LA CECSuper Conference 28 Schedule
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Monday, January 26, 2009
Alternative Education
INVITED SPEAKER
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Blues
Discussion
Forum on Alternative Education
Patrick Wadsworth/Center for New
Opportunities,
An opportunity to discuss and
share experiences, challenges, and new ideas on teaching
students in alternative
education.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Poster
Session Exhibit
Hall
Project Unify-Special Olympics
Charles Courville, Sonny Taylor &
Janette Burr/LA Association for Special Olympics
Project UNIFY is a year-long
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM St.
Mary
We’re Hot to Trot When … We Pot
Donna Jane Boudreaux/Jackson High,
“KITCHEN GARDEN” is a
compilation of how to grow 4 different veggies in your classroom that are
commonly found in most refrigerators.
INVITED SPEAKER
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Cajun
Making
Learning Connections with Alternative Education Students
Patrick Wadsworth/Center for New
Opportunities,
We will be
exploring new ways to inspire alternative students through cross
curricular
activities. Process based performance enhances learning so come prepared to ham
it up! All characters
are welcome!
Assistive Technology
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Zydeco
Free Internet Resources
DeWayne LaCaze & Tammy Dupre'/Region VI/IV Center for Assistive Technology
This workshop will offer a
smorgasbord of tools at no cost to the users. Introducing free software
downloads, ideas, activities, lesson plans and various other tools to access
the curriculum for students of all ages and abilities. Participants will
also learn how to create Pocket Mods and their many uses in the classroom.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM
Using Visuals to Enhance Information for Underserved
Populations: A Round House Strategy
Dr. Robin Ward McCartney/University of
Roundhouse is a
theory-driven, research-based, visual story map designed to enhance long-term
memory. This type of graphic organizer requires learners to construct knowledge
using “mindful” connections to replace “mindless” practices involving
recitation/memorization of abstract content. Students thereby create an
observable schema of related concepts and icons in a sequential fashion.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Poster
Session Exhibit
Hall
Creating Universally Designed Learning Environments
(Project C.U.D.L.E.)
Dr. Camille Yates & Dr. Colleen
Klein-Ezell/Southeastern Louisiana University
This presentation will
provide information on four new courses in Assistive Technology available via
online from SLU. The new Lekotek Toy Lending Library in
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Cajun
Assistive Technology:
What Are the
Yolen K. Lemelle, Jr. & Joanie
Lemelle/Advance Baton Rouge, Glen Oaks Middle, East Baton Rouge Parish
The presentation offers an
overview of assistive technology and ways to identify AT as an accommodation or
adaptation. Suggestions for incorporating AT into curriculum and IEPs will be
discussed as well as effective assessment procedures for determining appropriate
AT tools for students.
Autism/Sensory/Low
Incidence Disabilities
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Jazz
Meet the Repository:
A Well-Based Resource for Low Incidence Disabilities Professional
Development
Jerilyn Woodson & Lloyd
DeMers/LLIDC,
The Louisiana Low Incidence
Disabilities Consortium is establishing an electronic repository of learning
objects and assets following the guidelines established by SREB (Southern
Regional Education Board). These items are for use in the Web-based low
incidence courses and by school districts, teachers, and state department
personnel for professional development.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Jazz
Recent Developments in the Diagnosis and Assessment of
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dr. Anthony Rotatori/St. Xavior
University,
This presentation will
provide an overview about newer approaches for the diagnosis and assessments of
Autism Spectrum Disorders, including information about the relative merits and
drawbacks of the various measures.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Jazz
In the Trenches with Extended Standards
Karen Nelson, M.A., SLP/East
This presentation will
provide participants with ideas on how to include special needs students in the
general curriculum by using the extended standards. Materials will be presented in literacy, math, and
science with accompanying GLEs and Extended Standards.
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Jazz
How to Put the “A” in Asperger’s: Acceptance, Access, and Achievement in K-12
Dr.
McKay/Rapides Parish Director of Special
Education, & Dr.
Participants will learn about
Asperger’s Syndrome through the candid interview of Taylor, a high school
senior by his mother. In addition, successful positive behavioral and
instructional support strategies for teachers, families, and school
administrators will be discussed.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Sensory Tools for the Successful Inclusive Classroom
Allison Lagasse, OT & Cheri
Brownlee, Assistive Technology Facilitator/St. Landry Parish
Students
with ADHD, Autism, or sensory issues will benefit from these techniques.
