Upcoming Events
Workshops, conferences, webinars, and more.
Safe & Civil Schools Events
Free Webinar
An Intersection:
Behavioral Concerns, Chronic Absenteeism, and Reading Difficulties
Presented by Jessica Sprick
WHEN: December 3, 2025
COST: Free
TIME: 12 pm to 1:15 pm (Pacific)
In 2024, 40% of fourth-grade students and 33% of eighth-grade students scored below Basic on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in Reading. This means that a significant percentage of U.S. students do not demonstrate even partial mastery of the prerequisite knowledge and skills fundamental for academic success. In many schools and districts, reading difficulties, behavioral concerns, and absenteeism are treated as separate and distinct problems. However, these concerns are closely connected and frequently reinforce one another—creating a vicious cycle that makes improvement even more difficult.
In this webinar, explore the interrelationships among reading problems, behavioral challenges such as disruption and defiance, and patterns of absenteeism. Identify ways to streamline your intervention system and create intervention plans that address these interwoven concerns.
At the end of the webinar, Jessica will overview solutions for students in grades 4 through 12 and a grant-funded opportunity for students in grades 6 and 7.
February 2026: In-Person Workshops in Dallas, Chicago Areas
Schaumberg, IL: February 10–12 (Tuesday–Thursday)
Carrollton, TX: February 23–25 (Monday–Wednesday)
Presented by Jessica Sprick. Attend one, two, or all three training session days
- Day 1: CHAMPS and Discipline in the Secondary Classroom (February 10 or February 23)
- Day 2: Analyzing Your Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavior (February 11 or February 24)
- Day 3: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism With a Multi-Tiered Approach (February 12 or February 25)
2026 Explicit Instruction Academy
Portland, OR: June 15–19 (Monday–Friday)
Presented by Anita Archer. Learn how to train your colleagues in the fundamentals of explicit instruction in this intensive Training of Trainers.
30th Annual Safe & Civil Schools National Conference
Portland, OR: July 12–16 (Sunday–Thursday)
Learn how to create and maintain a full continuum of behavior support so that every student is successful, no matter the level of need. Come away empowered with new strategies for improving school climate, culture, and instruction and practical tools to help all students (even the most challenging ones) succeed.
Public Presentations
Kentucky Exceptional Children's Conference
Louisville, KY • For Kentucky educators
Behavior and attendance challenges
Presented by Jessica Sprick
Four sessions: 1 – 2:30 PM, 2:45 – 4 PM, 4:15 – 5:30 PM, and 5:45 – 7:15 PM
November 23, 2025
Jessica Sprick will present four breakout sessions on Sunday, November 23:
- 1 to 2:30 pm: Using Principles of Explicit Instruction to Teach Behavior
- 2:45 to 4 pm: Tackling Attendance Challenges at the District/Building Level: Universal prevention and function-based intervention
- 4:15 to 5:45 pm: Work Smarter Not Harder to Intervene with Behavior
- 6 to 7:15 pm: Classroom-Based Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Chronic Absenteeism
The conference provides professional development designed specifically for general and special education teachers, administrators, related service providers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and all those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Registration fee is $145, with single-day registration available for $100.
NASP 2026 Annual Convention
Chicago, IL • February 24–27, 2026
WS028: Creating Systems of Tier 2 and 3 Behavior Support
Presented by Jessica Sprick
Workshop
February 27, 1 pm to 4:15 pm CT
Design or refine your process for identifying and supporting students who require Tier 2 or 3 behavior support by creating a protocol of problem-solving processes and evidence-based interventions. Additional fee required.
Kane County Regional Office of Education Institute Day
Geneva, IL • For Kane County, Illinois educators
Topics to come
Presented by Tricia Skyles
Keynote and three breakout sessions
February 27, 2026
Save the date! Tricia Skyles will be presenting these sessions at the 2026Kane County Institute day:
Keynote: Beacons of Hope
Sessions: Come One, Come All: Building a Culture of Attendance
Connecting Students to the Campus: Early Stage Interventions for Attendance and Other Challenging
Behaviors
All Aboard!: Helping Students Navigate Rough Waters
Registration has not yet opened.
Together, we can make a difference.
Contact Us Today for More Information
Call 1-800-323-8819 to create a plan that addresses your current needs or use our CONTACT US form below.