STS Highlights: February 2026
As training requirements continue to evolve, organizations are looking for solutions that are flexible, practical, and aligned with real-world needs. From customized curriculum development to compliance-driven driver training and professional growth opportunities, Smart Horizons and School Training Solutions offer resources designed to support safety, performance, and long-term success.
Explore the featured programs and articles below to learn how targeted training, modern delivery options, and thoughtful course design can help strengthen teams, simplify requirements, and support ongoing professional development.
With determination,
Patrick
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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
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Sexual Harassment Awareness Training
Learn how to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace with our 4-hour online Sexual Harassment Awareness training package. This convenient online option covers one of the most widely required annual training topics across the country.
See the Lessons
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Simplifying ELDT Requirements
Some say obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) has become more complicated because of the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements. We disagree! Smart Horizons provides online theory training that can be completed on your schedule.
See Our ELDT Options
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Soft Skills Training that Drives Employee Retention
Employers across industries are recognizing common challenges: many employees enter the workforce without critical soft skills, while organizations struggle to keep teams engaged and motivated. In both cases, training is one of the most effective solutions.
Smart Horizons offers a comprehensive library of online soft skills courses designed to address today’s most common workplace challenges
Explore Employee Soft Skills Training
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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
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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
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What are Orange Lines on the Highway?
Notice anything different about the road in front of you? Here’s what you need to know about a bold new color choice. Instead of the typical white and yellow lines you normally see, now there are ORANGE lines. Orange highway striping is still new, but several states are testing out or have implemented orange lines on the highway.
Read the Article at Reader’s Digest
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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
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Posted in
Blog on February 17th, 2026.
No Comments.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Posted in
Blog on January 22nd, 2026.
No Comments.