Behavior/Classroom Management
INVITED
SPEAKER
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Blues
The Importance of Establishing Time Outs/Restraint
Policies for Schools
Dr. Joseph B. Ryan/Clemson University
This workshop is designed to
assist administrators and educators in developing policies
regarding the use of time out
and restraint procedures in their schools/classrooms to ensure
they are used in a safe and
efficacious manner. Presenter will
review: (a) potential risks
associated with these
interventions, (b) review of the literature concerning the efficacy of
these procedures, (c) current
state policies, (d) essential components a policy should address,
and (e) recommended practices
for schools and educators that elect to incorporate these
procedures into their
behavior management plans.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Make and Take:
Character Education Using Stories, Puppets, and Balloon Art
Dr. Colleen Klein-Ezell/ Southeastern
Louisiana University, SLU SCEC Members, Dr. Sherlyn Powell & Shalanda Stanley/ University of
Louisiana Monroe
This presentation will
demonstrate how to use various means of educational activities easily and
effectively to begin or enhance a character development curriculum. It will
include a blend of demonstration and hands-on activities in this interactive
presentation.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM INVITED
SPEAKER Blues
What Teachers Should Know About the
Psychotropic Medications Their Students Are Taking
Dr. Joseph B. Ryan/Clemson University
This session will help parents and educators become
more aware of the major types of
psychotropic medications students are being
prescribed. Participants will receive a guide
that reviews each of these medications, including: (a)
a listing of psychotropic medications
(generic & trade name), (b) behavioral reasons
specific medications are typically prescribed
for, (c) desired therapeutic outcomes of each
medication, and (c) potential adverse side effects.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM St.
Mary
Kara Hill & Wendy Allen,
The purpose of this
presentation is to examine behavioral support at the school level. The
presentation will highlight strategies that are working to develop behavioral
support systems at the campus level, including successes and challenges.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Blues
Educating Children Exposed to Prenatal and Postnatal
Substance Abuse
Dr.
The descriptive results of
the behavioral characteristics of 82 children of mothers who abused substances
will be presented. Results of the Child Behavior Checklist show that the
children present with a high percentage of externalizing and internalizing
problem behaviors. Implications for educational system and strategies for
teachers will be discussed.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Blues
School -Wide Positive Behavioral Support at the
Secondary (Yellow) Level
Kara Hill & Wendy Allen,
The purpose of this session
is to provide participants with an overview of one secondary intervention that
has been piloted across the state. This session will provide examples of the
secondary intervention in twelve pilot sites across
Compliance/Legislative Issues
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
A Hearing Officer’s Perspective on Recent Updates
Regarding Due Process Hearings
Dr. Nathan Roberts/University of
This presentation is designed
for special education administrators and special education teachers,
principals, assistant principals and teachers as well as any other individuals
involved in educating or working with exceptional children. Special Education Due Process Hearings and
Mediations are a part of the overall federal legislation regulating the
education of exceptional children. It is
beneficial for school personnel to understand who Due Process Hearing Officers
are, what to expect in a mediation or hearing, how to conduct themselves in a
mediation or hearing and what changes have occurred due to recent legislation
or judicial cases. The presentation is designed
to provide participants with a description of the training and requirements to
serve as a Hearing Officer and to describe the steps involved from prior to
receiving the hearing request through the final decision by the Hearing
Officer. The presentation will also
suggest methods to resolve the case as well as methods to prepare and conduct a
hearing.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM
Legislation and Regulation Open Forum
Dr. Nathan Roberts/University of
An open forum from the Hearing
Officer’s and CAN coordinator’s perspective on recent legislation. Questions,
answers, and discussion.
Cultural/Linguistic Diversity
12:00 AM – 12:50 AM Poster
Session Exhibit
Hall
Separate but Unequal:
A Glimpse into Disproportionate Representation in Special Education
David Hand/
The issue of disproportionate
representation of minority students receiving special education services first
received widespread attention during the height of the Civil Rights movement of
the 1960's. Since then, federal institutions and private researchers alike have
sought both the source and solutions related to this issue. Learn the modern
statistics, contemporary research, and most importantly -- how you can be part
of the solution.
Early Childhood
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Zydeco
First Steps with Infants and Toddlers: Student Interns Share Their Experiences
Jennifer May, Ashlie Couvillion, Dana
McDowell, Melanie Lavergne & Nicole DeJean
Student Interns and Cooperating Teachers
in Early Intervention at UL Lafayette
Three student interns with
university supervisor will present their recent experiences in early childhood.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Evangeline
Language Experience:
Try It! We Did!
Dr. Elizabeth Webre, Michelle Abadie,
Kristen Smith, & Elizabeth Pherson/University of
Language experience is well-known as an approach to
beginning reading and as an instructional technique for children reading below
level. Preservice teachers will share ideas and materials used in motivation
and follow-up and sample dictation from beginning readers. Preservice teachers
will share their observations regarding first-time use of the approach.
