News and Events for April 27 through May 8, 2026

Horn / Walter Winners Announced!

Congratulations to the Region 8 nominees for the R. A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement and Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Special Educator Awards!


Click on the images below for a closer look at all the Region 8 nominees and winners!

Final SpEd Forum of the Year!!

In Person at SST8

Don’t miss the last SpEd Forum of the year as we cover a topic of interest, share important updates and announcements, and answer your questions! Special Education is always evolving and challenging on the best of days; come get the support you need while networking with your colleagues from around the region! 



When: May 12th 9:00-11:00

Where: SST8 Event Center 420 Washington Ave. Cuyahoga Falls

Who: Special Education Directors, Coordinators, Supervisors, Leads



Cohort 3 One Plans are Due April 30th

Attention all Cohort 3 members! We are officially in the home stretch for the spring planning season.



Please ensure your One Plans are finalized and submitted within the EDSTEPS system by Thursday, April 30th. As we align our local goals with state requirements, completing this on time ensures your district stays on track for upcoming funding cycles and compliance reviews.

Support that Sticks: Evidence-Based Practices for Every Student

Implementing PBIS in the classroom is critical to achieving fidelity in your framework. Classroom PBIS refers to educators utilizing evidence-based practices to establish predictable, positive, effective, and equitable teaching and learning environments where all students can receive the level of support they need to experience positive SEB (social emotional behavioral) and academic outcomes.


The Supporting and Responding to Students’ Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Needs: Evidence-Based Practices for Educators guide provides four steps of critical evidence-based practices educators can use to support their students' SEB development. Guidance for monitoring implementation is also provided (pbis.org).

Tell Us What You Need

As we plan for 2026–2027, we’re gathering input to guide the next phase of our Regional Literacy Network. Our goal is to build on the strong momentum already in place — not start over. This needs assessment ensures our work stays aligned to what districts truly need.



The full network will continue focusing on IMTSS, with communities of practice providing deeper, targeted support. We’ll use your feedback to strengthen and refine our learning, prioritizing continuity and depth.


R8LL Network Needs Assessment

2026 Ohio School Safety Summit Registration is Open

The Ohio School Safety Summit, the premier annual school safety summit hosted by the Ohio School Safety Center, is set to take place at an exciting new location: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. Dive into dynamic sessions led by top voices in school safety, and learn about what actually works in Ohio schools. Earn continuing education credits while exploring timely topics. Connect and collaborate with fellow school safety professionals and vendors from Ohio and beyond.


Register now for the Summit June 2-3, 2026!