An interdisciplinary faculty team from the College of Education and Health Professions is hosting an online professional development series for early career professionals called "Teaming Up to Support Kids (TUSK)".

The TUSK summer learning series focuses on preventative and proactive strategies to support learning for children with social, emotional and behavioral health needs.

This project builds on the college's special education and communication disorders programs' strong history of providing interdisciplinary professional development across Arkansas in support of school age students. Special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, school counselors and occupational therapists would benefit from the program.

The series will provide intentional and focused activities for professionals to explore evidence-based practices and problem-solve through complex case scenarios, said Renee Speight, a U of A teaching assistant professor in Inclusive Educational and Clinical Programs. She will be joined by experts Suzanne Kucharczyk, also an associate professor in Inclusive Educational and Clinical Programs, and Rachel Glade, a clinical associate professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program.

Dates and topics for the series:

• June 28: Understanding Student Behavior
• July 5: Reinforcement and Group Contingencies
• July 12: Engaging and Supporting Families
• July 19: Pointing Out Progress
• July 26: Partnering to Build Capacity
• Follow-Up Support Sessions: September 6 and 13

The summer learning series is supported by the college's WE CARE initiative. WE CARE stands for Wellness and Education Commitment to Arkansas Excellence.

Speight said targeted instruction in evidence-based practices is particularly critical in states like Arkansas, where children and youth experience high rates of adverse childhood experiences. "This project will contribute to improving outcomes for children and youth in Arkansas with emotional, social, and behavioral health support needs through an interdisciplinary approach to personnel skill development," the WE CARE proposal noted.

Registration is required for each program in the professional development series.