Vanderbilt’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) will provide remote coaching and support through brief, virtual coaching cycles specifically for LEA faculty and staff in Tennessee who directly serve autistic students in a K-12 setting. The purpose of Foundations Strategy Coaching is to increase educator capacity to meet the needs of students in their learning environments, including autistic students, through the use of evidence-based strategies. Coaching cycles last approximately 8 weeks, and participants can complete one or more cycles, depending on their needs and preferences.
| Participant Requirements |
Participants in this project must:
- Work as special education teachers or general education teachers in the state of Tennessee.
- Create and upload several 10–15-minute videos of themselves teaching.
- Complete readings, online modules, or review other resources pertaining to strategy implementation.
- Commit 30 minutes a week for online learning and coaching meetings.
Additional details regarding participation requirements for ongoing collaboration are outlined in the participant agreement. |
| Training Topics |
- Evidence-based practices (EBPs) to use in structuring successful learning environments for autistic students
- Strategies to integrate EBPs throughout the school day to optimize learning for all students
- Video self-reflection as a means of teacher professional development
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| Training Format |
- Virtual coaching meetings for problem-solving and reflective discussions
- Individualized classroom-based goal setting
- Online, self-paced e-learning using TRIAD created courses
- Video self-reflection for strategy implementation purposes
|
| Coaching Format |
- Format: delivered remotely, with Zoom and/or video reflection
- Technology required: webcam
- Frequency: Weekly
- Coaching cycle length: minimum of 8 weeks, maximum of the remainder of the school year
|
| Online Learning Assignments |
Upon enrollment in the project, participants will create an account for TRIAD’s online learning platform and receive a course code for enrollment. Together with their TRIAD consultant, participants will choose modules that are applicable to their students and learning environment. Between 1-5 modules may be assigned per coaching cycle, and modules typically take about 15 minutes to complete. |
| Proof of Attendance |
Participants can request certificates documenting their participation in Foundations Strategy Coaching and 5-10 hours of professional development.* |
*Participant professional development hours will vary, depending upon e-learning courses assigned and amount of coaching meetings held.