About

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children is a significant public health problem in the United States. A brain injury, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, disrupts the normal function of the brain.

After a TBI, children can experience changes in their health, thinking, and behavior that affect learning, self-regulation, and social participation—all of which are important to being successful in school and life.

Most children recover well physically but they can experience changes in behavior and cognition that are not recognized immediately. Research indicates that educators often are unfamiliar with the challenges students with TBI experience.

The In the Classroom (ITC) Course provides helpful information, practical strategies and resources for educators working with students with brain injury.

Instructors

Ann Glang, PhD

Ann is a Research Professor at the University of Oregon and since 1987, Director of CBIRT. Her research interests include childhood brain injury prevention, teacher training, and strategies for helping teachers and families support children and adolescents with brain injuries. She has published numerous articles in refereed journals, edited two books on her work with children with TBI, and co-authored five manuals for educators serving children with TBI. Ann was awarded the 2011 Researcher of the Year award by the North American Brain Injury Society. Ann has also led the development of a range of online products including Brain 101, a concussion education and management program for high schools.

Melissa McCart, DEd

Melissa has worked extensively with at-risk children and families as a behavior specialist for Oregon school districts and as a special education teacher. Prior to coming to CBIRT, Melissa spent seven years as a school administrator. She is currently the Project Coordinator for the Oregon Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Educational Team. Like Dr. Glang, Melissa has mentored several states in improving educational services for youth with TBI. She conducts state and nationwide workforce trainings for educators who serve students with TBI in the schools. She is also a leader in policy initiatives to improve student access to services in schools.

FAQ

Who should take the ITC Course?

Classroom teachers, special educators, school psychologists, counselors, therapists, and administrators will all benefit from taking the ITC Course.

What do I get when I pay for the ITC Course?

Access to the full course, which includes: Evidence-based instructional strategies, spread across 9 modules and 21 lessons, with professionally produced instructional videos and supplemental resources. There are two pricing options, one for Professional Develop Units (PDUs) and one for Continuing Education Credit (CEU).

How many PDUs can I receive?

Each unit you complete is worth 15 minutes of PDUs. Completion of the entire ITC course entitles you to 10 hours of PDUs. You can receive 1 CEU.

Will I receive a certificate?

If you're obtaining PDUs, you can download a Course Certificate highlighting your training, upon completion of the course - reflecting 10 hours of PDUs. You can also choose to print a Certificate reflecting each 15-minute unit you successfully complete.

If you're obtaining a CEU, you will receive and official certificate from the University of Oregon Continuing and Professional Education Office.

What will I be able to do upon completing the ITC course?

You will be able to work more effectively with students who have sustained a brain injury.  Practical strategies include tips for how to set up your classroom to decrease distractions, behavior supports, monitoring and assessment, instructional accommodations and more.

How long does it take to complete the entire ITC course?

It takes about 10 hours to complete the entire ITC course.

Do I need any specific software for this course?

No! Any up-to-date web browser, e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari will work just fine on desktop, tablet, phone - wherever you are!

Videos

The videos included in the “In the Classroom” course are hosted on YouTube.  Some school districts block or filter access to YouTube.  This may limit your access to this content while on school grounds. 

Will I earn university credit for completing the ITC course?

No, the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the University of Oregon.

Do I need to take the lessons in a specific order?

No. You can move freely between the modules and topics - your progress is automatically tracked for you.

How long do I have access?

1 year! Organizations with a large number of users may request a longer-term agreement.