Diagnostic Center, Southern California
Diagnostic Center, Southern California
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Positive Environments, Network of Trainers (PENT)

PENT is a California Positive Behavior Initiative created in 1998 as a joint effort between the Diagnostic Center, Southern California and the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) to build a statewide network of trainers in positive behavior supports.

What has PENT accomplished?

  • Annual PENT Forums External link opens in new window or tab. since 2003 held North and South, providing 300 Cadre members yearly with evidence-based training materials and resources to build capacity at the local level.
  • PENT Research Team External link opens in new window or tab. demonstrated that a well-developed behavior intervention plan (BIP) increases student outcomes and staff fidelity. Research was published in four peer reviewed journals.
  • PENT Website External link opens in new window or tab. updated with usable documents and resources for educators on behavior intervention, instructional supports, child development, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), and school mental health. Includes a searchable PENT Cadre directory External link opens in new window or tab..

What's next for PENT Forum 2025:

  • South Forum: March 5, 2025; North Forum: March 19, 2025
  • Nomination forms for new Cadre or to replace Cadre members will be distributed to all SELPA Directors in October 2024.

Advantages of PENT Participation:

  • Brings continuity throughout the state on evidence-based practices for social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
  • Creates a body of knowledgeable professionals that are a resource to not just the districts or SELPAs, but also to the state.
  • Develops a collegial network of trainers that can share developed tools and resources.
  • Creates a proactive movement to assist providers in the use of individualized, least restrictive interventions, within a context of tiered support.
  • Provides a wealth of resources that have been reviewed, in an online system. Information from the forums is memorialized and available on the website. Presentations can be tailored to your own SELPA needs. Participants learn specific strategies, take away information, and build skills that they can use right away.
  • Develop an understanding and consideration of the critical impact of cultural competency.
  • Keep abreast of the current trends and compliance issues of Federal and State legislation.
  • Documented quality training assists in creating a legally defensible system of practice that utilizes best practices in all areas including and not limited to assessment, analysis, intervention, data driven decisions and collaborative processes.
  • It is expected that those participating will be in a position to train others and to be a resource for their community of educators and parents.
  • Collaboration with multi-agencies is necessary for many of our students, and how to build a climate of shared vision, service, and communication is emphasized.

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