2026 Behavior Post

What is not to love in November? The weather is amazing, sweaters coming out of the closets, and the holiday lights and sounds appear. November is indeed a festive month full of celebrations. We fall back 1 hour in our schedules on November 1st - so please adjust your clocks. We celebrate Thanksgiving, and we honor Native American Heritage Month.

In November we celebrate the end of harvest in our rural communities across the US. It reminds us of how blessed we are to live in a land of abundance. It invites us all to be grateful for the provision of food, family, and friends. Did you know that practicing gratitude is an evidence-based strategy? This article briefly highlights some of the positive impact on students and humans in general.

During the second week of the month, we also celebrate National School Psychologists Week - November 9 -13, 2026. I cannot think of any other profession I would choose for my life. I am professionally fulfilled - even in days when exhaustion and confusion fight to cloud my thoughts. Mental health, academic and behavior skills, assessment, prevention, intervention, teaching, consultation, coaching, programming, counseling, as well as MTSS roles are worth our effort. Please show appreciation to the school psychologists that serve your district. Our theme this year is: Inspire Connection. In the words of Dr. Pedersen, NASP President: (...) I encourage you to recognize the connections that have shaped your own journey. Thank a mentor who believed in you. Reach out to a colleague whose partnership has sustained you. Encourage an early career school psychologist who represents the bright future of our profession. Let a teacher know how much you value their collaboration. Such small acts of gratitude have a remarkable way of strengthening the relationships that sustain our profession and ourselves. Communique, Vol. 55, NO. 3 - page 2.

Let's be grateful for resources, too, and here are a few from TEA:

• Elevating Special Populations Leadership in Districtwide Instructional Systems
• Overview of the Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research (TIER) Initiative

• Autism Circuit Academy - Spring registration is open from October 15 - December 15, 2026

Autism is a growing eligibility for special education services, and it is very likely you have at least 1 person in your life that could benefit from your specialized support. The ACA is free of charge, virtual, and you can obtain a TEA endorsement for your learning. What a treasure!

Dr. Suzanne Jones also listed a few more important TEA updates in the Information & Inspiration section of this publication.

This Post has information, opportunities, and videos with strategies that can help you grow in knowledge and in hope. Personally, I am bursting with enthusiasm for our ESC6 Behavior Conference: Skills for Life scheduled for November 9 & 10. We will have 20 sessions presented by national/state/local speakers on 3 strands: instructional, administrative/legal, mental health/wellness/ESL. Additionally, lunch and prizes will be provided on both days for only $60. A schedule at glance is provided below with specific topics. Everyone is welcome. Don't miss it and please share with a colleague! Register here. If each district we serve sends 1 person, we will fill the house. We hope to welcome you at our ESC6 building soon.

Lastly, enjoy the season. Inspite of many challenges, life is a beautiful miracle that daily unfolds. Love on those around you and be grateful for who you are. Even in grief, we can stop and appreciate what remains and grows. As the song says, "look outside the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find ... no one else can speak the words in your lips." Stay curious. You matter to us.

As always, we welcome your feedback and hope to see you at the ESC6. How about on November 9 & 10 for our Behavior Conference? Join us!

During the week of November 9-13, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and schools across the United States will celebrate the 2026 National School Psychology Week (NSPW). This week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists' work to help children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This year's theme, "Inspire Connection," highlights how school psychologists build meaningful relationships that support students, strengthen collaboration, and transform school communities. Join us and explore how each person can celebrate the work of school psychologists and learn how school psychologists make a difference every day.

The PAX Good Behavior Game provides strategies that build students’ behavioral skills and stamina for focused attention and on-task behavior. It also provides teachers classroom management skills.

Please contact Fabiana Bezerra at fbezerra@esc6.net She will conect you with the statewide coordinator who will set up your sessions. The time is now to schedule for your school or your district. You can also attend for yourself. Check the demonstration video below the flyer.

