Learning Block 4: Supporting Behavior of Students with Disabilities: Building a System for Prevention and Decision Making
What does it take to move from reacting to student behavior to preventing it? This virtual learning series helps PreK-12 school building administrators and those who prepare and support them build systems that promote positive student behavior through prevention, effective services and supports, and data-based decision-making.
Participants will explore IDEA requirements related to student behavior, including schools' responsibilities for providing behavioral supports, making disciplinary decisions, and conducting manifestation determinations. They will examine how prevention and positive behavioral supports fit within a continuum of services, identify functions of behavior to support team-based problem-solving, and understand how data is critical to support behavioral needs and guide continuous improvement efforts. Through real-world scenarios, practical tools, and leadership-focused strategies, participants will strengthen their leadership capacity to promote positive student behavioral outcomes.
This learning block will help school leaders strengthen systems that prioritize prevention, reduce reliance on disciplinary responses, and support student-centered decision-making. Participants will also examine when manifestation determinations are required under IDEA and how they support informed decisions within a continuum of increasingly intensive behavioral supports and interventions.
Learning Block 4 Objectives:
In this learning block, you’ll learn how to:
- Connect behavioral support practices to IDEA by understanding legal requirements related to behavior, disciplinary decision-making, and manifestation determination.
- Strengthen schoolwide systems that emphasize prevention when behavior impacts student learning and participation.
- Apply an understanding of the function of behavior to support teams in addressing concerns and promoting student success.
- Lead data-based decision-making processes to evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral services and supports and guide continuous improvement efforts.
- Identify and leverage free tools and resources that support effective behavioral intervention and IDEA implementation.
Learning Block 4 Details
The learning block consists of three activities, including:
- A live learning session where participants take part in a virtual, solutions-driven learning experience.
- A self-paced independent learning activity to be completed between the live learning session and live learning and networking session that gives participants the opportunity to review, apply, and reflect on the lessons learned in the live learning session.
- A live learning and networking session where participants explore additional content and come back together to share their real-word experiences and learn from one another’s successes, challenges, and insights in a supportive peer setting.
| Activities | Date | Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Learning Session | December 1, 2026 | 6:00-7:15pm ET | Virtual |
| Independent Learning Activity | Self-paced | N/A | Asynchronous |
| Live Learning and Networking Session | December 15, 2026 | 6:00-7:15pm ET | Virtual |
Registration for the series will remain open until November 25, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost to participate?
The learning block is offered at no cost.
Will the learning block be recorded?
The December 1 Live Learning Session will be recorded and made available on the Lead IDEA Center website once the learning block concludes. The December 15 Live Learning and Networking Session will not be recorded.
Do participants need to attend all live sessions?
Participants are encouraged to attend both live sessions in the learning block.
Will participants receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, participants who attend 75% of each session will receive a certificate of attendance.