The University of South Dakota School of Education, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health, is pleased to offer free professional development focused on student and staff mental health and crisis prevention and response in schools.

This virtual series contains 11 presentations that address such topics as adolescent addiction disorders, serving indigenous students, and suicide prevention and response in rural states. View a full list of speakers and topics.

These recorded presentations are available until June 30, 2024.

Do you feel challenged by what to do when an English language learner (EL) joins your classroom, and struggle with how to confidently communicate with families?

Do you know what to ask, who to reach out to, and how create EL accommodations in your classes?

This engaging presentation, from an EL teacher, will help K-12 educators build relationships and immediately communicate with English learning students and families. Learn the 10 essential questions to ask when receiving an EL student and the solutions for how to plan for classroom and district-wide success! You will leave this session with a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of our student population, what it feels like to be in their shoes, how to collaborate with your EL teachers, ways to modify your instruction, confidence in how to effectively engage students and families, and a plan for your school for the new year!

In this engaging half-day morning session, participants will explore the triple ACE (Assess, Accommodate, Activate, Communicate, and Evaluate) system for effective collaboration between English learner educators and classroom teachers and apply them through our true EL story, “Take Me Home!”

Geared towards administration and main office teams, this half-day session will explore the four pillars to create a successful English learner system for your school. Participants will discover the tools necessary to immediately increase communication, collaboration, connection, and confidence for all those involved in the EL program.

Registration for the 3rd Annual South Dakota Suicide Prevention Conference is now open. This no-cost conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about additional tools and resources that are available in South Dakota. Featured speakers include Kevin Briggs, retired law enforcement and the “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge,” Tom Cruz, retired Army First Sergeant and suicide attempt survivor, along with his wife Heather Cruz, and Dr. Rosie Bauder, a licensed professional counselor and clinical assistant professor at Ohio State University. There will also be speakers in the areas of youth suicide prevention, factors in tribal communities, community response after suicide, and compassion fatigue.

Registration will close on July 22 or when the event has reached capacity.

The Office of Special Education Programs is offering a variety of professional development opportunities this summer and fall. Educators will be able to explore the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) – the legal foundations, assessment procedures, and the best strategies for crafting effective IEPs that meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. The IEP workshop is available on numerous dates across the state and virtually. Both new and experienced special education professionals are encouraged to attend the IEP workshops to receive current guidance.

Additional IEP workshops focusing on behavior challenges will be presented, as well as trainings regarding early childhood, high school transition, functional behavior assessment (FBA), and significant cognitive disabilities.

A full list of trainings and on-demand webinars can be found on the Fall 2024 SPED Professional Development flyer. Participants can also search and register for trainings at sded.sd.gov.