Toto, you’re not in Kansas anymore! More and more it seems like discipline issues are the main topic of conversation in the school setting. In this thought-provoking and interactive keynote session, participants examine the main influences impacting behavior over the last few decades and discuss implications for best practices as a result.

When we look at the long-term goals we have for students in the school system, they go way beyond the isolated short-term goal of passing a state mandated test. Research clearly indicates what youth need to be successful in school, as well as beyond. This interactive session will feature this information, as well as ways to encourage healthy development at all levels.

When you throw a stone into a pond, sometimes it simply sinks—“plop”. However, if thrown just right, the rock skips. Instead of the singular “plop”, the skipping rock reaches more water, leaving ripples on the surface – and this energy changes the entire pond. As educators, we throw the stone. In this dynamic opening session, educators will learn simple ways we create ripples in the school setting that positively impact the students we serve.

Although behaviors in the school system have changed a great deal in the past few decades, our strategies for supporting those behaviors have not. By examining all the information we have learned about the brain, we are in a better position to design effective interventions. In this fast-paced session, participants will learn nine principles for positively shaping the behavior of our students.

Even the most rational teachers and parents get into power struggles from time to time. In this active session, participants will gain a better understanding of how power struggles occur, and learn the best strategies for avoiding them. This information is applicable PK through adulthood on all levels (dealing with behaviors of students, parents, co-workers, administrators, family members…)

Are you frustrated about dealing with the challenging behaviors of student, staff or parents? The first step in dealing with behavior is to adjust our perspective. This fun session will feature simple strategies for better understanding, and thus, supporting the behavior of others. This information has application on all levels (dealing with behaviors of students, parents, staff, administrators, family members…)

Stress can be overwhelming, especially when it is fueled and exacerbated by the behavior of others. In this full-day session, participants will learn how power struggles occur, the patterns people fall into when challenged, and simple stress management strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors. This information is applicable PK through adulthood on all levels (dealing with behaviors of students, parents, co-workers, administrators, family members…)

(Note: This session is the longer version of Don’t Go There and Dealing with Difficult Behaviors.)

Thoughts, feelings and behavior are all linked and it is important for educators to understand these connections to be effective with our teaching efforts. In this interesting session, participants will be guided on a fun journey through the brain. We will learn the best ways to lock information into long-term memory, engage emotions and help our students manage behavior as a means of succeeding in school and beyond.

How do we create long‑term change for students with chronic behavior problems? In this session, attendees will discuss the downfall of common behavior tracking systems, as well as why time out, clip systems, behavior folders, and office referrals often work against our long-term goals. Participants will leave the session with ideas for both targeting and teaching skills based on students’ gifts and challenges.