Session+Descriptions

= Leadership Summer Academy 2012 = = Session Descriptions =

Monday, July 23, 2012
=__ General Session 1:30pm -2:30pm __=


 * What is working well? A Positive Approach to Establishing Learning Goals for Teachers and Students **

Description: In every organization and school, something works well. Looking for what works well is more motivating than looking for what is wrong. This keynote session introduces participants to Appreciative Inquiry (AI) which involves asking questions that strengthen a system’s capacity to apprehend, anticipate, and heighten positive potential. Specifically, participants will review the four stages of the Appreciative Inquiry process and the importance of strategic planning that includes analyzing data, asking questions, and moving toward positive organizational change in an environment where teachers and students can reflect on best practices, identify goals, and learn to their greatest potential.

//Presenter: Laura Moran, PaTTAN //

***

= Tuesday, July 24, 2012 = = = =__ Concurrent Sessions 8:15am - 10:00am __=


 * RtII – Key Indicators that Create a Successful Model **

This session is an interactive panel discussion related to Pennsylvania’s Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) model. It will explore the 9 key indicators needed to have a successful RtII model at both the elementary and middle school levels. The panelists are principals from buildings which have implemented the model for two or more years. //Presenter: School District Panel //


 * Case Law: What Would You Do? (repeated at 10:15) **

This session will provide participants an opportunity to review special education regulations and requirements. Brief scenarios of actual PA special education due process/court proceedings shall be presented and participants will be asked to analyze how they would ‘judge’ the case. Additional information will be provided from the regulations of IDEA and Chapter 14 to support the decision from the scenario. //Presenter: Ann Hinkson-Herrmann, PaTTAN and Becky Fogle, PaTTAN //

=**__ Concurrent Sessions 10:15am - 12:15pm __**=


 * What Special Education Leaders Need to Know about Pennsylvania’s Teacher Evaluation Process (repeated at 1:15) **

This session will highlight the most current information related to the teacher evaluation system to be implemented in Pennsylvania. //Presenter: Angela Kirby-Wehr, Director PaTTAN Harrisburg //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 1:15pm - 2:45pm __=


 * Continuous Improvement in Mathematics Instruction **

Math has been on an upward trend towards continuous improvement in instruction. This session will highlight the initiatives that the statewide math team has been implementing towards improvement in mathematics instruction for general education and special education teachers. The focus is on providing professional development on effective instructional strategies in mathematics for general and special education teachers that help all students who struggle with mathematics content. //Presenter: Allen Muir, PaTTAN //


 * What Special Education Leaders Need to Know about Pennsylvania’s Teacher Evaluation Process (repeated at 1:15) **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This session will highlight the most current information related to the teacher evaluation system to be implemented in Pennsylvania. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Angela Kirby-Wehr, Director PaTTAN Harrisburg //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Communication, Participation and Achievement **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Students with disabilities who have complex needs may lack the expressive means to communicate with teachers, peers, and caregivers. Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) systems - whether “high-tech” or “no-tech” – can allow these students to participate in social and academic interactions and to achieve in the general education curriculum. Why is it that AAC is considered for only a subset of these students? What do special education leaders need to know in order to foster the expectations that every student have an effective way to communicate? This session will provide an overview of AAC issues and realities, and identify steps for moving forward. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenters: Donna Westbrooks-Martin, PaTTAN and Susan Gill, PaTTAN //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 3:00pm - 4:30pm __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Controlling the Cost of Related Services **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">More than ever, directors of special education are caught between shrinking budget and an ever-increasing demand for related services. This workshop will help you identify and understand the critical factors that are driving your related services costs. We will discuss how to use information about your therapy program to create and implement policies that will bring costs under control both short-term and long-term. Using illustrations from actual therapy programs, we will provide practical, tactical suggestions to address many of the common causes of escalating therapy budgets. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Pam Hackett – Pediatric Therapeutic Services //


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Transforming “At Risk” to Graduates: Letting Your Data Lead You! **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">LEAs that show continuous gains in student success for youth with disabilities base decisions on data rather than hunch or habit. In these schools, Special Education Leaders understand that using valid and reliable data to identify causes of school dropout and those youth at greatest risk is our most powerful weapon in effectively identifying and addressing dropout and related issues. In this session, Dr. Bost will share The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD)'s Dropout Prevention Intervention Framework (DPIF). DPIF is a five phase process that assist LEAs to use readily available school based data to systematically problem solve, select, and implement evidence based practices that decrease dropout and promote successful outcomes toward graduation. This session also charts two very different school’s journey through NDPC-SD’s structured process that has led to improved outcomes for graduation and dropout for youth with disabilities within these settings. Structured activities and examples will provide participants with hands on practice opportunities to generate causal analysis using their own school data. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Dr. Loujeania Bost, National Dropout Prevention Center //

