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OKAPT Stopping for School Buses


Stopped school bus with a student crossing
When the Reds are Flashing, There is No Passing!

Released during National School Bus Safety Week 2025, the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) collaborated with RFK Racing, Blue Bird Corporation, and ROUSH CleanTech to highlight a critical safety reminder for all motorists: when a school bus stops, traffic must stop—it is required by law.

This public service announcement features RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece, who reinforces the message that school bus safety applies to everyone, including professional drivers. With illegal school bus passings occurring far too often nationwide, spreading awareness remains a vital step in keeping students safe as they load and unload each day.

🎥 OKAPT was not involved in the production of this video, but we are proud to share it in support of our transportation partners in Ohio and Michigan and to help extend the reach of an important safety message.

The Oklahoma association maintains a firm commitment to education that promotes accident prevention and injury avoidance. We sincerely hope that through standardized drivers’ education courses (both online and onsite) and the adoption of best safety practices, Oklahoma pupil transportation partners gain the desired confidence, recognition, and respect of students, school administrators, and the communities served.

About OKAPT Conference & Trade Show

Prioritizing student safety on every route, every day,
 
OKAPT Training
P.O. Box 1626
Guthrie, OK 73044
405-514-4606

Posted in Blog on February 10th, 2026. No Comments.



Theory that Supports Drivers

Children riding a school bus
Theory Training That Supports School Bus Drivers Behind the Wheel

School bus drivers play one of the most important roles in student safety, and staying sharp behind the wheel takes more than experience alone. Ongoing training helps reinforce best practices, strengthen decision-making, and support safe, confident driving every day.

School Training Solutions offers online theory-based courses designed specifically for school bus drivers. These courses cover key in-service topics such as safety awareness, defensive driving concepts, student management, and professional responsibilities—allowing drivers to complete training on your schedule.

Our online format makes it easier to stay compliant while focusing on what matters most: protecting students and getting them home safely.

If you are required to complete annual in-service training, or if you simply want to reinforce safe driving habits, our courses provide practical, relevant instruction that supports your role.

👉 *View Available School Bus Driver Training
👉 Contact Us for District or Fleet Options
👉 Our ELDT Courses

*Internet speed may affect the .pdf catalog’s download time.

Thank you for the work you do every day,

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

Posted in Blog on February 3rd, 2026. No Comments.



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.



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