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Personnel Development

Arizona High Achievement for All (AHAA)
  The AHAA Institute provides two years of professional development for school teams K-12 with three two-day trainings per year. School teams increase their knowledge in understanding how accommodations and modifications in classroom instruction and behavior management can be developed to meet all learners’ needs. Special educators, general educators, and administrators gain skills to join forces and collaborate for the benefit of all students but specially the needs of students with disabilities. Evidence-based practices implemented during the AHAA Institute and continuing after the Institute will create positive change for the staff, students, and parents of the school. This change will increase each school’s ability to meet AYP and to meet the challenges of SPP Indicator 4 (lowering suspension/expulsion rates) and indicator 5 (least restrictive environment).
Arizona Students Achieving Mathematics Academy (ASAMA)
  This two year academy will assist schools in cultivating improved strategies for teaching mathematics to all students with and without disabilities. The training focuses on school teams (K-3) from schools not meeting Indicator 3 (increase achievement in mathematics). Teams will attend four two-day training sessions in year one and three two-day trainings in year two. School teams will increase their knowledge in current research-based strategies in mathematics, learn to identify specific assistive technology tools that students need to make mathematics accessible to them, and learn to differentiate mathematics through concrete models, pictures, and contextual scenarios while being exposed to ideas of a learning station system that promotes the performance objectives being taught.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
  The Autism Disorders Project is designed to expand the number of Arizona educators who are skilled in meeting the needs of students with Autism. A two year training program for school teams builds skills in the areas of evaluation, instruction planning and strategies, and environmental design to address the academic, social, communication, and behavioral needs of students. The project also provides statewide information, training, and resources for evidence-based practices for this population.
Capacity Building Coaching
  This training of four two-day sessions is designed to develop or improve individual and team coaching skills. Participants learn researched-based strategies to support and facilitate other educators and school-based teams. Thos who complete the training have the opportunity to apply for coaching a team participating in CSPD trainings.
Directors Institute
  This annual event is especially dedicated to special education directors and their related personnel. National speakers cover topics relevant to the law, our State Performance Plan, and current issues concerning students with disabilities.
IDEA Capacity Building Grants
  Competitive and non-competitive capacity building grants are available for many of the CSPD professional development opportunities. Grants are awarded for one year or two consecutive years based on the individual trainings.
Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports
  PBISAz assists districts and schools in designing or enhancing school environments to ensure the most effective school-wide positive behavioral supports are provided. Throughout the two year project, educators, administrators, and other education professionals will receive technical assistance and evidence-based methods to assist schools in creating sustainable positive teaching and learning environments for all staff and students. PBISAz is aligned to Indicator 4 (lowering suspension/expulsion rates).
Principals Institute
  These semi-annual regional one-day events are designed to meet the needs of superintendents, administrators, and other school leaders working with student s with disabilities. The focus is on special education law concerning grades K-12.
Professional Development Leadership Academy
  PDLA produces change agents who lead their schools, districts, counties, and adult education programs on the journey to quality professional development that results in better student learning. Graduates of the three-year PDLA program understand what it takes to effect positive change for educators and students. They gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to transform a hodgepodge of fragmented, unrelated acts of staff development and professional growth into a coherent system of professional learning.
S.E.L.E.C.T. (Special Education Learning Experiences for Competency in Teaching)
  S.E.L.E.C.T. courses provide training to persons seeking to expand their skills in working with children with disabilities. These online courses are recommended for regular and special education teachers, related service personnel, paraprofessionals, and other interested individuals. Participants take S.E.L.E.C.T. courses to receive academic credit that can be applied towards teacher certification (if the class matches the certification requirement) or for professional growth (for those working towards teacher re-certification). S.E.L.E.C.T. courses are offered each fall and spring semester at a variety of locations throughout the state.
SUPPORT Cadre
  The SUPPORT Cadre offers technical assistance for teachers and administrators who work with students with disabilities through peer consultants.
Systemic Change in Reading
  The goal of this training is to being systemic change in schools K-6 to increase student achievement in reading for all students including students with disabilities. Teams create an action plan to implement strategies gained in the areas of data-driven instructions, scientifically-based research, and differentiated instruction. Teams attend four two-day training sessions during the first year. Second year teams attend four one-day sessions. The training focuses on schools not meeting Indicator 3 (increasing reading achievement).

 

Contact Information

Special education questions? Contact the ESS Desk at 602-542-4013 or via e-mail at essdesk@azed.gov.

Exceptional Student Services
Arizona Department of Education
1535 West Jefferson Street, Bin 24
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Tel: (602) 542-4013
ADE Toll Free Tel: (800) 352-4558
Fax: (602) 542-5404
Email: essdesk@azed.gov