STS Highlights: July 2026
The countdown to a new school year has begun. For transportation departments, the summer months provide an important opportunity to prepare drivers, complete required training, strengthen operations, and ensure teams are ready to safely transport students on day one. The work completed now can have a lasting impact throughout the entire school year.
This month, we’re sharing resources focused on driver readiness, workforce development, and flexible training solutions. From annual in-service planning and customized professional development programs to ELDT theory training and strategies for addressing workforce challenges, our goal is to help transportation leaders build stronger teams and safer operations. We also invite you to explore a fascinating Harvard Health article highlighting five surprising benefits of walking and the positive impact simple habits can have on overall health.
Engage in learning this summer,
Patrick
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We Don’t Just Deliver Training—We Build It With You
At Smart Horizons, we are your dedicated courseware development partner. Our experienced instructional designers and media professionals work hand-in-hand with subject matter experts to create custom, high-impact training solutions that fit your goals, timeline, and budget. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Let’s collaborate to develop training that truly reflects your organization’s needs.
Ready to create something powerful?
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Supporting Drivers and Operations
Keeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations.
Explore School Training Solutions
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Now’s the Perfect Time to Tackle Annual Training!
Because 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.
Create a Custom Training Plan
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Online ELDT Theory Training—Available for Immediate Enrollment
For new drivers or those seeking additional endorsements, Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is a mandatory federal requirement. 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 All ELDT Theory Options
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Interesting: 5 surprising benefits of walking
The next time you have a check-up, don’t be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you’ve been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,” in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read the entire article at Harvard Health Publishing.
Better Health Through Walking
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Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver Workforce
School transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations.
School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce.
Strengthen Driver Readiness
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Posted in
Blog on July 16th, 2026.
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STS Highlights: June 2026
School transportation professionals continue to face evolving workforce challenges, training requirements, and operational demands. In this month’s STS Highlights, we’re sharing resources designed to support drivers, transportation teams, and ongoing workforce readiness. From flexible online ELDT theory training to professional development opportunities and operational support, these topics reflect the everyday responsibilities transportation departments manage throughout the year.
We’re also highlighting several topics connected to overall wellness and performance, including National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and recent research surrounding sleep and cognitive performance. Together, these resources serve as a reminder that supporting transportation operations also means supporting the people behind them.
Stay safe this summer,
Patrick
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June Is National PTSD Awareness Month
National PTSD Awareness Month highlights the importance of understanding how stress and traumatic experiences can affect mental well-being. Although PTSD is commonly associated with military service and first responders, it can affect people across many professions and walks of life. Recognizing the importance of mental wellness, support systems, and healthy coping strategies can help create stronger, more supportive workplaces and communities.
Learn More About PTSD Awareness
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Supporting Drivers and Operations
Keeping school bus drivers trained and ready isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about maintaining safe, reliable transportation for your students every day. Our theory options offer flexible, online training built specifically for school bus drivers and transportation teams. Whether you’re onboarding new drivers or supporting experienced staff, our programs are designed to fit your schedule without disrupting operations.
Explore School Training Solutions
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School Bus (S) Endorsement with Online ELDT Theory Training
Ready to add a School Bus (S) Endorsement to your CDL? Our Smart Horizons ELDT Theory Course streamlines the process. As an FMCSA-approved Training Provider, we meet federal ELDT requirements. Once you complete the theory course, your record is automatically submitted to the Training Provider Registry (TPR), keeping you compliant and ready for the next step.
Start ELDT Theory Training
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Build Meaningful Skills
Whether you’re starting fresh, changing paths, or building on experience, the right training should fit into your life. With Smart Horizons, you can gain practical skills that support your current role or help you move into new opportunities, on your time and at your pace. No rigid schedules. No unnecessary barriers. We offer a smarter way to keep moving forward.
Browse Courses & Get Started
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Interesting: The Importance of Sleep on Cognitive Performance
Even one night of poor sleep can affect focus, emotional responses, and decision-making. Recent research highlights how sleep loss may influence reaction time, judgment, and risk assessment in everyday situations. It’s an interesting reminder of how important rest can be for workplace performance and daily responsibilities.
See the Official Findings
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Challenges Facing Today’s School Bus Driver Workforce
School transportation departments across the country continue to face growing workforce challenges. As experienced drivers retire and recruitment becomes increasingly competitive, many districts are working to find ways to strengthen driver readiness, improve retention, and support long-term transportation operations.
School Training Solutions offers flexible online theory training designed to support school bus drivers and today’s evolving transportation workforce.
Strengthen Driver Readiness
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Posted in
Blog on June 16th, 2026.
No Comments.