The Spring 2027 Autism Circuit Academy (ACA) application is now open on Texas SPED Support. The application window will remain open through December 14, 2026.

The Autism Circuit Academy is a training and coaching program designed to help educators implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) for students with autism. The ACA includes training and individualized coaching provided by autism specialists to support implementation with fidelity.

District staff can learn more and apply here: Autism Circuit Academy | Texas SPED Support

Please share this opportunity with educators and school system personnel in your region who may be interested. The ACA is provided at no cost to eligible local education agency staff across Texas.

Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions.



State Autism Coordinator

Special Education Technical Assistance Division

All Texas educators may access these courses for free on the TEALearn website and earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.

If you are searching for MTSS courses, click here for the current list of asynchronous free virtual sessions. Let us know if you would like to visit on any of the topics. We have a team of trainers at the ESC6.

See upcoming training opportunities on our Events page and register today!

• School Behavioral Threat Assessment Training Series
• Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Students – Elementary
• Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Students – Secondary
• Mitigating Educator Maltreatment
• Staying Safe: School Safety Response Training
• Standard Response Protocol Train-the-Trainer
• Standard Reunification Method Train-the-Trainer
• Bullying and Cyberbullying Training
• Digital Threat Assessment
• Especially Safe: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Education Settings
• Restorative Practices for Educators
• Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators – Elementary
• Trauma-Informed Care Workshop for Educators – Secondary
• Sandy Hook Promise – Start with Hello
• Sandy Hook Promise – Say Something
• Effective Investigations and Report Writing
• School-Based Law Enforcement Trainings
• Advanced Digital Threat Assessment Training
• Texas School Safety Conference
• Say What! Action Summits
• Say What! Conference

The Sam Houston Autism Research and Education (SHARE) Workshop Series is now recruiting teachers to participate in professional development on Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.

If you choose to participate, you will be asked to do the following:

1. Attend an informational session over Zoom [pick one: 8/11 from 4:00-4:30 or 8/14 from 12:00-12:30]. During this brief meeting, we will review the consent form and discuss expectations and questions. If you are unable to attend, recordings can be emailed to you.

• To register for a virtual information session, contact Dr. Babino at mme003@shsu.edu

1. Participate in 5 workshop sessions (choose real-time or self-paced format):

Option 1: Self-Paced: Workshop modules are available in a flexible, self-paced format.

• Participants will watch pre-recorded videos and engage in individual reflection exercises.

• Self-paced workshop sessions will be available from 9/08-12/20 (extension may be available upon request).
  
  

Option 2: Real-Time Zoom: A 90-minute Zoom session will be held live over 10 weeks (every other week).

• During the workshops, participants will attend an interactive presentation and engage in discussion.

• Real-time workshop sessions for Fall 2026 will be held on either Saturdays or Mondays

Saturdays 11:00-12:30

Zoom # 1 9/12

Zoom # 2 9/26

Zoom # 3 10/10

Zoom # 4 10/24

Zoom # 5 11/5

OR

Mondays 3:30-5:00

Zoom # 1 9/14

Zoom # 2 9/28

Zoom # 3 10/12

Zoom # 4 10/26

Zoom # 5 11/9

Option 3: Face-to-Face workshop: the content is combined into a two-day workshop series.

• During the workshops, participants will attend an interactive presentation and engage in discussion. There will be opportunities to roleplay, receive feedback, and ask questions.

• The location of this series is: Region 1 ESC, located at 1900 W Schunior St, Edinburg, TX 78541

• This will be a two-day workshop (you must attend both days), 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 pm

• Space is limited.
  
  

1. Regardless of the formats selected, participants will be administered a variety of assessments in a timely manner: Prior to and following the workshop sessions, participants will complete a series of written and video activities and assessments to evaluate the efficacy of the SHARE Workshop Series.