9:40 AM – 11:50 AM Evangeline
Employ Copy Change Strategies with Special Populations
to Facilitate & Nurture Literacy
Dr. Reba Powers & Dr. Linda
Hurst/McNeese State University
Copy change strategies provide a framework for writing. Students use another
author’s pattern as a framework for their own writing. For example, young
children might use Bill Martin Jr.’s “Brown bear, brown bear…” to create their
own version: “Fierce eagle, fierce eagle, what do you see?” or “Mr. Jones, Mr.
Jones, what do you
see?” This session provides
directions and examples for using copy change strategies with special populations.
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Evangeline
Early Childhood Inclusion: Special Quest in
Dr. Toni Ledet/ARC of
In this session, presenters
will (a) describe the Building Blocks Model for Inclusion in Early Childhood,
(b) describe adaptations and modifications to facilitate participation in
classroom routines and activities, (c) share Special Quest materials supportive
of inclusion, and (d) facilitate discussion of inclusion barriers, challenges,
and successes. Presenters will use lecture, Power Point slides, video, and
discussion and share handouts with resources for participants to obtain further
information.
Gifted/Talented
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM St.
Landry
Parents of Gifted Students: What to Expect
Eileen Kendrick/Northwestern
This session will address the myriad characteristics of gifted children that make raising a gifted child unique. The session will address school programs for the gifted and how to develop and support your gifted child. Additional resources for parents will be provided.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Zydeco
Harry Potter and the Differentiation of Curriculum for
Gifted Students
Dr.
Gifted students should have a
curriculum based on their unique learning needs. This presentation provides a
multidisciplinary differentiated curriculum for gifted students based on the
Harry Potter series.
Instructional Strategies
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Mastering Content:
Five Vocabulary Strategies for Inclusion
Dr. Edye Mayers/University of
Research tells us that
learning information from any subject area depends on mastering its vocabulary
(Manzo, Manzo, & Thomas, 2005).
Inclusion students need teacher support in making meaning from print
because students depend upon their existing knowledge to construct meaning
(Petit, 2003; Nilsen & Nilsen, 2002; Wilhelm, 2001; Wood & Nichols,
2000). Therefore, inclusion teachers
must provide students with a multitude of instructional strategies so they have
choices when encountering text. (Knowles & Brown, 2000). Since so much of learning content depends on
mastering vocabulary, students need guidance to understand how words create
meaning in text (Petit, 2003).
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Cajun
Beyond Rhyming:
Building Solid Foundation for Future Reading Success
Lyn Seres/READ MTI - Multisensory
Training Institute
25% to 40% of all children
will not be phonemically aware by the end of their first year of school.
Phonemic awareness is not phonics. Phonemic awareness is a prerequisite to
phonics, serving as a powerful predictor of later reading achievement. Hands on
approach to improving your students' reading scores will be presented.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Vendor
Presentation Zydeco
Creating Graduates Instead of Dropouts
Nancy Nichols/Firelight Books
Junior high and high school
students who are reading at a second or third grade level are becoming successful
achievers when presented with age-appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum at
their reading level! Differentiated instruction includes reading materials that
are appropriate to the student’s level.
Take home a roadmap for success!
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM St.
Landry
Instructional Strategies: Thinking Outside the Box
This two-hour session will
address a multitude of strategies from the major instructional schools of
thought that can be used in ALL classrooms with minor teacher
preparation.
Learning Disabilities
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Poster
Session Exhibit
Hall
Perceptions of Administrators, Teachers, and Students
for a Content Mastery Tutoring Lab
The purpose of the study was to identify the
expectations of administrators, teachers, and students for the development of a
successful content mastery (CM) lab. A survey was given to 93 individuals at
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Zydeco
Making an Impact with Technology: What Has Worked for
Me as a Student with Severe Learning Disabilities
Specific
uses of technology that have fostered the successful education of one
particular young
woman
with learning disabilities and other special needs will be delineated.
Discussion will specify hardware, software, techniques, Web-based programs, and
extracurricular and summer programs that have worked for her.
Response to Intervention/RtI
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Cajun
RtI in
Debra Dixon/LA Department of Education
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Response to Intervention (RtI): Implementation and Implications for IDEA
Dr. Marcia Arceneaux & Dr. Diana
Jones/
This presentation is designed
to not only address the “How” of implementation of the RtI process, but the
“Why” as well. When this rationale is presented through the perspective of
history and Civil Rights, the “How” takes on an urgent and motivated call to
action. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the
INVITED SPEAKER
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Cajun
RtI in
Dr. Gregory J. Benner/University of
The purpose of
this presentation is to give you the “nitty gritty”
(key practices)
of a successful middle/secondary RtI reading system.
