Instructional Strategies & Academic Engagement (ISAE)
- Dates: (4-Module Series) December 15, 2026, January 28, 2027, February 11, 2027, March 10, 2027
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Format and Platform: Virtual via Zoom
- Registration Fee:
- Individual: $40
- Team viewing/Group: $400
- Registration Deadline:
- Individual: 12/15/26
- Team viewing/Group: 12/8/26
- Topic Focus: Classroom and Student Level
- Intended Audience: General and Special Education Teachers and Administrators, Ancillary/Support Staff, School Counselors, Consultants
Lead Presenter:
- Lisonn Delcamp, Ed.S., START Project Autism Education & Intervention Specialist
Co-Presenter:
- Amanda Foster, M.Ed., Teacher Consultant, Montcalm Area ISD
This 4-part training provides participants with practical, ready-to-use strategies to increase access, engagement, and independence for students with autism in general education settings. Through interactive activities, discussion, and the review of real classroom examples, participants will gain tools and strategies they can apply immediately. Attendees will learn how strategies vary with implementation. They will have a strong understanding of the similarities and concrete differences between Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated Instruction, and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Effective co-planning structures will be explored as a foundation for ensuring access and engagement for all learners. General tips on using assistive technology and how AI can support the creation of accessible materials will be discussed.
- Module 1: Access, Engagement, and Independence - This module starts with the practical strategies for increasing access, engagement, and independence for autistic students in general education classrooms. Knowing why a strategy works and why the same one can succeed in one room and flop in another helps you get more out of the tools you already have. Expect interactive discussion, real classroom examples, and a shared foundation in UDL, Differentiated Instruction, and Specially Designed Instruction that we'll build on all series long. You'll leave with at least three strategies ready to try the next day.
- Module 2: UDL, DI, & SDI Clarification - Ever notice how often UDL, DI, and SDI get used like they're interchangeable? They're not, and the differences have real consequences for planning, instruction, and IEP implementation. This session compares the three approaches side by side, with practice deciding which framework fits a given student or scenario and time spent on differentiating output. Scenario cards and real classroom examples keep it hands-on, so come ready to talk through some gray areas.
- Module 3: Collaborative Co-Planning for Access - Access gets built during planning, not patched in afterward, which is why strong co-planning between general and special education partners makes such a difference for students. This session breaks down what an effective co-planning structure looks like and gives you time to apply one to a sample lesson or unit. You'll explore a set of ready-to-use planning templates and leave with one that fits how you actually work.
- Module 4: Assistive Technology & AI-Supported Materials - Our final session maps out the assistive technology categories that support access and participation, then moves into using AI to draft accessible and differentiated materials. Matching the right tool to the right student need saves time and removes barriers. This session includes hands-on practice and structured reflection to close out the series. Participants will be able to answer the question, “What's the one strategy from these four sessions you'll commit to trying in your own classroom?”
Individual viewing: For this training, individual viewing is recommended for a single individual attending the training, or for each member of a group of 11 people or less.
Team Viewing Option: For this training, team viewing is recommended for a group size of 11 or more participants, who will be facilitated by at least 1 team leader (preferably a coach within your local ISD).
Team Viewing Instructions:
- Identify and register 1 to 2 Team Leaders (preferably a coach within your district/ISD) who will be responsible for facilitating the virtual training experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- Organizing and coordinating the training in a physical viewing location.
- Communicating with START about the training and questions that arise.
- Collecting team attendance and reporting this attendance to START.
- Facilitating the team experience.
- Team Leaders are responsible for the following:
- After registering, START will send the Team Leaders a Facilitator Guide with information about facilitating a high-quality virtual training experience in a large group.
START is offering State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), Social Work Credits, pending approval, and Certificates of Attendance. Participants must complete the Attendance Form provided at the training within 2 days of the training date to receive CEUs and/or a Certificate of Attendance.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be emailed to [email protected] at least 24 hours before training begins. We are unable to accept phone cancellations.
START only accepts credit cards for payment.
By registering for this training, you agree to receive email updates from START (articles, updates, new tools and resources, and training and events information) and acknowledge and consent to the recording of the session(s). The recording may capture audio, video, and any shared content during the meeting.