refine their skills in collecting meaningful data that drives real results. This session is ideal for those who already have basic data collection knowledge and are ready to level up their practice.

Speakers

Tisha Melton

Autism Consultant, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

I am a certified teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist . I currently work as an autism consultant for the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

Behavior

9:00am CDT

Smooth Moves: Mastering Effective Classroom Transitions LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

UWF FWB Rm 835

Classroom transitions can make or break the flow of your day. This session explores practical strategies for creating smooth, efficient transitions that reduce downtime, increase student engagement, and promote positive behavior. Learn how to set clear expectations, use visual and auditory supports, and incorporate routines that work for all learners—including those with special needs. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use tools and techniques to make every transition purposeful and peaceful.

Speakers

Brittellen Luciano

Region 1 Project Manager, SEDNET

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 835

Structure & Processes

9:00am CDT

PreKD Classroom Success LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 126

Speakers

Liza Smith

TATS Regional Facilitator, TATS

Liza Smith is the Northwest Regional Facilitator with the Technical Assistance and Training System (TATS). TATS supports programs that serve children with disabilities and their early childhood partners. Liza earned her Master of Science (MS) degree in Child Development at Florida... Read More →

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 126

9:00am CDT

Picture This: Visual Supports That Work LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

Auditorium

Join FDLRS for an engaging session on how to effectively use visual supports to enhance communication, behavior, and learning in the classroom. Visuals can reduce anxiety, support routines, and increase understanding for all students—especially those with disabilities. Explore a variety of tools including schedules, first-then boards, choice charts, and task analyses. Participants will walk away with practical strategies and examples they can implement immediately to create a more structured, supportive, and inclusive classroom environment.

Speakers

Caty Andrews

Technology Specialist, FDLRS

Catherine Andrews has worked with Emerald Coast Florida Diagnostic Learning and Resources System (FDLRS) since 2020, working with Assistive and Instruction Technology and as a Human Resource Developer. She has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in... Read More →

Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Auditorium

Instruction

11:00am CDT

Lunch LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Whole Group

12:00pm CDT

SEL Strong Start: Harmony Curriculum™ Lessons and Activities

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 355

Start your school year strong by exploring the everyday practices of Harmony Curriculum™—a research-based program designed to build healthy relationships and social-emotional skills in the classroom. This interactive training course provides details and expanded features in Harmony Third Edition, with particular focus on Lessons & Activities that you can implement in your classes right away.

Speakers

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 355

Instruction

12:00pm CDT

Sensory Integration in the Classroom LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

This session will explore how sensory processing impacts student behavior, attention, and learning—and how you can design a classroom that meets a wide range of sensory needs. Learn to recognize signs of sensory dysregulation, understand the difference between sensory seekers and avoiders, and implement practical strategies to support regulation and engagement. From simple environmental adjustments to sensory tools and movement breaks, you’ll leave with ideas that can make a big difference in how students feel and function throughout the day.

Speakers

Tisha Melton

Autism Consultant, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

Structure & Processes

12:00pm CDT

Connecting Behavior, Emotions, & Relationships: Understanding the “Why” Behind What We See LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 835

This session dives into the powerful link between student behavior, emotional regulation, and the relationships that support growth. Participants will explore how behavior is often a form of communication and how strong, supportive relationships can help students feel safe enough to learn and thrive. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, educators will learn how to respond to challenging behaviors with empathy, build emotional awareness, and foster classroom environments rooted in connection and trust.

Speakers

Brittellen Luciano

Region 1 Project Manager, SEDNET

Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 835

Behavior

1:30pm CDT

Behavior Data Collection Basics LIMITED

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

New to collecting behavior data? This beginner-friendly session will break down the essentials of behavior data collection in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Participants will learn why data matters, what types of data to collect (like frequency, duration, and ABC data), and how to choose the right tool for different student needs. We’ll also explore simple, time-saving strategies for tracking behavior in real classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, paraprofessional, or support staff, this session will give you a solid foundation to support student behavior with clarity and purpose.

Speakers

Tisha Melton

Autism Consultant, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

Behavior