Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI)


Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) is an effort to increase regional and local district capacity to effectively educate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The project includes developing Trainers of START Content who can provide professional development in ASD and the use of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) for their regional and local school staff and families. Trainers work with coaches who assist in the follow-up support necessary to assure that research-based practices and supports are implemented with fidelity.  

To further expand regional and local capacity, and to deepen both the initial and ongoing development of trainers, START has discontinued the formal approval process and competency day. The intent is to focus on a rigorous training and preparation process to ensure that START trainings conducted at regional and local levels remain of the highest standard. In addition, START will provide ongoing support to Trainers of START Content by providing opportunities to strengthen content knowledge and deepen skills. 

Beginning in 2020-2021, the Trainer Preparation and Support was moved to a virtual format and have created EPLI Trainer Focus Courses for both the PBIS and Educational Supports & Strategies modules, as both modules have undergone extensive revisions. The Trainer Focus Courses include individual work, participation in two live Zoom sessions, and attendance at the Trainer Focus Day. Completion of the Trainer Focus Course in the module(s) of interest is required for both new applicants and inactive Level 1 Trainers of START Content. Current Level 1 Trainers are also welcome to participate in the components of the Trainer Focus Courses.

Effective Practices Leadership Initiative (EPLI) Flyer

EPLI Trainer of START Content Modules available for 2022-2023:

  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 
  • Educational Supports & Strategies 
All Applicants and Trainers: Begin Here

Applicants, Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content, and Inactive EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content who are interested in participating in any part of the 2022-2023 EPLI Trainer Focus Course should begin here. 

NOTE: The requirement to attend Intensive Training in the past 3 years (along with the PBIS and ESS modules) has not changed. Since START is not offering Intensive Training this year, we are only able to accept applicants who have already attended the trainings at either K-12 Wayne, K-12 Kent, or K-12 Monroe.

As a project, we understand that this will postpone the process for new trainers, but this is an important planning year for START as we need to dedicate significant staff time and energy over the next year to resource development. We are prioritizing our work around updated resources that are easily available, broken into smaller chunks of content, and accessible for the RCN. This also includes prioritizing the development of on-demand resources and training materials for trainers. 

We intend to have opportunities for more people to apply to be a EPLI trainer in 2023-2024. If you have any questions, please reach out to your RCN leadership or START RCN representative.

As a New Applicant for EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Submit a completed EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content Application by October 26, 2022 for PBIS and November 3, 2022 for Educational Supports and Strategies.  
  2. Review the information in your confirmation email. You will also receive a separate email from the START office with a unique link to your Trainer Portal. The Trainer Portal is where you can monitor your EPLI status and access the EPLI Resource Center. 
     
  3. Begin with Step #1 in the EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans for your module(s).

Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content may participate in any portion of the EPLI Trainer Focus Course  to familiarize themselves with the revisions to the PBIS and Educational Strategies modules and to strengthen their knowledge and skills. 

To participate in any portion of the 2022-203 EPLI Trainer Focus Course, submit this brief form. This form will take approximately 5-10 minutes and should be completed in one session.

  • If you are a Current EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content and would like to apply to participate in an additional module, please submit the above form. 

What is a Current EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content?

A Current EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content must have trained START content within the past two years and content trained should be logged with the RCN. If more than two years have passed without training, the trainer is considered Inactive and should participate in the EPLI Trainer Focus Courses in order to reactivate their status to current.

Current, active trainers are designated as EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content (vs “approved” START Trainers) and are welcome to access upcoming START Trainer support activities, including the EPLI Trainer Focus Course for PBIS or the Trainer Focus Course for Education Supports & Strategies.

EPLI Resource Center

To be considered a Current EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content, a previously approved trainer must have trained START content within the past two years and content trained should be logged with the RCN.

If more than two years have passed without training, the trainer is considered Inactive and should participate in the EPLI Trainer Focus Courses in order to reactivate their status to Current.  

To reactivate, complete the following steps:

  1. Submit this application by October 26, 2022 for PBIS and November 3, 2022 for Educational Supports and Strategies. 
  2. Review the information in your confirmation email. You will also receive a separate email from the START office with a unique link to your Trainer Portal. The Trainer Portal is where you can monitor your EPLI status and also access the EPLI Resource Center. 
     
  3. Begin with Step #1 in the EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans for your module(s).

EPLI Trainer Corner
Announcements and Information for Trainers

Check back here for regular announcements and information for EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content! 

