Student Advancement faced many challenges during the pandemic. However, we also found unique opportunities, including the opportunity to redesign professional development for Instructional Assistants, building professional knowledge of behavior management, while also offering the opportunity complete the first step towards certification as a paraprofessional in behavioral analysis! In-person professional development was transformed to include the 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) online course, supplemented with live virtual sessions designed to reinforce important concepts, discuss practical application of behavior strategies, and provide encouragement to increase success. For two weeks, Cohort 1 participated in daily live virtual sessions and, between each, independently completed the online modules. This professional development is now offered as a 9-week course, with weekly live sessions to supplement the RBT course work, resulting in more than 45 staff members successfully completing step one towards becoming an RBT and strengthening our team’s ability to implement evidence-based behavior strategies.

<strong>Contact: </strong>

Michele Mitchell, Executive Director Student Advancement

<a href="mailto:michele.mitchell@nn.k12.va.us">michele.mitchell@nn.k12.va.us</a>

757-283-7850 ext 10405