escWorks

Lunch & Learn: New Educational Diagnostician Academy-2025-2026

Attention New Educational Diagnosticians!

Are you in your first three years as an Educational Diagnostician? ESC Region 4 is excited to introduce the New Educational Diagnostician Academy, designed to support your understanding of this critical role.

Through interactive lunch-and-learn sessions, participants will explore essential and timely topics relevant to educational diagnosticians, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain practical insights. Additionally, this academy provides valuable opportunities to network with fellow new diagnosticians from districts and charter schools across Region 4.

This session aligns with the evaluation and properly constituted ARD components of the TEA-required self-assessment and SPP Indicators 11 & 12, ensuring you stay informed and compliant with state expectations.

Click on Select below to add your session selections. Once you've made your selections, click Add to Cart to complete Check Out.

Option I

Session ID: 1896775
The ABC's of the FIIE
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 206 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session will provide new and developing educational diagnosticians with a clear and practical overview of the Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) process. Participants will explore the essential components of a compliant FIE, including Assessment planning, Best practices in data collection, and clear, defensible report writing. Through guided discussion and hands-on activities, attendees will build confidence in conducting high-quality evaluations that support appropriate eligibility decisions and meaningful educational planning.

Option II

Session ID: 1896781
Enhancing Collaboration Between Educational Diagnosticians & School Nurses for Student Success
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Online Course, Log-in information will be emailed.
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 161 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session explores the critical collaboration between educational diagnosticians and school nurses to support student success. Participants will learn how to effectively share data, communicate health and educational concerns, and align their roles in the evaluation process. Through real-world scenarios and discussion, attendees will develop strategies to strengthen partnerships that lead to accurate eligibility decisions and comprehensive student support.

Option III

Session ID: 1896789
Unlocking Student Potential: Effective Collaboration Between Educational Diagnosticians and Campus Principals
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 191 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on building strong, collaborative partnerships between educational diagnosticians and campus principals to enhance student outcomes. Participants will explore strategies for effective communication, shared decision-making, and aligning evaluation practices with campus goals. Through interactive discussions and case studies, attendees will learn how to foster a team-based approach that promotes compliance, supports student needs, and drives academic success.

Option IV

Session ID: 1896804
Safe Rides, Bright Futures: Strengthening Collaboration for Student Success
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 161 / 300

Important Breakout Information:

This session highlights the importance of collaboration between educational diagnosticians and school bus drivers in supporting students with disabilities. Participants will explore how sharing relevant information, understanding student needs, and fostering open communication can ensure safe, supportive transportation experiences. Practical tips and real-life scenarios will guide attendees in building strong partnerships that contribute to student success beyond the classroom.

Option V

Session ID: 1897295
The Diagnostician's Guide to the Desk Review Process
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 192 / 300

Important Breakout Information:

This session will clarify the educational diagnostician’s role in the TEA desk review process. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how evaluation practices impact state monitoring, what documentation is reviewed, and how to ensure compliance with timelines and eligibility criteria. Practical tips will be shared to support accurate, complete, and defensible records that align with state expectations.

Session I

Session ID: 1896827
Decoding Success: Uniting Educational Diagnosticians and Dyslexia Specialists
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 198 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on the collaborative efforts between educational diagnosticians and dyslexia specialists to ensure accurate identification and effective support for students with reading difficulties. Participants will explore best practices for sharing assessment data, aligning intervention strategies, and maintaining compliance with state dyslexia guidelines. Through case examples and collaborative planning, attendees will strengthen their ability to work as a unified team for student success.

Session IA

Session ID: 1896828
Breaking the Silence: Best Practices for Assessing Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 174 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session provides guidance on how to properly conduct evaluations for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH). Participants will learn how to plan and implement comprehensive and linguistically appropriate assessments that address both auditory and educational needs. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration with related service providers, selecting appropriate tools, and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Session II

Session ID: 1896834
Partners in Progress:How to Partner Effectively with Families
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 186 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on building meaningful partnerships with families throughout the special education evaluation process. Participants will learn strategies for effective communication, fostering trust, and engaging families as active members of the evaluation team. Emphasis will be placed on culturally responsive practices, transparency, and collaboration to ensure families feel informed, respected, and supported every step of the way.

Session III

Session ID: 1910303
Collaborative Paths to Student Success: Bridging Diagnosticians and Counselors
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 170 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session explores how educational diagnosticians and school counselors can work collaboratively to support the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of students. Participants will learn strategies for effective communication, data sharing, and coordinated interventions. Through real-world examples and discussion, attendees will discover how this partnership can enhance student outcomes and promote a more comprehensive approach to student support.

Session IV

Session ID: 1914117
Little Learners, Big Decisions: Navigating LRE for ECSE
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 174 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on making appropriate Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) decisions for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) students. Participants will explore legal requirements, instructional considerations, and collaborative decision-making practices that ensure placements are individualized, developmentally appropriate, and supportive of meaningful access to the general education environment.

Session IX

Session ID: 1914170
The Right Fit: Ensuring the Proper LRE for All Students
Date/Time: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:Region 4 ESC, Zoom Session
Contact Person: April Thomas
Seats Filled: 190 / 300

Important Breakout Information:
This session provides guidance on making appropriate Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) decisions for students receiving special education services. Participants will review legal requirements, examine key factors in placement determination, and engage in collaborative strategies to ensure decisions are individualized, data-driven, and support meaningful access to the general curriculum.

MAIN OFFICE
Region 4 Education Service Center
7145 West Tidwell Road Houston, Texas 77092-2096
713.462.7708 | PHONE
Region 4 is making improvements to the McKinney Conference Center and will invite guests to experience the difference in August of 2024
FEEDBACK TERMS & PRIVACY CONTACT US PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAIN OFFICE
Region 4 Education Service Center
7145 West Tidwell Road Houston, Texas 77092-2096
713.462.7708 | PHONE

FEEDBACK TERMS & PRIVACY CONTACT US
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Region 4 is making improvements to the McKinney Conference Center and will invite guests to experience the difference in August of 2024