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STS Highlights: January 2026

Hello January

STS Highlights: January 2026

January is a time to reset, refocus, and look ahead. As the year begins, organizations across transportation, education, and training are balancing innovation with responsibility. This includes developing effective learning tools, meeting compliance requirements, and staying informed about the world beyond the workplace.

In this month’s Highlights, we are sharing updates on courseware development, flexible online training options, and customized learning plans. You will also find important awareness initiatives, upcoming industry events, and a few interesting discoveries worth a pause.

With hope,

    Patrick


Interstate Highway traffic

Sometimes “Off-the-Shelf” Is Not Enough

For over 25 years, Smart Horizons has been a trusted leader in curriculum design, development, and implementation. We’ve built enduring relationships, created thousands of hours of high-quality instruction, and supported countless industries. We are a resource for courseware development! We can build and host to your specifications.

Let’s Discuss Curriculum Development


Trucks on a busy highway

Online ELDT Theory Options

For new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. These regulations establish the minimum training standards drivers must meet before taking specific CDL knowledge or skills tests.

Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for ELDT Theory, offers fully online theory training tracks that meet all federal standards. Upon completion, all results are promptly reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Enrollment is open now, and learners can begin immediately.

See Our ELDT Options


Success

Explore Our Custom Training Plan Option

We understand that one size doesn’t fit all. Our custom option allows you to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria.

Reach Out to Start the Process


OKAPT ACTS 2026

Save the Date: OKAPT ACTS 2026!

Get ready for a milestone year! The OKAPT 50th Annual Conference & Trade Show is coming June 7–11, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma.

Join transportation professionals from across the state for five days of inspiration, hands-on learning, and industry innovation while celebrating the organization’s golden anniversary!

More Details to Follow


Scientist in a lab

Pretty Darn Interesting: Scientific Discoveries From 2025 that Could Lead to New Inventions

From snails regrowing their eyes to lizards tolerating toxic environments, these eight scientific discoveries from 2025 show how nature continues to surprise and inspire us. This Smithsonian article highlights eight surprising science discoveries from the past year that might lead to future innovations, from animal biology to nature-inspired design.

Read the Article at Smithsonian Magazine


Smiling school bus driver

School Bus Driver In-Service THEORY Online

Most school bus drivers are required to complete annual in-service training. We offer a convenient online theory option that covers a variety of relevant topics to support safety, compliance, and professional growth. This flexible format allows drivers to complete training at their own pace while reinforcing best practices and keeping performance strong behind the wheel.

See the Course Details


Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Human trafficking is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking topics we address in the STS Highlights Newsletter, and it’s a subject we wish didn’t need to be discussed. Unfortunately, it is a reality that demands our attention. The bottom line is simple: this training saves lives and equips people to recognize and report trafficking when it matters most.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and now is the perfect time to act. If you lead a team, make this FREE training a requirement. Our friends at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) are on the frontlines of this fight, working tirelessly with organizations and states to combat human trafficking. Communities are making a difference, and training is a great first step.

About TAT

For School Transportation

Get Involved


Posted in Blog on January 22nd, 2026. No Comments.



ELDT – All Options

Trucks on the interstate
Online ELDT Theory Training—Available for Immediate Enrollment

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers. For new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. These regulations establish the minimum training standards drivers must meet before taking specific CDL knowledge or skills tests.

Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for ELDT Theory, offers fully online theory training tracks that meet all federal standards. Upon completion, all results are promptly reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Enrollment is open now, and learners can begin immediately.

If you know someone who could benefit from ELDT Theory training, please feel free to share this information. We are open to curriculum partnerships. Lessons are available without reporting services, upon request

Questions? We’re here to help!
Forward this email to anyone who could benefit from this training.

ELDT Theory Training Contact Us

Here to support your journey,

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com
1-800-261-6248 Customer Support

Posted in Blog on December 18th, 2025. No Comments.



Utah TTS – All ELDT Options

Interstate Highway Interchange
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory Training
Truck driver at the wheel

In the U.S., a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate large or heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, and trailers. Federal regulations mandate Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) for anyone seeking a CDL or certain endorsements before taking specific skills or knowledge tests.