By the end of
this presentation, you will have increased capacity to understand
and build the
reading skills of students who struggle most.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
RtI: Ten Questions & Answers
Jannean Caddy/West
Dawsey-Wiltz/University of
This presentation will ask
and answer questions regarding what RtI is and what it looks like in schools.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM St.
Mary
RtI Treatment Integrity
Dr. Kristin Gansle/Louisiana State
University
Despite the obvious
importance of appropriate standards for implementation of RtI due to the
importance of the outcomes, this has received little attention in the
literature. This paper discusses the role of, data regarding, and
suggestions for improvement of plan implementation within RtI.
Strategic Instruction Model (SIM)
8:30 AM – 11:50 AM Gospel
Write Complete Sentences: Fundamentals in the Sentence Writing Strategy
Joyce
Russo/Louisiana Department of Education & Anne Clouatre, LA-SIM
Professional Development Leader
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Gospel
Organize and Remember Information across the
Curriculum: The Framing Routine
Tina
Kendrick & Ellen
Teacher Training/Professional
Development
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM St.
Landry
My Student Is a Wiggle Worm: Advice for Teachers of ADHD Students
Elizabeth Duplechain & Charlotte
Castile/Live Oak Elementary,
What is ADHD in terms of
medical, biological, physical, and personal characteristics? IDEA – special education? What services does the child receive and what
are the teachers’ expectations? Classroom remedies? What can I do to ensure
that these children are successful and do not drive me crazy throughout the
year?
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Create-A-Book with Your Special Needs Students
DeeDee Holmes/Holmes Educational
Consultants
This workshop will introduce
ideas for creating student-authored books with your students. All students are
required to write, edit, and publish in every grade level. This process makes
it easy to satisfy that requirement. It’s as easy as staple, peel, and stick! A
teacher is limited to her imagination on what goes into the students’ books.
12:00 PM – 12:50 AM Poster
Session Exhibit Hall
SCEC Recruitment:
How to Start a SCEC at Your College/University
This poster session will
present information for universities and/or colleges (faculty and students)
interested in establishing a Student Council for Exceptional Children
chapter. Materials will be provided
along with fund-raising ideas and other specialized materials.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
Poster Session Exhibit Hall
Home Literacy Kits:
Service Learning Opportunities
Dr. Colleen Klein-Ezell, Dr. Camille
Yates, & Jailee Hollars/Southeastern
This poster presentation will
showcase a service learning project that demonstrated and provided Home
Learning Tool Kits to families of preschool and kindergarten children at a local
Title 1 early learning center. The
primary goal of this project was to encourage families to assist in the
reinforcement of academic progress and provide a concrete means for doing so. Pre-K and kindergarten standards were
provided to the families and each kit contained activities that were correlated
with state standards.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
National Board Certification: What Is It and Is It Worth It?
Marcy Boudreaux-Johnson/St. Landry
Parish & Tracy Cox/Iberville Parish
This informal question and answer session will provide
an overview of the process of National Board Certification.
Transition
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM St.
Mary
Collaboration:
The Key to Effective Transition IEP Planning
Vincent J. Harper/Zarrow Center for
Learning,
Collaboration in transition
planning has been identified as a “best practice” for establishing effective
transition services. However, little
evidence exists on effective ways to establish and maintain collaborative
relationships among transition service professionals. This presentation will examine a
participatory action research approach local IEP teams can utilize when
developing transition IEPs.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM St.
Mary
Using Possible Selves in the Transition Process
Veronica Winchester/Goodwood Center,
This presentation will
describe the school application of an intervention - Possible Selves - designed
to improve the career planning and motivation skills of high school students at
risk for academic failure.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Positively Influencing Post-Secondary Outcomes at Home
and Throughout
Dr. Lynda Price/Temple University, Dr.
Donna D. Wadsworth/University of
Lafayette & Dr. Paul T.
Bole/University of
This session will assist
postsecondary transition facilitators/Transition Core Team members to have a
greater understanding of their postsecondary outcome data. Examples are: recognizing the survey purpose,
understanding individual sample sub-sets, creating expectations to use this
data with your school district/parish, and putting the pieces together to
achieve maximum results.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Alternative Education
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM St.
Mary
Transition from School to Young Adulthood: Basic Concepts and Recommended Practices
Donna Jane Boudreaux/Jackson High,
This presentation describes
experiences of one teacher in practicing, adapting, and creating a transition
learning environment.
Assistive Technology
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM St.
Mary
Low-Cost and No Cost Assistive Technology Solutions
Dr. Rose Angelocci & Kenneth
Lacho/TRAC,
With limited budgets, parents and teachers need to be
aware of low-cost and no-cost solutions that can provide children with
disabilities access to computers. Presenters will demonstrate assistive
technology solutions to accommodate people with visual, learning, or physical
disabilities. A resource list will be provided.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Zydeco
K-8 Reading & Technology: Addressing Special Needs
Jodi Shirley, Dr. Martha Rhymes, &
Dr.
