LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) provides teachers with the tools and understanding to teach the essential skills needed for literacy. Teachers learn the "science of reading” so they are able to apply research into classroom application to teach language and literacy skills to every student, no matter the curriculum or program used. LETRS is a blended model of professional development consisting of online course, textbook, and four face-to- face trainings.

Want to stay current on the science of reading resources, news, hands on activities and deepening your district literacy system?

This space is for you. Come share, learn and keep the passion of literacy alive and well.

Cost: KCRPDC Member districts: $125 p/p OR Non-KC RPDC Member districts: $150 p/p.

Quarterly meetings are for EL Directors/Coordinators. You will received DESE updates, hear from others on what is working and receive resources that will benefit your program.

The Post Secondary Transition Educator Network is designed as a solution driven networking opportunity for educators developing post-secondary transition plans for student life after high school.

Meetings will be move d around the region each quarter to see some of the programing available at different districts in our region. Topics include introductions to staff of state and non-profit organizations in the area, coaching parents, accessing services, work experience and internships, transition assessments/surveys, collaboration with caregivers, compliance, writing transition goals, graduation, etc.

Topics will meet the needs of the attendees.

Cost: KCRPDC Members-$25 or Non-Members-$30 per session that are here at the center.

The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is one of the main assessments used to identify skill deficits in autistic learners as well learners with significant language challenges. This one day training will cover development of the assessment, administration guidelines and how to take the assessment results and determine next steps in programming for learners with significant learning and language challenges. Participants will have hands-on practice in administration and scoring of the VB-MAPP. It is highly recommended that participants bring both a VB-MAPP Guide and a protocol to the training.

Stacey earned her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from William Woods College and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Webster University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her teaching credentials include regular education grades 1-8 and special education K-12. In May 2015, Stacey retired from the Lee's Summit School District after 30 years. Stacey is employed by Summit Behavioral Services and provides training on Applied Behavior Analysis and intensive verbal behavior programming to teachers and support staff from across the midwest. Stacey has presented at many state level conferences as well as giving the closing keynote address at the 2015 National Autism Conference at Penn State University.

Cost: $110 for members, $130 for non-members

NOTE: 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Join special education attorney Betsey Helfrich, and Anne Bradley, former attorney at the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights as we learn the basics of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This professional development opportunity will provide an overview of the LEA's responsibilities under Section 504. Participants will gain basic knowledge about legal requirements for LEAs under Section 504, 504 eligibility, and how to develop 504 plans. This is a great refresher course for 504 veterans and also a great overview for those who may be new to the 504 process.

*This training is hybrid. Participants will be able to choose whether they want to join virtually or in-person at the KC-RPDC in historic Union Station. All participants will be sent an email (48-hours prior to the training) giving them the opportunity to choose their preferred learning style. This will be recorded and disemmenated to all participants. All paid participants will have 10 calendar days to view the recording and then the link will go dead.

Anne Bradley is a former supervisory attorney for the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, spending the last 13 years conducting and supervising investigations into educational institutions' compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Section 504, Title II, Title VI and Title IX.

Betsey Helfrich is an education law attorney and has successfully represented school district clients against a variety of claims in state and federal courts as well as in special education due process hearings and appeals. Betsey also provides general counsel to schools on special education matters and conducts local and national trainings regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all areas of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

*48-hour cancellation policy.

Cost: $50.00 for KC-RPDC Members & $75.00 for Non KC-RPDC Members

This training is for the Kansas City and surrounding Regions- Cohort 3 ONLY. The morning session (10:00-12:00 PM) will go over the Top 10 indicators that were found out of compliance. We will also discuss tips and tricks for Self-Assessment including how to conduct a file review with your district prior to submitting files on IMACs.
During the afternoon session (1:00-3:00 PM), the KC-RPDC Compliance Consultant and DESE Compliance Supervisor will walk through special education monitoring and what it entails for Cohort 2. We will provide critical information about the special education monitoring process. The following items will be discussed: the steps for using IMACs 2 to complete the required special education self-assessment, provide initial evaluation and C-B timeline data, and how to submit requested student documents for verification.

Bailey has worked with students with disabilities for over 15 years. While receiving her Bachelor's Degree at Missouri State University in Cross Categorical Special Education K-12. While working as a Special Education teacher, Bailey obtained her ESL certification and received her Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership from Park University. Currently, she serves as the Special Education Compliance Consultant for the Kansas City area and surrounding region. She is a strong advocate for students with special needs and believes every child has the right to learn.

Cost: $25 KCRPDC Member or $30 Non-Member

A dynamic professional learning session inspired by the groundbreaking philosophies of Ron Clark-where high expectations, strong relationships, and an electrifying school culture come together to transform learning. This session will spotlight the powerful work happening at Cowden Elementary in Springfield, Missouri, a school that has embraced Clark's principles to build a thriving, student-centered environment. Discover how Cowden's educators are cultivating deep connections with students, celebrating academic and personal growth, and turning classrooms into places of joy, challenge, and success. Through real-life examples, interactive strategies, and collaborative dialogue, participants will walk away with tangible tools to elevate their own school culture, enhance relationships, and ignite a passion for learning in every child. Cowden has had a 100% staff retention for the last 11 years and a families want their children to attend this neighborhood public school. The session will leave you energized, inspired, & ready to bring these ideas back. With over 32 years of dedicated service in education,Dr. Cherie Norman stands as a passionate and proven leader in the field.As the driving force behind one of Springfield's most successful elementary schools, she has shaped a culture of excellence, innovation, and student-centered learning that has garnered national attention. Trained at the esteemed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, Cherie brings a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to school leadership, teaching, and learning. Her ability to transform educational environments and inspire both staff and students has earned her recognition on the national stage, where she has had the opportunity to present the story of her school's remarkable success. Cherie's unwavering commitment to empowering educators and creating impactful learning experiences makes her sought after by many around the country to help lead the revolution of change in education. 48-hour cancellation policy.

The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is a continuum of learning and supports provided to school leaders from aspiring to retiring. In addition to content available for aspiring school leaders, five levels of support comprise MLDS: New Leaders Year I, New Leaders Year II, Sustaining Leadership Year III, Sustaining Leadership IV and Transformational Leadership V & VI.

Aspiring Leaders Cohort:
The Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) Aspiring Leaders Cohort: Training and support through research-based learning experiences, opportunities to develop formal and informal professional networks. MLDS Aspiring Leaders includes three regional meetings which provide practical and relevant learning to assist prospective schools leaders in the preparation phase, or pre-service, that results in an administrative certificate. If you are currently serving in a teacher or non-administrator role and have interest to become a certified school administrator, this cohort is for you. Please contact the RPDC Leadership Development Specialist, Tamara Moore-Callahan at tymtc7@umkc.edu if you have questions about this leadership opportunity.

Cost: FREE

The Transition Academy session covers developing a worthy transition plan for student post-secondary life. This session will be especially useful in planning for the shift to the upcoming requirement for transition plans to be in place for students by the end of 8th grade.

Learning Outcomes are:



•Meeting compliance requirements


•"Field Trips” to understand expectations for college entry, preparation for work and personal life after high school, voices of experience from students that had IEPs, and service providers to tap into for support before and after graduation, and others. These were a huge hit last year.


•Using "Charting Life Course” tools to fully engage and bring the students voice forward to process and can be used as a template and model for student directed IEPs. Can be used for student of any age and grade level, with techniques for adapting for students with significant needs.

Must commit to both days.

Cost: $50 KCRPDC member, $60 non-member 48-hour cancellation policy