The TIM Academy Workshops

The TIM Academy is a professional education provider approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Participants receive Act 48 credit hours. Workshops are held at the Academy in Berwyn, PA, unless otherwise noted. View and download the full 2008-2009 schedule here.

Structured Teaching Level I (5-Day Training)

“Structured teaching” encourages professionals to understand and assess the characteristics of autism for each child and then develop instructional curriculum based on that assessment. This intensive week-long seminar provides teachers and other professionals with an overview of structured teaching, and the chance to see it in action by working directly with students of different ages and developmental skills.

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe and understand the characteristics of autism
• Explain classroom assessment
• Demonstrate the components of structured teaching
• Understand how to work with families of children with autism
• Describe and address the communication difficulties of children with autism
• Explain independence, social, leisure and vocational instruction
• Describe behavior management strategies related to autism

Date/Time:
June 23 - 27, 2008 (8:00am to 5:00pm)
August 11 - 15, 2008 (8:00am to 5:00pm)

Space is limited to 30 participants. Click to register.

Beyond the Basics: Structured Teaching Level II (2.5-Day Training)

Beyond the Basics focuses on the application of structured teaching techniques in a group setting. The various behavior management strategies and practical tips are reviewed. The course reviews behavior management strategies, as well as tips on group instruction, classroom organization, assessments, learning models, and working within the unique culture of each classroom.

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain classroom assessment of autistic children
• Apply the strategies of structured teaching to classroom management and group instruction
• Describe behavior management strategies for children with autism

Date/Time:
October 15 - 17, 2008 - 1/2 day on 17th (8:30am to 4:00pm)

Registration:
Space is limited to 25 participants. Click to register.

Changing Challenging Behaviors (2-Day Training)

Changing Challenging Behaviors is designed for professionals who already have some training. This course Changing Challenging Behaviors presents ways to work with children with problem behaviors. The emphas is is on teaching students new behaviors to replace the challenging behaviors, and giving them the tools to maintain those behaviors in their educational environment.

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe student behavior in an objective manner
• Select a behavior to measure
• Complete and document a student baseline
• Determine the sequence of events surrounding a student’s challenging behaviors through the use of an antecedent behavior and consequence chart
• Determine whether a behavior is being positively and/or negatively reinforced
• Explain independence, social, leisure and vocational instruction
• Determine the function of the behavior
• Define a new potential student replacement behavior
• Design new antecedents and consequences
• Create an appropriate data collection system
• Implement a working behavior plan for a student with challenging behaviors

Space is limited to 30 participants. Click to register.

Structured Teaching for the Included Child (2-Day Training)

This seminar provides training for professionals working with students with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Structured teaching strategies for the public school setting is the primary focus.

At the completion of this course participants will:

• Describe the characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome
• Demonstrate the elements of structured teaching in the included setting
• Explain goals of inclusion, special education and regular education
• Describe how teachers can collaborate

Date/Time:
February 25 - 26, 2009 (8:30am to 4:00pm)

Space is limited to 20 participants. Click to register.

Community Based Instruction for the Child with Autism

This half (1/2) day seminar is designed to assist educators, parents, behavior specialists, therapist and home support staff in developing positive routines for the child with autism. Participants will learn to use structure to generalize skills for community based activities essential to daily life. Emphasis is placed on understanding the characteristics of autism and addressing the child's individual needs.

Cost:
Professionals: $150.00

Date/Time:
March 26, 2009 (9:00am to 11:30am)

Working Collaboratively with Families Affected by Autism

This half (1/2) day seminar is designed to assist educators, parents, behavior specialists, therapists and home support staff with the development of successful and effective routines in the home. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the characteristics of autism and each child's individual needs.

Professionals: $150.00

April 30, 2009 (9:00am to 11:30am)

Professional Tours of Timothy School

Tours of the Timothy School will be offered to school administrators and other professionals interested in seeing this innovative educational program in action. Tours include a brief introduction, tour of the school, classroom observations and a question-and-answer period regarding our techniques.

Cost:
$40.00 per person ($30.00 for anyone who has attended a previous TIM Academy training program)

Date/Time:
November 12, 2008 (10:00am - 11:30am)

March 18, 2009 (10:00am - 11:30am)

Tours are limited to 20 people. Click to register.

“A Teachable Moment” Instructional Handbook
written by The Timothy School Staff

This 30-page manual provides ideas for self contained visual tasks to promote student achievement and independence.