Our online ELDT theory curriculum is now open for enrollment and includes stand-alone training packages for:

  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class B to A Upgrade
  • School Bus Endorsement
  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Hazmat Endorsement

As an FMCSA-approved Training Provider, Smart Horizons delivers training that fully aligns with all federal ELDT requirements. Once you complete your course, your training record is automatically submitted to the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

Have questions or need assistance? We’re here to help!

Smart Horizons is serving Utah via Contract #MA4886 to provide Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory. Details are available from the Utah Division of Purchasing and General Services.

ELDT Theory Training Contact Us

Committed to your training success,

Patrick Willi
850-475-4024 Office
800-261-6248 Customer Support
pdwilli@smarthorizons.com

 

Posted in Blog on December 18th, 2025. No Comments.



Honoring Your Commitment to Professional Development

Thank You

Thank you for being part of more than a decade of online certification and professional growth

As we close out the first era of NAPT’s online certification courses, we want to extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the members who have trusted and utilized this courseware since its launch in 2011. Over the years, countless professionals across the pupil transportation industry have advanced their skills, pursued certification, and strengthened their commitment to safety and excellence. We are honored to have supported your professional development goals.

If you are continuing your learning journey, we remain here to support you. With more than three decades of experience delivering online theory-based training—evolving from computer-based to web-based instruction and expanding into commercial markets—Smart Horizons continues to specialize in flexible, high-quality online training solutions.

School Training Solutions Smart Horizons

With appreciation,

Patrick Willi
School Training Solutions
pwilli@schooltrainingsolutions.com
1-800-261-6248  Customer Support

Posted in Blog on December 18th, 2025. No Comments.



STS Highlights: December 2025

December

STS Highlights: December 2025

Supporting the safety, development, and preparedness of the pupil transportation workforce has always been at the core of our mission. Today’s transportation professionals face a wide range of responsibilities, and we remain committed to offering training that meets those needs with clarity, flexibility, and reliability. From helping new drivers meet federal Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, to providing customizable theory-based courses for in-service and professional development, to offering specialized training on critical safety topics such as Active Shooter Response, our goal is to ensure every district has access to the tools needed to stay compliant and prepared.

With gratitude,

    Patrick


Interstate Highway traffic

Online ELDT Theory Options

For new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. These regulations establish the minimum training standards drivers must meet before taking specific CDL knowledge or skills tests.

Smart Horizons, an approved Training Provider for ELDT Theory, offers fully online theory training tracks that meet all federal standards. Upon completion, all results are promptly reported to the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Enrollment is open now, and learners can begin immediately.

See Our ELDT Options


Thank You

Thank You for More than a Decade of Online Certifications and Professional Growth

As we close out the first era of NAPT’s online certification courses, we want to extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the members who have trusted and utilized this courseware since its launch in 2011. Over the years, countless professionals across the pupil transportation industry have advanced their skills, pursued certification, and strengthened their commitment to safety and excellence. We are honored to have supported your professional development goals.

See Our Other Online Training Options


Retirement plan

Active Shooter Response Training

We recognize that this is a difficult but necessary topic. To help schools and staff prepare, we offer Active Shooter Response Training designed to promote awareness, prevention, and readiness. The course includes two independent lessons (2 Hours / .02 CEUs) and is available for immediate enrollment.

This theory training is built to provide staff with clear, practical guidance for protecting themselves and others should the unthinkable occur.

Enroll in Training


Success

Explore Our Custom Training Plan Option

We understand that one size doesn’t fit all. Our custom option allows you to choose the exact lessons your team needs. Whether you’re focusing on in-service, professional development, or building career ladders, you can tailor a training plan that aligns with your goals. Many districts even use these customized training plans as part of their promotion or wage increase criteria.

Reach Out to Start the Process


OKAPT ACTS

Save the Date: OKAPT ACTS 2026!

Get ready for a milestone year! The OKAPT 50th Annual Conference & Trade Show is coming June 7–11, 2026, in Durant, Oklahoma.

Join transportation professionals from across the state for five days of inspiration, hands-on learning, and industry innovation while celebrating the organization’s golden anniversary!

More Details to Follow


Emergency Procedures flyer

Emergency Procedures: Best Practices for Safety

Recent events may have prompted you, your department, or your organization to revisit emergency procedures. This Best Practices Flyer is available as a quick reference to support planning, training, and response.

Flyer Download Options


Posted in Blog on December 11th, 2025. No Comments.



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