January 30, 2025 By CDHD Idaho SESTA launches BEACON Idaho SESTA recently launched a new sub project called BEACON – Behavior Education Application Cohort Network. This new project aims to increase local education agency (LEA) capacity by providing behavioral training, support and resources for educators across Idaho. BEACON is a year-long program, which puts participants into cohorts based on their location and behavioral experience. This helps to ensure tailored training and resources that meet the needs and expectations of participants. It also helps to encourage collaboration and professional development, while empowering educators to create positive environments for all students. “We are excited to initiate the BEACON project to train and develop cohorts of educators to apply evidence-based practices to better support students that display challenging behavior from all corners of Idaho!" said Jenny Vickhammer, Idaho SESTA Statewide Coordinator. The program is kicking off with BEACON Basics, which is focused on providing the fundamentals of behavior. This will be achieved through guided instruction, practice and feedback. The goals of this training are to: increase LEA capacity to support staff in working with students with challenging behaviors train educators through Behavior Skills Training support skill development in conducting meaningful behavior assessments and intervention plans prepare participants to use assessment results to develop comprehensive intervention plans that support behavior change. At the district level, leadership can access resources, examples and documents (when applicable). At the school level, educators can expect longitudinal training that includes a two-day in-person regional kick-off and monthly online training and cohort meetings. Technical assistance is also available through SESTA’s Statewide Coordinators. Participants are also able to receive credit completing this course. Three professional development credits are available through the University of Idaho or Boise State University. While applications for the 2025 cohort have closed, more training will be coming in 2026. Along with BEACON Basics, plans are underway for BEACON Leadership – a train-the-trainer program that provides the tools to effectively train others in behavioral strategies. For more information about this new SESTA sub project, please visit the BEACON website.