MAEP Practice Talks are district-requested training sessions delivered by MAEP consultants and OPI subject matter experts. Offered virtually or in person and ranging from 1–3 hours, these sessions provide either introductory overviews or deep, focused content on specific topics. Click on a session title below to complete the request form.
In this training, participants will learn the CBCC method for writing goals and how to choose data recording methods that are realistic and measurable. We will critique sample annual goals as a group and participants will develop sample goals for review. We will also review several different methods of data collection (%, prompt number, prompt level) and share ideas for when each method is most useful for measuring progress. This training is offered on-site only to facilitate group discussion of sample goals and to allow participants to write goals which will be reviewed (anonymously) for feedback during the training.
Objectives:
- Learn how to identify non-measurable goals.
- Learn the CBCC method for writing measurable goals.
- Know when to use different methods of data recording for different skills and students.
Classroom Pivotal Response Training (CPRT) | 2 hours | Virtual. Presented by Ashley Campbell
This session introduces Classroom Pivotal Response Training (CPRT), an evidence-based, naturalistic behavioral intervention designed to support autistic students and others with social-communication and engagement needs. This training also highlights how CPRT strategies can be adapted for small-group and whole-group learning to increase participation and reduce instructional barriers.
Objectives:
- Identify what CPRT is and the population that it is designed for.
- Identify how the three-term contingency is applied in CPRT.
- Identify and understand the application of the five antecedent strategy components of CPRT.
- Identify and understand the application of the three consequence strategy components of CPRT.
- Identify CPRT strategies utilized with groups.
This fast-paced 60-minute session gives middle and high school special educators a toolbox of no-prep, immediately usable executive function strategies that won’t eat their planning time. We’ll hit every major EF domain with practical moves teachers can embed into daily routines: environmental tweaks, quick teaching prompts, and real-world examples of how to transfer the mental load back to students. Instead of doing the thinking for kids, participants will learn how to scaffold impulse control, emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, initiation, sustained attention, planning, organization, and self-monitoring so students build actual independence. Expect concrete “use this tomorrow” ideas tied to realistic classroom situations, not abstract theory. Attendees will walk away with strategies that lighten their workload and strengthen student autonomy.
Objectives:
- Identify key executive function demands in typical classroom routines and match them with practical supports.
- Apply simple environmental and instructional strategies that build core executive function skills across content areas.
- Use scaffolds that shift cognitive responsibility to students to strengthen independence and improve learner planning, flexibility, and self-monitoring in real classroom situations.
Using AI as Your Workhorse: No-Prep Personalized Instructional Materials for Secondary Students with IEPs | 60 minutes | Virtual. Presented by Shanell Latta
This 60-minute session shows educators how to use AI as a practical, time-saving tool for differentiating instruction without drowning in prep work. We’ll walk through how to turn any curriculum material or high interest material into leveled texts, scaffolded assignments, targeted reading/writing supports, social-emotional lessons, and even fully built therapy or intervention plans. Participants will learn how to generate custom rubrics, self-monitoring tools, and skill summaries tailored to specific learner profiles—no coding, no fuss, and no prior tech skills necessary. The focus is on using AI to streamline your workload while boosting accessibility and personalization for students with IEPs.
Objective:
- Attendees leave with concrete prompts, examples, and ready-to-use workflows they can implement the moment they’re back in their classrooms.