Before
teaching content, highly effective K-8 general and special education teachers
of science, social studies and math must first address the lack of reading
comprehension found within student readers of diverse abilities. Presenters will specifically demonstrate “how
to approach” informational text through easily implemented instructional
strategies. Included will be methods for
differentiating instruction within a content area classroom and the effective,
inexpensive, and easy use of technology tools.
Autism/Sensory/Low Incidence
Disabilities
8:30 AM – 10:40 AM St.
Mary
Family Systems and Grief/Coping Cycles for Families
with Autism or Significant Disabilities
Dr. Sherlyn Ezell Powell & Shalonda
Stanley/
Integration of information about the Family Systems
Theory with information about Grief and Coping Cycles is a way that educators
will be able to apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to offer more
comprehensive educational services to students with special needs such as
Autism and Significant Disabilities and their families.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Zydeco
ACCESS Guide: An Online Resource for
Kristen Braud & Nanette Olivier/Louisiana
State Department of Education
The Access Guide is a companion to the Louisiana Comprehensive
Curriculum (LCC) that provides suggestions, resources, and modifications to
support students in alternate assessment, and tools to maximize access to the
curriculum and increase the likelihood of higher academic achievement for ALL
students. A SEARCH feature provides suggested strategies, accommodations,
technology, and product options aligned to each activity in the LCC.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Blues
Meet the Repository:
A Well-Based Resource for Low Incidence Disabilities Professional
Development
Jerilyn Woodson & Lloyd
DeMers/LLIDC,
The Louisiana Low Incidence
Disabilities Consortium is establishing an electronic repository of learning
objects and assets following the guidelines established by SREB (Southern
Regional Education Board). These items are for use in the Web-based low
incidence courses and by school districts, teachers, and state department
personnel for professional development.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
Sensory Tools for the Successful Inclusive Classroom
Allison Lagasse, OT, & Cherie
Brownlee, Assistive Technology Facilitator/St. Landry Parish
Students with ADHD, Autism,
or sensory issues will benefit from these techniques/tools.
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Evangeline
Creating Supporting Environments for Students with
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Krista P. James, M.Ed., & Patty
Alewyn/
Physical structure, routines, schedules, and
environmental supports are essential elements in regulating anxiety for
individuals with ASD. This session will provide an overview of how to utilize
these elements to structure the environment in order to compensate for internal
disorganization often experienced. The session will also include video footage
of students utilizing environmental supports in a variety of settings. Participants
will receive practical information that they can take back to their own
settings and use with individuals of all ages.
Behavior/Classroom Management
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Blues
In the Midst of a Crowd
Will Kirst/Quitman High, Jackson Parish,
Joel Johnson/Quitman High, Jackson Parish & Brenda Kirste/Office for
Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
Teachers in small schools
often have to provide services to multiple students with multiple
assignments. No teacher wants a student
to leave the classroom, thinking he received no attention or received no help,
especially when the teachers and paras did their best to reach all of the
students.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM St.
Landry
Positive Behavior Intervention for Preschoolers
Jill Scudari & Nancy Burns/
Eight simple ways to teach positive behavior to
preschoolers.
Compliance/Legislative Issues
INVITED SPEAKER
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Blues
The Role of the Physical Therapist Re: Students with
Severe & Profound Disabilities:
Compliance, Support, & Expectations
Students classified as severe
and profound often have physical differences which impair their mobility as
well as their cognitive ability. In order to provide an appropriate
education health and mobility issues need to be addressed. Therapy evaluations,
IEPs, equipment, wheelchairs, and positioning and staff assisted mobility
will be discussed.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Jazz
Understanding the CAN Network
Larry Aucoin/CAN Coordinator
Want to be involved in
legislative issues, but don’t know how?
Learn how to receive legislative updates from National CEC and become
involved in advocacy at the grassroots level.
Cultural/Linguistic Diversity
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Blues
Examining Class and Race: An Exercise in Self Discovery (Adapted from
Paul Kivel, 2002)
Dr. Aeve Abington-Pitre & Dr. Vince
Miholic/University of
“Examination of class and race” using the power chart
will help clear some of the misunderstandings about where power lies and how it
is used. It makes a direct connection between power and violence, and provides
a social and political framework for understanding more particular issues of
interpersonal relationships. Active participation by attendees required.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Cajun
Weaving the American
Tapestry in Special Education: Accommodating Students From
Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse Backgrounds
This
presentation serves to provide pre-service and in-service special educators
with information for the successful instruction and accommodation of students
from CLD backgrounds. By taking a global approach to education, the predominant
cultural groups that are present in the
Early Childhood
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Evangeline
Addressing Preschool Four-Year-Old Standards (GLEs)
Through Play
Jill M. Scudari &
The LA State Department of Education now has content
standards to address age appropriate instruction to preschool age
children. We will show how these skills
can be addressed through play and in centers.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Gospel
Carly’s Road to Inclusion
Christy Cormier/Parent
A parent will share her
experience with her daughter and inclusion.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Jazz
Standards, Marbles, & Roller Coasters
Dr. Mary Sciaraffa/University of
Participants will be actively involved in discovering
how the LA Early Learning Guidelines can be met through children’s project
work. Participants will discover how to instill intrinsic motivation into your
young learners in a developmentally appropriate manner. Note: This session is
not for those who are passive learners.