2. (Optional) Receive mentorship from a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Up to 5 educators per term can volunteer for on-site or virtual observations from a BCBA. Educators will meet individually with a BCBA for no more than one hour for up to five weeks. Observations will serve the purpose of providing feedback on the educator’s behavior and their implementation of one or more of the learned skills from the workshop series.

   
   

Participants who complete the SHARE Workshop Series may be eligible for a monetary stipend ($300) and certificate of completion following completion. Continuing professional education credits may also be available with additional requirements.

Best,

Misti M. Babino Ed. D., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). School of Teaching and Learning

Sam Houston State University

mme003@shsu.edu

Mental Health Crash Course Video Series

Talking about mental health with students doesn't have to be complicated. Our mental health video series is designed to help students in grade 6-12 to better understand mental health and build skills they can use in everyday life.

Three of his nine sessions are designed specifically for campus administrators, as well as special education directors and educational leaders who support special education services. If you are an ARD Chair/Facilitator, you are a leader and will find these three sessions beneficial.

• September 30th: Beginning-of-the-Year ARDs, Transfer ARDs, and the Do's and Don'ts

• October 28th: The Role of the Campus Administrator at the ARD Meeting

• January 27th: MDRs and Discipline

The other sessions will cover current hot topics in special education. All sessions will be virtual from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. You must register for each session separately.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Mental Health and Wellness webinar series, which provides timely guidance, practical strategies, and resources for school leaders, counselors, mental health professionals, educators, and student support staff. The series will highlight approaches that support comprehensive school mental health systems, student wellness, family engagement, and connections to community-based resources. Each webinar will be from 10:00 am-11:30 am CST.

MHW Webinar Series #2:
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Registration

MHW Webinar Series #3:
Thursday, March 4, 2027: Registration

MHW Webinar Series #4:
Thursday, May 13, 2027: Registration

Objectives

• Analyze assessment information within a strengths-based, person-centered framework to support high expectations, meaningful educational decisions, and future opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Explore culturally responsive assessment practices by identifying methods and approaches that recognize and respect the varied backgrounds of students.
• Discuss the use of assessment data in identifying learners’ instructional needs, selecting or adjusting evidence-based supports, and monitoring progress to make timely, equitable data-based decisions for students with exceptionalities.

Register here

Registration Cutoff

November 20th, 2026

Registration Cost

Free for DEAL members
$50 for non-DEAL members

Refunding Policy

All registrations are final and non-refundable; unless canceled by DEAL

Purchase Order: To request payment via purchase order, please contact service@exceptionalchildren.org for assistance.

Note: The platform for the conference is Zoom. The link to join the conference will be emailed to each registrant after closure of the registration window

I am writing to request your help with an IRB-approved study examining the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among school psychology professionals in the United States.

The purpose of this survey is to better understand how AI tools are currently being used in school psychology practice, including areas such as report writing, communication, summaries, recommendations, disclosure, privacy, informed consent, policy guidance, and training needs. You do not need to currently use AI in your work to participate.

The survey is confidential, voluntary, and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. You may skip any questions you prefer not to answer and may exit the survey at any time. After completing the survey, you may choose to enter a drawing for one of four $50 Amazon gift cards. Contact information for the drawing will be collected separately from survey responses.

Follow this link to participate in the survey: https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d5z1FmqTtDEPiLQ?recruit_source=nasp

Thank you in advance for your time and valuable insights.

Sincerely,
Adam Lockwood, Ph.D., NCSP, LP
Associate Professor, School Psychology Program
Kent State University
Email: alockwo2@kent.edu
Phone: 330-672-3374

The above email has been sent by NASP on behalf of the researchers. This study has been approved by the NASP Research Committee and you have been selected for possible participation. Participation is optional, and your NASP membership will not be impacted in any way if you decide not to participate. NASP has not, and will not, share your email address with the researchers or other members. NASP does not take responsibility for your experience with participating in the research study. If you have a question about participating in research at NASP please contact the NASP Research Director. If you have questions about this study please contact the researchers using their email address found above.

