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

Structured Teaching: Building Independence and Success for Students LIMITED

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

Join experts from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) to explore the power of Structured Teaching—an evidence-based approach designed to support students. This session will focus on creating visually organized, predictable classroom environments that foster independence, reduce anxiety, and increase student engagement. Participants will walk away with practical strategies, real-life examples, and tools to implement Structured Teaching effectively in various classroom settings.

Speakers

Debi Cassidy

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

Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

Structure & Processes

12:00pm CDT

Academic Interventions for General Education Classrooms: Bridging Gaps Before They Widen LIMITED

Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

UWF FWB Rm 836

This session offers practical, research-based strategies to support students who struggle academically—right within the general education setting. Learn how to identify early signs of learning difficulties, implement Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions, and monitor progress effectively. Participants will walk away with easy-to-implement tools and techniques designed to meet diverse student needs while keeping instruction engaging and inclusive.

Speakers

Debi Cassidy

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

Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

MTSS

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

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

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

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