SPARK, or Special Education Professional Advancement and Refinement of Knowledge, is an initiative of the Oklahoma State Personnel Development Grant (OK-SPDG). At the highest level of support, OK-SPDG provides in-person and virtual direct coaching support through the SPARK initiative. Interested special educators are selected for this support through an objective application process.
For the purposes of this initiative, OK-SPDG defines "early career special educator" as any individual who has worked as a PreK-12th grade special education teacher for 5 years or less, regardless of prior teaching experience. In order to qualify for this coaching support, the applicant must be employed for the 2023-24 school year in an Oklahoma public school as a special education teacher and providing specially designed instruction for students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for at least 50% of their contract time. If you have questions about whether your employment qualifies, please contact Alexa Hudak, SPDG Project Director 405-522-4513.
Participants who are selected for professional development and complete the 10 hours of provided coursework will receive a $500 stipend. Participants selected for professional development and coaching and complete the 10 hours of provided coursework and engage fully in coaching will receive a $2,000 stipend. More information regarding stipends will be provided at the time of selection.
 The application link can be found in the PDF application and must be completed by the educator seeking the professional development and coaching opportunity.
The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma is hosting their annual Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in June 2024. YLF is a great self-advocacy and self-determination learning opportunity for youth with disabilities! It is an educational, fun-filled, motivational, and packed week of experiences like no other! Check out the YLF Brochure and learn more about this event on the Oklahoma YLE page and encourage students and families to APPLY for YLF NOW!
*Applications are due March 1, 2024.
LAMP is an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) approach designed to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently expressing themselves through the use of speech-generating device. There is no cognitive prerequisites for implementing the LAMP approach. Please join us February 29, 2024 - March 1, 2024.
For more information, please see the LAMP Flyer and Brochure.
Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
We want to make sure your teachers, administrators, principals, and support personnel have the chance to attend the biggest special event of the year. That’s why we’re offering all Oklahoma residents a special offer for $70 off registration. All they need to do is use code OKLAHOMA24 when registering to save.
Please share this information with your district, division, and area administrators and encourage them to take advantage of this special offer through January 31, 2024.
Please join us March 13-16, 2024. For more information, view the CEC 2024 Convention & Expo Website.
- “Supporting CTE Special Populations Grant Application 2024-2026” is now available for review and will open in March 2024!!! Check it out and begin planning in advance for an opportunity to be awarded a two-year grant (up to $50,000/year) aimed at helping schools implement transition programs and/or other support strategies to assist in the provision of transferable skill sets to students regarding the attainment of meaningful employment and becoming productive members of society!!!
- The Supporting CTE Special Populations Overview (oklahoma.gov) outlines the requirements for the 2024-2026 grant application and required goal priorities.
- Perkins LEAs or consortia meeting the $15,000 requirement OR technology centers, technology center co-ops, postsecondary institutions, or consortia meeting the $50,000 requirement are eligible to complete the grant application.
- Application deadline is currently listed as May 3, 2024 (subject to change).
Multisensory Math Training Presented by Hydeparkday Training, in collaboration with Marilyn Zercher
A two-day Multisensory Math Training appropriate for grades PreK-4th grade and SPED teachers on March 1-2, 2024 in Oklahoma City.
Attendees receive:
- Multisensory manipulative materials
- A curriculum scope and sequence, including Background and Theory/ Research Rationale on Multisensory Math, including knowledge of precursor numeracy skills through operations of algebraic thinking, geometry, mathematical practices, and fractions.
- Access to training presentation materials
- A certificate of course completion
For more information and registration, please see Multisensory Math Training.
The Oklahoma Autism Center is offering Professional Development Opportunities for 2023-2024 including:
- Autism: Foundation Training
- Reducing Challenging Behaviors
- Conducting FBA and Writing BIP's
Please see the OAC Professional Development Opportunities for more information.
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