22-23 EPLI Trainer Corner

Date Published Announcements
2/16/2023

The EPLI Trainer Focus Day on March 2, 2023, will be held virtually from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please note the following change: The EPLI Trainer Focus day on March 16, 2023 will be held virtually from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please contact the START office if you would like to attend the March 2nd training instead.

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2/16/2023

According to Tim Gallwey, our performance falls short of our potential due to interference. This trainer tip offers strategies to meet your training potential by connecting with the audience. 

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11/14/2022

The EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content Application for 2022-2023 has passed. The 2023-2024 application will be available in the summer of 2023.

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11/11/2022

Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content: Have you ordered your apparel yet? The order deadline is approaching! Your coupon code is valid through November 30, 2022. Can't find your code or have a question? Please contact Andy West.

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11/11/2022

There are many ways to prepare for a training. This strategy consists of a layered approach, involving three different training considerations:

  • Content Fluency
  • Content Design/Delivery
  • Active Engagement

Watch the Prepping for Training video for more information on this Trainer Tip!

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9/19/2022

A valuable part of EPLI last year was the participation of many experienced trainers who provided guidance, trainer tips, and tidbits to those new to the role of EPLI Trainer of START Content. One of the most requested trainer supports is a connection to a veteran trainer as a mentor. We ask you to consider reaching out to a new EPLI Trainer of START Content to welcome them to the role and see if they have any questions or concerns that you can answer.

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9/15/2022

Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content: Have you ordered your apparel yet? The order deadline is approaching! Your coupon code is valid through November 30, 2022. Can't find your code or have a question? Please contact Kellie Fitzgerald

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9/13/2022

Are you unsure how to respond to certain questions or are you looking for some prompts to consider when answering questions during a training?

We compiled a list of strategies as well as a few prompts you may want to incorporate into your training. Is there a question or scenario you would like us to address? Send us a message!

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9/2/2022

EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content Application is now available! The application must be submitted by October 26, 2022 for PBIS and November 3, 2022 for Educational Supports and Strategies. This impacts New Applicants, Inactive Trainers (reactivation), and Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content seeking to add a module. 

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9/1/2022

Have you checked in with your RCN this school year? It is helpful to check in with your RCN to support coaching for the implementation of the content you present. 

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Glossary of Terms
  • EPLI Trainer Corner: A section on our website where START will share regular announcements and information with EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content. 
  • EPLI Trainer Tips and Tidbits: A newsletter sent three times year to support EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content with tools, tips, and resources. 
  • EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans: The EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans are intended to guide new and inactive trainers through the EPLI Trainer Focus Course. New and inactive trainers should follow the EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans through the full process. Current Trainers may participate in any portion of the EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans.
  • EPLI Trainer Resource Center: A Google Folder for EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content where START will share tools, strategies, and development and collaboration resources. The EPLI Resource Center is only intended to be accessed by Current EPLI Level 1 Trainers of START Content and Applicants.
  • Trainer Portal: An individual link where Applicants can follow their status as they move through the EPLI Trainer Focus Course Plans. RCN Leadership also has access to their RCN's status log of Current Trainers, Inactive Trainers, and New Applicants.

RCN Involvement in EPLI Trainer Process to Building Capacity

  • Each RCN should ensure they have a sufficient number of Level 1 Trainers of START Content in their region for each module to cover training needs.
  • If more Trainers are needed, RCNs should identify qualified individuals to go through the EPLI Trainer of START Content Development Process
  • RCN may recruit qualified Level 2 trainers. Level 2 trainers present with Level 1 trainers through their local RCN. They work to help develop training materials and present information that provides a specific example of the application of START information based on EBP (e.g. high school peer to peer program implementation, use of self-management system in general education, systematic use of meeting mechanics). Level 2 Trainers must present with an EPLI Level 1 Trainer of START Content

Trainer Portal: RCN Access

Purpose: The RCN Trainer Portal is a status log of each RCN’s Current Trainers, Inactive Trainers, and New Applicants. It is intended to be accessed only by RCN leadership to view START's current EPLI records for each RCN.

Instructions for RCN Leadership:

  • Each RCN’s EPLI Trainer Portal should only be accessed by the RCN leadership. The login and username/password should not be shared outside the RCN leadership.
  • To login to your RCN’s EPLI Trainer Portal, go to your RCN Google Folder/START Contract Information and open the document titled: Your RCN Name EPLI Trainer Portal Link and Login. You will find the login, username, and password. 


Page last modified October 25, 2022