Iris Center 

The IRIS Center is a national organization focused on enhancing educational outcomes for all children, particularly those with disabilities aged 0-21, by utilizing proven, evidence-based practices and interventions. Training is free. Modules cover accommodations, assessment, assistive technology, behavior & classroom management, collaboration, content instruction, differentiated instruction, disability, diversity, early intervention/early childhood, juvenile corrections, learning strategies, mathematics, MTSS/RTI, reading, literacy, and language arts, related services, school improvement/leadership, and transition.

AFIRM Modules

AFIRM Modules aim to provide a free, structured approach to the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) for individuals with Autism, covering the age range of birth to 22 years old. AFIRM offers evidence-based modules specific to those supporting learners, paraprofessionals, interventionsists working with toddlers, and early care providers. These modules include additional resources and handouts that can be downloaded for reference. Each module takes approximately 1-3 hours to complete. Modules cover antecedent-based interventions, cognitive behavioral intervention, differential reinforcement, discrete trial training, extinction, functional behavior assessment, functional communication training, modeling, naturalistic interventions, parent-implemented interventions, peer-mediated instruction & intervention, Picture Exchange Communication System®, pivotal response training, prompting, reinforcement, response interruption & redirection, scripting, self-management, social narratives, social skills training, structured play groups, task analysis, technology-aided instruction & intervention, time delay, video modeling, and visual supports. 

The National Center on Intensive Intervention

The National Center on Intensive Intervention offers online modules on topics such as evidence-based practices for teaching students with Autism and functional behavior assessment. Tools and resources are offered to help educators support students with intensive needs, including students with disabilities and those who have not responded to validated intervention programs delivered with fidelity. Resources cover intensive intervention and data-based individualization (DBI), supporting students during COVID-19 and related scenarios, selecting assessment, data use and planning, intervention platforms and instructional strategies, and parent and family engagement. 

Project Para

The Paraeducator Self Study Program is a free, online training tool for school districts to give introductory education to their paraeducators. It includes several sections covering the duties and responsibilities of paraeducators, as well as the foundational knowledge and abilities needed to assist instruction. This program is meant to complement the training provided by school districts and help them comply with Title-I and Early Childhood credit requirements. Training takes approximately 2 hours per unit.

The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder (NPDC)

The NPDC developed free professional resources for teachers, therapists, and technical assistance providers who work with individuals with ASD. Resources include detailed information on how to plan, implement, and monitor specific evidence-based practices. NPDC offers virtual and interactive training to participants seeking to learn about how the NPDC model supports program quality, use of evidence-based practices, and goal attainment for autistic students in preschool through high school settings. The two-day training includes both didactic instruction and small group discussion. CEUs and a Certification in the NPDC Model is available for participants. 

The Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (CSESA)

CSESA is a 5-year research and development project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that focuses on developing, adapting, and studying a comprehensive school-based and community-based education program for high school students on the autism spectrum. CSESA offers a variety of resources such as informational handouts, research summaries, professional development tools, and curriculum materials designed to support caregivers, professionals, and individuals on the autism spectrum. Resources cover: supporting communication and social skills, supporting independence and behavior, supporting the transition to adulthood, supporting literacy, supporting the use of evidence-based practices, supporting physical and emotional wellness, and understanding autism. 

Intervention Central

Intervention central provides teachers, schools, and districts with free resources to help struggling learning and implement RTI and attain the Common Core State Standards.

What works clearinghouse (WWC)

WWC is a central and trusted source of scientific evidence on education programs, products, practices, and policies. WWC reviews research, determines which studies meet rigorous standards, then summarizes the findings. Resources and recommendations for educators are available.

The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice (NCAEP)

NCAEP systematically reviewed research studies published between 2012-2017 which examined the impact of behavioral, educational, clinical, and developmental practices and service models used with individuals on the autism spectrum from birth through age 22. The review was conducted to inform practice and policy, and to ensure that individuals with autism spectrum disorder are provided the most efficacious interventions that lead to the most successful outcomes. NCAEP's evidence-based practice database covers the domains of communication, cognitive, joint attention, mental health, motor, play, pre-academic/academic, self-determination, school readiness behavior, social, vocational, adaptive/self-help, and challenging/interfering behavior.

Social Thinking

The Social Thinking Methodology provides evidence-based strategies to help people ages four through adult develop their social competencies, flexible thinking & social problem solving. It helps to improve conversation and social connection, executive functioning, friendship & relationship development, perspective taking, self-regulation, and social thinking vocabulary. Social Thinking offers on demand courses and free webinars that are CEU eligible.

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

CASEL is a nonprofit organization that evaluates programming, curates research, informs legislation, and partners on implementation of social and emotional learning. CASEL's mission is to help make evidence-based SEL an integral part of education from preschool through high school. They conduct, commission, and synthesize academic research to continuously advance the field. CASEL partners with school districts across the country to support their efforts to systematically impement SEL, provides free and field-tested resources to support SELF implementation, and offers a four-part workshop series to help education leaders implement SEL in their school communities. Additionally, they offer free webinars and highlight how real school districts are implementing SEL in their communities. 

Transition Coalition

Transition Coalition provides specialized professional development, technical assistance and resources for educators, professionals, and family members who support students and youth with disabilities. Training and resources are for anyone involved in transition planning. They offer training for individuals through online modules and training for district or building teams through online learning, discussion, applied activities, team data-based reflection on current practices, guided identification of resources, materials, curricula, etc., and team action planning and implementation. Resources for supporting students with complex support needs is available.

Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network

The Nebraska ASD Network provides up-to-date information and training based on current research about autism spectrum disorders. Free available webinars cover the following topics: assessment curriculum, behavior, classroom structure/instructional strategies, communication, early childhood, executive functioning, family/home supports, first-hand perspectives, mental health, social supports, special topics, and transitions.