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.

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

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

9:00am CDT

Building Positive Habits Early: Behavior Supports for the Elementary Classroom LIMITED

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 126

This session focuses on implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at the classroom level to create a consistent, supportive environment for young learners. Participants will explore practical, age-appropriate strategies for teaching expectations, reinforcing positive behavior, and responding to misbehavior in a proactive and respectful way. Designed with elementary students in mind, this session will help teachers build routines, foster strong relationships, and promote a classroom culture where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 126

Behavior

1:00pm CDT

Cultivating Respect and Responsibility in Secondary Classrooms LIMITED

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 126

In this session, participants will explore proactive, relationship-centered strategies for promoting positive behavior among middle and high school students. Learn how to establish clear expectations, reinforce constructive behaviors, and respond to challenges in a way that fosters student ownership and accountability. This session will highlight practical tools and systems that support a positive classroom culture, reduce disruptions, and build trust—ultimately helping students stay engaged, motivated, and connected to their learning community.

Thursday July 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 126

Behavior