Professional Learning
View Emerald Coast's options for Professional Learning by clicking on the tabs for PLA Facilitated Courses, Gifted Endorsement, Autism Endorsement, or Additional PL. Descriptions and registration information is included with the details for the courses.
PLA Facilitated Courses
- Please ensure you register for courses on or before Dec. 15, 2023. Please do not register for more than a total of 60 hours.
Courses being offered:
Region 1 Winter PLA Facilitated courses (Facilitated courses are online with virtual sessions with a course syllabus).
Jan. 8 - March 22, 2024 (DEADLINE to Register is Dec.15, 2023 )
Courses:
- Foundations of Exceptional Education (60 PD Points)
- PBS: Understanding Student Behavior (60 ESE Points)
- Instructional Practices (60 ESE Points)
- Exploring Structured Literacy (40/20 ESE Points) Does not qualify for the Reading Endorsement, but qualifies towards the 40 hour reading requirement.
- Differentiating Science Instruction (30 ESE Points)
- Technology to Support Reading Comprehension (20 ESE Points)
- Technology for the Diverse Classroom (20 ESE Points)
Escambia County ~ Differentiating Reading Instruction (Competency 4) PLA Facilitated course (Facilitated courses are online with virtual sessions with a course syllabus).
Jan. 8 - April 8, 2024 (DEADLINE to Register is Dec.15, 2023 )
Course Descriptions: https://fl-pda.org/facilitated/
Search for additional FDLRS center PLA facilitated course offerings at this address: https://fl-pda.org/facilitated/availability/.
INDEPENDENT STUDY PLA ONLINE COURSES are offered 24-7. Participants may self-register at https://fl-pda.org/#/sign-in by clicking "Register" at the lower left of the sign in box. Course completers are reported to district Professional Learning Department offices monthly, within two weeks after the month of course completion.
Questions about PLA? For PLA online course needs, please contact MaKeysa Rhymer, mrhymer@ecsdfl.us, or 1-888-445-9662, extension 5, or (850) 469-5429.
Autism Endorsement
Current Course Offering
ASD Endorsement Course: Nature and Needs
Sept. 5 - Nov. 30 (deadline to register is August 28th)
https://forms.gle/
An endorsement can be added to a current educator certificate by passing approved coursework and applying to the Bureau of Educator Certification. Subject area tests are not available for endorsements. For more information about the endorsements listed below, visit Florida’s Personnel Development Supporting Students with Disabilities website.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement Courses
The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) has worked with districts to secure adoption of the ASD endorsement courses into their local Professional Learning Catalog (formerly known as the Master In-Service Plan). Credit for endorsement courses must be secured through either a district PLC or an institution of higher education. Offerings through FDLRS are free of charge and depending on the district, may be adopted into local PLCs. Please check with your local FDLRS for additional information and availability of these courses. You can locate your center by district on the FDLRS website.
The three courses listed below are designed for individuals who have access to students and want to earn their endorsement in ASD.
Nature, Needs, Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the nature and needs of students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the basics of autism, evidenced-based practices, sensory differences and the development of quality IEPs. Field experience is embedded in the course. (80 inservice credits)
Augmentative/Alternative Communication Systems and Assistive/Instructional Technology for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the area of communication, augmentative and assistive technology and transition to adulthood of students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the assessment and use of augmentative/Alternative communication systems (AAC), functional communication training, technology aided instruction and intervention, and transition beyond school. Field experience is embedded in the course. (80 inservice credits)
Applied Behavioral Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders with Field Experience
This course enables educators to develop, increase and demonstrate knowledge and skills in addressing challenging behaviors through reinforcement, social skills training, and self-monitoring in students with autism spectrum disorder. Course emphasis includes the evidenced-based interventions for decreasing challenging behavior, applied behavioral analysis, functional behavioral analysis, and data collection. Field experience is embedded in the course. 80 inservice credits)