Gifted/Talented
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Zydeco
How Many Hurdles Do We Have to Jump to Identify Gifted
Students?
Sheryl Waltman, Ed.S/Central Middle,
Teachers and administrators alike will find this
session a jolt of reality as problems in the identification of gifted students
of all populations are illuminated. The presentation offers up-to-date
information regarding gifted education's importance in the lives of
academically talented students and its overall contribution to the school
environment.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Zydeco
Meeting the Affective Needs of the Gifted
Dr.
Gifted students have unique
affective characteristics that should be acknowledged when developing programs
for them. This presentation provides an overview of the affective needs of the
gifted.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM St.
Mary
Disproportionality and Gifted Minority Students
Janice Moreau
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Zydeco
Understanding the Impact of Overprotection of Gifted
Children
Dr. Debra Troxclair/University of
Gifted children are characteristically intense and sensitive.
These traits, when coupled with an overprotective parenting style, can prevent
gifted children from optimal social emotional development. In this session information about
characteristics of gifted children will be shared. Sensitivity and intensity
will be discussed and overprotection will be outlined.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Jazz
Reflections of a New Teacher of Gifted Students
Oscar David Carter/West Ouachita High,
Ouachita Parish
This presentation addresses difficulties in the
transition and issues encountered by a person in industry returning to high
school to teach gifted and dual enrollment mathematics, including IEPs and
meetings. Suggestions for new and experienced teachers who are first time
gifted teachers will be provided.
Instructional Strategies
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Engaging Students with Significant Disabilities in
Literacy-Related Lessons
Christine Brewer & Linda Mayor/Jefferson
Special educators will share
the excitement of their students as they participate in literacy learning
activities in which student interact and communicate with their peers. Using
the research based literacy program, MEVILLE TO WEVILLE, educators of students
with significant disabilities are providing fun engaging lessons in literacy
and communication through different cooperative activities and assistive
technology. The program theme starts with the development of self, moving then
to a sense of belonging within the school and the community. The 75 lessons and
60 extension activities focus on vocabulary, writing and reading activities
along with creative art projects and cooperative learning. There are ready to
use resource pages and data collection forms to track different levels of
student engagement.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Rhymes ‘n’ Times: Conquer the Times Tables in ONLY 3
WEEKS—Guaranteed!
Anita S. Turner/Rhymes ‘n’ Times
This research-based,
multi-sensory program for Regular/SPED/Gifted K-6 uses differentiated
instruction addressing all 4 learning styles. If the class average isn’t 90%
or above on the final test, you get a 100% refund. This MUST-DO session is RtI-optimized
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Imagine the Excitement of Literacy!
Rachael Benoit & Linda Mayor/Jefferson
Special education teachers will share their journey in
learning new scientific research proven strategies as they assist their
students in improving literacy skills. They will share their excitement and
struggles during this transition time for all educators to ensure literacy for
all students. As the school district implements the recently adopted scientific
research proven English language arts program, IMAGINE IT! in K to 5 grade,
special Educators are collaborating with all school personnel to learn the best
practices to ensure effective and efficient literacy instructions for all
students.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
Motivating Striving Readers with Differentiated
Instruction … and a Dose of Reality
Brett Hodus/Scobre Press
A lecture and group
discussion about the negativity associated with reading, particularly amongst
teenage, striving male readers. Concepts
from education, psychology, and behavior analysis are applied as we answer the
questions: How can convince my striving
and at-risk students to put forth an honest effort? How do I use differentiated reading
instruction to motivate difficult students?
How do I get my at-risk students to connect reading to their future?
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Vendor
Presentation
Creating Graduates Instead of Dropouts
Nancy Nichols/Firelight Books
Junior high and high school
students who are reading at a second or third grade level are becoming
successful achievers when presented with age-appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum
at their reading level! Differentiated instruction includes reading materials
that are appropriate to the student’s level.
Take home a roadmap for success!
