About BEST: Training Process
 

Programs using the BEST modules form a team or teams to go through the material together in a self-study process.   Teams are usually made up of people who work with each other on a regular basis.  Members may include teachers, specialists, aides, administrators, support staff, and other interested individuals such as parents or community volunteers.  

Team meetings, during which members work through the module chapter-by-chapter, are arranged to fit the members’ schedules.  Each chapter guides the team through a series of readings and exercises designed to help them study, adapt and implement promising practices and evidence-based strategies. The format provides multiple opportunities for active collaboration among the participants and stresses direct application to the setting(s) where team members are currently working.

BEST staff members provide technical assistance to teams using the module by

·        collecting and analyzing pre/post/follow-up data,

·        reviewing and responding to team assignments,

·        responding to team members questions and concerns by telephone, email, letters or web-based communication

·        offering optional site visits to begin the training process, provide face-to-face support during the training, and/or help celebrate the teams’ successes and plan for the future.

Participants in BEST training also have the option of taking the modules for undergraduate/graduate credit from the University of Idaho.  BEST staff members track the registration, attendance and assignment completion of registered students.