We’re pleased to share that the Essential Elements have been updated on TSS:

• PLAAFP Essential Elements | Texas SPED Support
• Annual Goal Essential Elements | Texas SPED Support
• Data Collection for Progress Monitoring Essential Elements | Texas SPED Support

Also, make note of the TAC updates, particularly 19 TAC 89.1055(c-d), and the updated Question and Answer: Individualized Education Program (IEP) Measurable Annual Goals | Texas SPED Support to ensure understanding of the new rules and expectations for PLAAFP development and drafting measurable annual goals.

Questions? Contact Dr. Suzanne Jones - sjones@esc6.net

Suicide prevention has many layers. Here are just a few in JED's multifaceted approach:

Mental Health Resource Center: This hub of essential information about common emotional health issues guides teens and young adults through the ups and downs of the transition to adulthood.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support right now, text, call, or chat 988, or text HOME (or HOLA) to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Find more information and resources at jedfoundation.org/help.

A young person’s guide for communicating safely online about suicide

When the world feels uncertain, young people look to us for steadiness. That can be a lot to carry, especially when we are navigating hard times ourselves.

Join us for the next Ask the Expert session, Holding Space: Supporting Your Family Through Challenging Times, with Dr. Duncan.

Thursday, Oct. 8 · 6:30–7:30 pm ET · Live on Zoom

This session is for parents, caregivers, and family members. Rooted in trauma-informed and healing-centered practice, it offers relational and practical strategies to help young people feel seen, supported, and safe. You'll learn to:

• Recognize signs of stress and trauma in young people's behavior and emotions
• Build safety, stability, and emotional regulation at home
• Practice co-regulation and supportive communication in challenging moments

Click here to Save My Spot

With gratitude,
The Steve Fund

Free Monthly Virtual Support Groups

Parent Support Group - Second Tuesday of the month

addaoffice@pdq.net

Adult Support Group - Third or Fourth Thursday of the month

addaoffice@pdq.net

Fort Bend Parent Support Group - Last Tuesday of the month

ftbendaddasr@gmail.com

In Person Meeting

MESQUITE – Every other month,

2nd Tuesdays, 7-8 pm, Sept., Nov., Feb., April.

Professional Development Center,

3819 Towne Crossing Blvd, Mesquite, 75150

Kelly Smith, 972 882-7519, kesmith@mesquiteisd.org

While it’s not uncommon for young kids to wet the bed or have accidents during the day, it can cause a lot of shame, especially when they don’t seem to be growing out of it. If the problem persists, as in, it’s happening more than occasionally after a child’s fifth birthday, it can be a sign of a disorder called enuresis. For a child with enuresis, urinating (voluntarily or involuntarily) at inappropriate times or places can be caused by different things, but treatment never involves punishment or shaming.

This week, we’re offering resources on enuresis and other toileting challenges. When kids can’t control their bladder or bowels (a disorder called encopresis), it can be frustrating for the whole family. But the good news is, both disorders are very treatable. Understanding what’s causing the problem is a key step: For example, kids may be too anxious to go to the bathroom at school and hold it until it’s too late. Others, like kids with ADHD, may struggle to transition from doing something interesting or fun to sitting on a toilet — yes, even when they really have to go. And kids with autism can have sensory sensitivities around pooping, causing constipation or abdominal pain that’s not always easy to identify. These accidents can be profoundly embarrassing for kids, so we have advice on how to help them cope with their feelings as they learn to listen to and gain better control of their bodies.

The newly revised page for military families from the Center for Parent Information and Resources contains valuable resources to support military families through changes in duty stations and other challenges.

Fabiana Bezerra, LSSP, NCSP

ESC 6 Behavior & Autism Specialist for Special Education

Email: fbezerra@esc6.net
Website: https://www.esc6.net/
Location: Education Service Center Region 6, Montgomery Road, Huntsville, TX, USA
Phone: 936-435-8252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESC6SPED/
Twitter: @escregion6