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

Differentiating Instruction: Meeting Every Learner Where They Are LIMITED

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 460

Presented by FDLRS, this session will guide educators through practical, research-based strategies to differentiate instruction and meet the diverse needs of all learners. Learn how to adjust content, process, and product to ensure access and engagement for every student—whether they're struggling, advanced, or somewhere in between. Through interactive discussion and classroom-ready examples, participants will explore how differentiation can create inclusive, student-centered learning environments that promote growth and success.

Speakers

MaKeysa Rhymer

HRD Specialist, FDLRS

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 460

Instruction

1:30pm CDT

Best Practice Strategies for Self-Contained Classes LIMITED

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

This session will explore practical, evidence-based approaches tailored to the needs of self-contained classrooms. Participants will dive into classroom organization, instructional planning, behavior supports, and engagement techniques that foster independence, promote growth, and build a positive learning environment. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that make teaching more effective and learning more meaningful for all students.

Speakers

Debi Cassidy

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

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

Instruction

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

12:00pm CDT

SEL Strong Start: Harmony Curriculum™ Lessons and Activities LIMITED

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

9:00am CDT

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Ensuring Success for All Students LIMITED

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 835

This session will introduce educators to the powerful framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it supports meaningful access, participation, and progress for every student. Participants will explore the three UDL principles—engagement, representation, and action/expression—and discover how to proactively design lessons that reduce barriers and honor learner variability. Through real classroom examples and practical strategies, educators will walk away with tools to create more inclusive, flexible learning environments that empower all students to succeed.

Speakers

Caty Andrews

Technology Specialist, FDLRS

Thursday July 24, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 835

Instruction