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Evangeline
How to Get the Most Out of the Brain
Cindy Owens &
This session will describe
how the brain works and give different strategies to use in the classroom.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM
Vocabulary Matching
Dr. Paul Mooney/Louisiana State
University
This presentation will
describe a progress monitoring tool known as Vocabulary Matching. Students match content area terms with
definitions in paper-pencil or online forms. Results from ongoing applications
in two
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM
Engaging Secondary Students in Direct Literacy
Instruction
Rosalind Broussard & Linda Mayor/Jefferson
Using a direct instruction reading program, high
school students are learning decoding and/or comprehension skills. The special education teacher will show
evidence of the students' increased vocabulary and creativity as they participate
in the SRA Corrective Reading Program. The teacher and students follow specific
routines and ways of asking and replying to specific questions. Throughout this
program students are taught thinking skills that are used to develop
vocabulary, reasoning strategies, and background knowledge needed for decoding
words and/or developing comprehension skills.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
Assessing for Student Understanding
Natalie McKinney & Emily Mooney/
This presentation will guide
teachers through a sequential process that effectively matches assessment and
learning objectives so that student learning can be measured.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Jazz
Connecting Vocabulary Assessment and Intervention into
Inclusive World History Classrooms
Beth Haydel & Scarlett
Callicoatte/West
This presentation will
highlight strategies such as word walls and knowledge rating scales that
improve vocabulary learning in inclusive content area courses such as sixth
grade world history.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Accommodating Your Special Needs Students
Emily Mooney & Yvette Langlois/
This presentation will
discuss the Louisiana SER IEP and the iLEAP/LEAP/GEE
accommodations and how they affect those who teach special needs students.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Strategies for Inclusive Practices
Yvette Langlois & Emily Mooney/
This presentation
will describe a a series of strategies designed to improve student
learning that can be taught to students with disabilities in the general
education classroom. Strategies will include student note-taking and review
procedures.
Learning Disabilities
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Vendor
Presentation Evangeline
Kurzweil 3000 V.11 Comprehensive Toolkit for
Struggling Learners
Missy Tatum/Kurzweil – Audio Optical
System of
Kurzweil 3000 is reading,
writing and learning software that can read aloud virtually any text, giving
struggling learners independent access to curriculum materials. Within the
multi-sensory, interactive learning environment of Kurzweil, students have
access to features that address the writing process, word study, test-taking,
study skills, research, and more. This session will focus on the use of
Kurzweil to support Universal Design for Learning/differentiated instruction,
and all tiers of Response to Intervention (RtI).
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM St.
Landry
Making an Impact with Technology: What Has Worked for
Me as a Student with Severe Learning Disabilities
Laura McFerrin/Northwestern
Specific
uses of technology that have fostered the successful education of one particular
young
woman
with learning disabilities and other special needs will be delineated.
Discussion will specify hardware, software, techniques, Web-based programs, and
extracurricular and summer programs that have worked for her.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Vendor
Presentation Blues
Bookshare 101 – How to Get Started with Bookshare
Kristina King Cohen/Bookshare
During this session participants
will learn about Bookshare's free membership options, growing collection of
accessible school books and free reader software for students.
Response to Intervention/RtI
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Cajun
Speech Early Intervening Services and Response to
Intervention
Stephen Mire/Terrebonne Parish
This presentation will
provide information of early intervening services and the response to intervention
process and how they can be used by the speech-language pathologist in public
school settings to provide intervention for students with speech sound
concerns.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Zydeco
ACCESS Guide: An Online Resource for
Kristen Braud & Nanette Olivier/Louisiana
State Department of Education
The Access Guide is a companion to the Louisiana Comprehensive
Curriculum (LCC) that provides suggestions, resources, and modifications to
support students in alternate assessment, and tools to maximize access to the
curriculum and increase the likelihood of higher academic achievement for ALL
students. A SEARCH feature provides suggested strategies, accommodations,
technology, and product options aligned to each activity in the LCC.
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM Cajun
Administration of RtI
Sandy Holloway/St. Charles Elementary,
Lafourche Parish
School administrators must
come to realize that to implement RtI effectively one must make instructional
decisions for student learning and schools must become familiar with the RtI
process, including structuring teams to problem solve, knowledge of a range of scientifically
research-based interventions and the ability to use various methods of
assessments to monitor student progress. A designed informal measure, The RtI
School Readiness Survey can assist schools to identify those elements of RtI
that they are already skilled in and those elements that need additional
attention.
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM St.
