Improving Communities of Practice (ICoP) and Moving Forward are regional training and technical assistance programs of the Center for Development and Disability to support those working with students, including students with special needs, in BIA funded schools across the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. In carrying out this comprehensive system of personnel development (CSPD) with schools on the Navajo Nation, UNM/CDD has invited the partnership of the Institute for Human Development at Northern Arizona University, New Mexico State University, and Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, to help insure that professional development is supported by a strong network of institutions of higher learning.
BIA funded activities on the Navajo Nation aredivided into five regions, or BIA Agencies, including: Chinle, Western Navajo (Tuba City), Fort Defiance, Eastern Navajo (Crownpoint), and Shiprock.
Improving Communities of Practice, a regional training and technical assistance project, works to provide training to each of the five Agencies on the Navajo Nation. ICoP uses the recent successful philosophy practiced in some business communities where there is shared expertise and passion about a topic and on-going sharing to further learning.
ICoP seeks to establish regional training and technical assistance systems to address regional priorities. Some examples of training priorities include: Developing Policies and Procedures for Special Education, Supporting Residential Staff to Address Student Needs. For information about training and activities on the Navajo Nation, view the CSPD calendar.
In addition to ICoP, Moving Forward is targeted training and technical assistance to specific BIA funded schools on the Navajo Nation, addressing supports for corrective action. These individual schools in corrective action, under the leadership of Education Line Offices in each Agency, may access specific training and technical assistance to address school priorities. Some examples include: school-wide behavioral support, development of IEPs, and family supports for parent involvement.
All extended training opportunities of ICoP and Moving Forward
will offer options for college credit. The partnerships with IHD/NAU, NMSU,
SIPI, and UNM/Gallup help insure that students living on or near the Navajo
Nation will be able to access higher education more cost-effectively.
