MSPA-West MA Workshop II: Tier 1 -Classroom Support (Series: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Social Emotional Learning Curricula in Schools)

Four Part Workshop Series: Integrating Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Social Emotional Learning Curricula in Schools

This is Workshop II of a four part series of workshops on Integrating Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curricula in Schools. The series consists of Workshop I: Tier 1 - School Wide Support Overview (completed); Workshop II: Tier 1 - Classroom Support; Workshop III: Tier 2 - Check In/Check Out/Small Group Supports; and Workshop IV: Tier 3 - Supporting Individual Students. Series overview below.

Workshop II: Tier 1 - Classroom Support

For this workshop, Dr. Whitcomb will review classroom management and teaching practices that align with PBIS and SEL principles.  Specifically, she will share information about a class-wide consultation model called the Classroom Check-Up that can be used to modify and monitor classroom practices.  This approach draws upon motivational interviewing techniques to enhance implementation of specific classroom management strategies.  An emphasis will be placed on ways for practitioners to effectively partner with teachers to enhance classroom climate.  She will additionally discuss specific SEL approaches that can be delivered to classrooms in an effort to improve social skills and well-being.  

Dr. Sara Whitcomb, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the UMASS Amherst School Psychology Program. She received her doctorate from the University of Oregon and her masters from Harvard University. Her dissertation focused on the effect of a social emotional learning curriculum (Strong Start) on the emotional knowledge and skills of first grade students. Dr. Whitcomb's interests include social/emotional evaluation and learning, school counseling and support, home-school collaboration, and resiliency and its impact on school success. Dr. Whitcomb continues to develop the Strong Start SEL series initially developed by her mentor Kenneth Merrill.  

Series Overview

Drs. Sarah Fefer and Sara Whitcomb from the School Psychology program at UMass Amherst will be presenting a series of workshops related to integrating positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and social emotional learning (SEL) in schools.  PBIS is a framework for promoting positive behavior and reducing problem behavior for all students in schools through environmental change.  SEL emphasizes promoting student competence by explicitly teaching skills related to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship development, and responsible decision-making. Integrating these two practices into a comprehensive multi-tiered model of support can promote positive outcomes for all individuals within a school. The purpose of this series is to share specific systems, practices, and data that will allow participants to integrate PBIS and SEL to promote success for all students in their schools.  We will draw upon the strengths and limitations of each of these approaches and will provide specific case examples to exemplify ways in which PBIS and SEL can be used together. These workshops will be appropriate for teachers, adjustment/guidance counselors, nurses, administrators, and other support staff as well as school psychologists.  

IMPORTANT NOTE!

Purchase Orders are accepted but must be submitted prior to the workshop to complete registration and to be processed in a timely fashion.

The Red Barn is handicap accessible and arrangements can be made to provide necessary accommodations. Please indicate any needs during the registration process. 

Each workshop is 3 hours long and a light dinner is served.

Continuing Education Policy

The Massachusetts School Psychologists Association is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer contact hours. The DESE requires the completion of a pre-test, which is to be completed prior to the workshop start time. A post-test is also required and will be given at the end of the conference. Participants must attend the ENTIRE CONFERENCE and satisfy state regulations in order to receive 3 contact hours. Each participant is responsible for knowing and meeting the DESE licensure requirements.

CE HOURS: The Massachusetts School Psychologists Association is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to sponsor continuing education (CE) for psychologists. In keeping with NASP requirements, these are awarded in contact hours only. CE hours will be awarded at the close of the conference.  MSPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Anyone arriving more than 20 minutes late or leaving prior to the conclusion of the program will not receive continuing education credits.