Landry
Response to Intervention (RtI): Implementation and Implications for IDEA
Dr. Marcia Arceneaux & Dr. Diana
Jones/
This presentation is designed
to not only address the “How” of implementation of the RtI process, but the
“Why” as well. When this rationale is presented through the perspective of
history and Civil Rights, the “How” takes on an urgent and motivated call to
action. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM Cajun
Importance of Behavior Concerns among Students as they
Relate to Addressing Academic
Deficits
Amy Braswell & Chris Mangus/Livingston
Parish
Behavior Intervention
Specialists within a rural school district with dispropoRtIonal student
representation will discuss the development of the RtI behavior program. Included will be emphasis on the importance
of universally screening students for behavior concerns and collaborating with
Academic Interventionists for the purpose of determining the accuracy of DIBELS
results as they relate to behavior concerns among students. In addition, participants will learn of the
impact the district’s positive behavior support program.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Cajun
Developing an Effective Academic RtI Program
Aimee Seale/Livingston Parish
The development of an
effective RtI program focused on meeting student academic needs must include
involvement of personnel at all levels within the school system. This presentation will highlight the stages
or steps involved in developing an effective RtI program, with an increased
focus on building collaborative teams within the school environment. Participants will increase their knowledge of
available forms, interventions, and approaches to RtI program development. and
will receive additional information regarding possible obstacles that may occur
in the process.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Vendor
Presentation Cajun
RtI: Make It
Work, Make It Last
Marilyn Scelfo/Wireless Generation
Response to Intervention (RtI) is a powerful approach
for ensuring that all children receive the intervention support they need. Now for the first time, it is possible to
implement the RtI process without adding undue burden to already full academic
programs. Based upon the proven mCLASS handheld computer-to-Web assessment and
reporting system, mCLASS: RtI is a unique package of the research-based
assessments, real-time reporting, and professional services needed to implement
and sustain a Response to Intervention program successfully.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM St.
Landry Response to Intervention: Giving
Credence to Success for All
Roland P. Jones/Orleans Parish, Natalie
Boudreaux/
Response to Intervention:
Giving Credence to Success for All will provide a brief but comprehensive
overview of the implementation of this practice model. The objective is to present explicit examples
of classroom based interventions, strategies and assessments that can be utilized
at the high school level to improve student learning outcomes and behaviors.
Strategic Instruction Model (SIM)
8:30 AM – 11:50 AM Gospel
Dr. Barbara
Duchardt/Northwestern
1:00 PM – 3:15 PM Gospel
Martha
Moore/Region VII Education Service Center
Teacher Training/Professional
Development
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
La-LIDC: Preparing Professionals to Meet the Needs of
Students with Low Incidence Disabilities
Dr. Kate Reynolds/University of New
Orleans, Edward Bell/Louisiana Tech, Nanette Olivier/LA Department of
Education, Phil Wilson & William Sharpton/ Louisiana Low Incidence
Disabilities Consortium
To address the need for
additional and better prepared teachers of students with low incidence
disabilities, the Louisiana Department of Education has funded the Louisiana
Low Incidence Disabilities Consortium (LA-LIDC). This consortium is a
multi-year, multi-million dollar collaborative project among the
8:30 AM – 10:40 AM Jazz
Tips and Tricks to Facilitate Teamwork among
Colleagues, Administrators, and Families
Dr. Mary Sciaraffa/University of
Participants will gain
insight into differences between three generation’s (Baby Boomers, Generation
X, and Millennials) values, attitudes, work habits, and response to
dissemination of information. Participants will be able to add to their
knowledge base of adult education to make the connection between the
presentation and the participant’s daily work.
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Evangeline
Parent Collaboration with Professionals
Dr. Kathy
Allan/Families Helping Families of
This presentation will
include a parent/professional’s perspective on effective collaboration with
other professional regarding her young child with Down’s Syndrome.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM St.
Mary
Dr. Randall Scott/University of New
Orleans, Jerilyn Woodson/University of New Orleans & Joyce Russo/ LA
Department of Education -- Louisiana Low Incidence Disabilities Consortium
In 2007, the Louisiana Department of Education
provided funding for three years to establish a method for the delivery of
coursework leading to certification in low incidence special education. The project has developed electronic course
delivery via Marratech software/hardware.
The three certification strands are deaf education, significant
disabilities, and visual impairment.
Transition
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Success or Failure: What Makes the Difference at the
Postsecondary Level?
Dr. Gerlinde Beckers & Kristin Price,
Learning Specialist/Louisiana State University
The purpose of this
presentation is to explore the laws, available services, and skills needed to
prepare students with disabilities for a successful postsecondary experience.
2:
Literacy Strategies for Transitioning into
Post-Secondary Academic Settings
The purpose of this
presentation is to explore the barriers, characteristics, and nature of
effective literacy practices to meet the diverse needs of secondary and
postsecondary struggling readers. Explicit and systematic literacy strategy
instruction will be modeled. At the end of this session, participants will
learn the effects, practical application, and limitations of literacy
strategies using expository materials at the secondary and postsecondary level.
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