SIM News
Teachers Testing Transformative Interventions
One of the research groups at CRL has completed an initial analysis of the IES-funded randomized controlled trial, Teachers Testing Transformative Interventions (T3i). T3i explored how adolescents with learning disabilities envision their futures—their hopes, fears, expectations, and aspirations as individuals, learners, and future professionals.
The study aimed to identify effective strategies for improving transition outcomes for students with disabilities. Our hypothesis: that Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) materials could play a key role in supporting these improvements. The interventions included the Possible Selves (PS) curriculum and a new, enhanced version that integrates the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)—soon to be available to the SIM Network.
Join us for a free webinar where we’ll share:
- What students revealed about their future selves and goals
- How different instructional approaches influenced their responses
- Practical ways to use these insights to inform IEPs, Transition Plans, and Postsecondary goals
We’ll also discuss how this work can shape SIM’s approach to meeting the unique transition needs of students with disabilities.
A look at the numbers
In 2024, there were 109 Professional Development Session Reports. These numbers have never returned to pre-pandemic levels. We're curious how much of this is due to lower reporting numbers and how much is lower use of SIM. Here are the numbers from the past 10 years.
Reminders:
- Report your SIM PD work - We use this information to help us apply for grants and to share the impact SIM is having around the world. This is especially important right now with everything that is happening in the broader landscape of US education.
- Update your StrateDirectory information so that others in the network can find you. That is also where you let us know if you are interested in being contacted with referrals for PD in your area.
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SIM in the Field
The 2025 Arkansas Regional SIM Conference was hosted by University of Central Arkansas's Mashburn Center for Learning July 30-31. Thanks to all the wonderful people who put this conference together and everyone who attended! Here are a few pictures from the conference.
To find out more about the great work happening in Arkansas, check out the Spring 2025 Mashburn Voice Newsletter.
Recent Publications by KU CRL Staff and SIM Network Members:
- Myers, S., Washburn, J., Rowland, A., & Smith, S. (2025). Developing an adaptive professional learning model: Educator insights on their infrastructure. Teacher Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2025.2511739
- Carreon, A., Mosher, M., Goldman, S., Smith, S., & Smith, B. (2025). A Ten-Year Review of the Journal of Special Education Technology: Innovations and Trends for Individuals with Disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/01626434251349414
- Tanner, Emily & Slaven-Ruffing, Stephanie & Varjas, Kris & Houchins, David & Roach, Andrew & Reed, Deborah. (2025). Juvenile Correctional Administrators and Teachers Perspectives on the Implementation of Read 180®. Residential Treatment For Children & Youth. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/0886571X.2025.2506403.
- Day, Jamie & Campbell, Aaron & Kennedy, Michael. (2025). Teacher Candidates’ Self-Efficacy During Vanishing Equity Policies. Journal of Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220574251360621.
- Boyle, Joseph & Watson, Latesha & Frith, Danielle & Robinson, Hannah. (2025). Teaching Students With and Without Learning Disabilities to Use a Scientific Argumentative Writing Strategy in Inclusive Science Classes. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/09388982251359640.
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SIM Resources
Understanding the Value Behind Our Educational Materials
Over the years, we've worked hard to keep our manual pricing as accessible as possible. While inflation has steadily increased, meaning a $12.50 manual in 2010 would cost over $31 today. We’ve kept our prices well below that benchmark for as long as we could.
To continue delivering high-quality, up-to-date educational content and to cover the rising costs of production and processing, our current pricing now ranges between $25 and $50. Additionally, in light of the current funding environment, a portion of the production costs now goes to the University for their support of our center’s work. This adjustment ensures we can maintain the standards you expect while still offering exceptional value compared to inflation-adjusted costs. Your purchase not only supports your learning but also contributes to sustaining the broader educational mission.
Resources:
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SIM Events for PDers and Specialists
New Course: Supporting Adolescent Literacy for Successful School Change
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Is your school team looking for a course in adolescent literacy to dramatically impact teacher and student performance? We have a course for that!
Our online learning course, Supporting Adolescent Literacy for Successful School Change, is a six-part course designed to support school teams in implementing a systematic approach to adolescent literacy using evidence-based learning tools. Follow the link above for more information and to register today!
 SIM Online PD Classes for educators (self-paced courses on Canvas, with follow-up coaching time)
- Content Enhancement Routines:
- Learning Strategies:
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