SWREC News & Announcements

There is always something new happening in the education department. It is our job to help you stay on top of administrative processes so you can do what you do best—educate.

Current Workshops

As we schedule workshops or have information about upcoming professional development opportunities in our area, we at Southwest REC will keep you informed through our newsletter, on our calendar, and as it is appropriate, we will provide additional workshop information here as well. Be sure to visit our Instructional Service page for our full range of support for member districts to meet the needs of continuing professional development.

Upcoming Workshops

Check out the new workshops that are coming soon.

September 24, 2024

  • Understanding Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
    Presented by Lorie Gerkey
    SWREC Training Center
  • 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Day one FBA-Participants will engage in an interactive session learning about the FBA and law, understanding behavior, and data collection.
  • Register here

September 25, 2024

  • Understanding the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
    Presented by Lorie Gerkey
    SWREC Training Center
  • 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Day two BIP - Participants will engage in an interactive session learning how to create and monitor the BIP, how to explicitly teach replacement behaviors, and how to collect data and measure progress.
  • Register here

October 21, 2024

  • Title IX Training
    Presented by Esperanza Lujan of Walsh Gallegos
    SWREC Training Center
  • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • This training will focus on the new Title IX Regulations and the information that all Title IX District and School Coordinators need to know including:
    • Compliance - Ensuring the district complies with Title IX regulations and policies
    • Prevention - Prevent discrimination in the workplace in accordance with the new regulations
    • Education - Providing the information and training to students, staff, faculty and their rights and responsibilities under Title IX
    • Investigations - Overseeing investigations and the new regulations about conducting investigations
    • And More
  • Register here

Hot Topics: Legal Series for Teachers

Join us online this October as we discuss the legal components of the Individualized Education Program.

Presented by Lorie Gerkey
Online via Zoom

Session 1: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Advantages of IEP Preparation

  • October 1, 2024
  • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
  • The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability. The IEP process involves tailoring the educational plans to meet the unique needs of each student. Teachers will briefly explore the legal requirements of an IEP, how to determine appropriate accommodations, best practices of goal writing and the prior written notice, and ideas on fostering communication and collaboration between parents and the school.
  • Zoom Link to Join

Session 2: Keeping your IEPs Legally Compliant: Maximizing the Benefits of a Well-Planned IEP

  • October 15, 2024
  • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
  • You have worked very hard on drafting your student’s IEP before the meeting is held, but have you thought about how a well-planned IEP meeting can either make or break your meeting's success? Teachers will explore ideas on how to make your next IEP meeting a success for all participants. From establishing norms, seating arrangements, how to appropriately seek out and document parent input, to best practices for a virtual meeting, all these and more will be discussed.
  • Zoom Link to Join

Session 3: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Advantages to Excellent Documentation

  • October 22, 2024
  • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
  • Documentation is a critical legal component of demonstrating how you support your students with disabilities. Documentation provides a clear record of the student's identified needs, accommodations, services, and support which helps meet the legal obligation of providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Teachers will provide best practices and examples of the documentation under IDEA.
  • Zoom Link to Join

Session 4: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Advantages of Parent Connections and Engagement

  • October 29, 2024
  • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
  • Parent communication and engagement play a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities. Teachers will examine ways to build rapport with parents, foster collaboration, be honest with the data while being compassionate, and set professional boundaries. When parents are actively involved, their contributions strengthen their student's educational experience and outcomes.
  • Zoom Link to Join