* = Wednesday, July 25, 2012 =

=__ General Session 8:00am - 9:00am __=


 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Special Education: Expanding Information, Establishing Support **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This interactive session with the Bureau of Special Education Advisors will focus on questions and concerns of practicing administrators in the field. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Patricia Hozella, Bureau of Special Education and BSE Division Chiefs and Advisors //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 9:00am -10:00am __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Recurring Issues in Due Process **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">A review of ODR’s Annual Report, in conjunction with hearing officer decisions, provides a good summary of the types of issues being addressed at due process hearings. This session, however, is a “down and dirty”, no holds barred description of the day to day, real life issues resulting in a hearing. The Director of the Office for Dispute Resolution will discuss subjects as diverse as parent engagement; document production; charter schools; methodology determinations, etc. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Kerry Smith, Esq. Office for Dispute Resolution //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">State Performance Plan – Effective Secondary Transition Services **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This session will engage the participants to explore five overarching concepts, which relate to the elements of effective transition services. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the role of leadership in design and oversight of transition programs. Participants will discuss current practices, explore topics such as college and career readiness, and share successful strategies utilized within their own district. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Sandy Zeleznick //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 10:15am - 12:15pm __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Quality Indicators of Effective Emotional Support Programs **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Meeting the complex needs of students with emotional and behavioral disorders and their families is a real concern for educators. Failure to do so has life-long implications for these students and the communities in which they live. This session will examine the current issues facing students with emotional and behavioral disorders as well as examine the quality indicators of programs for these students. In addition, participants will review the Global Screening Checklist to reflect on their current program for students with EBD. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Dennis Cullen, PaTTAN //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">What Special Education Leaders Need to Know: Changes to the Special Education Plan **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This session will highlight the changes to the special education plan of which all special education leaders need to be aware. In addition to providing information on the process, time for questions and answers will be built into the session. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Pat Scanlon, Bureau of Special Education //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Top 15 Absolute Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Charter & Cyber Charter Schools, and some other “Stuff you don’t want to miss” **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Whether you are a seasoned veteran or brand new to Charter & Cyber Charter Schools, you do not want to miss this session. Attendees will be provided with current information, tips and resources to help schools maximize the operation and efficacy of their special education program. The session will also allow participants to share how they have solved issues in the past which may serve as a guide for other schools. Plus, you never know what special guest will stop by to provide additional insight! //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Walter Howard, Bureau of Special Education //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Returning to Learning: Identifying & Supporting Students with Traumatic Brain Injury **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This lively, interactive training presentation will ensure that educators have a firm understanding of the most current research regarding the hot topic of concussions, more moderate/severe traumatic brain injuries, effective teaching strategies, and how to ensure that a child returning to school receives appropriate, coordinated and comprehensive support within the school settings to manage the students’ symptoms and needs. Come and develop an awareness regarding how The BrainSTEPS Brain Injury School Re-Entry Program can assist LEAs in the proper planning for students through graduation following TBI. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Brenda Eagan Brown, MSEd, CBIS BrainSTEPS //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 1:15pm - 2:45pm __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Section 504 and More **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The session deals with Section 504, Americans with Disability Act, Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment, and Chapter 15. This is a summary that includes evaluation, development of the service agreement, assistance animals, and other issues. The participants will understand the regulations and tie them into the requirements for compliance. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Dr. Malcolm Conner, Bureau of Special Education //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Gifted Education **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This session will focus on current trends in Pennsylvania regarding gifted education. It will provide an overview of compliance and instructional approaches. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Glenna Hazeltine, Esq. //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Free, Powerful Tools for Supporting Struggling Students **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">How do you as a special education administrator make decisions regarding appropriate technology to support students with disabilities? This session provides a framework for making decisions and locating resources. This session includes information about free, powerful tools to support struggling learners. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Bill Ziegler, Bucks County IU & Susan Gill, PaTTAN //

=__ Concurrent Sessions 3:00pm - 4:30pm __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">English Language Learners in Special Education: Language Barrier or a Disability? **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The population of English language learners in Pennsylvania has increased 114% in the past 10 years (OELA Report, 2010). The purpose of this session is to address the academic, linguistic and cultural needs of English language learners (ELLs), including ELLs in Special Education with the intention of building capacity among educators, school administrators, and other professionals who work with ELLs and their families. //<span style="color: #343434; font-family: 'Georgia','serif';">Presenter: Ana Sainz De La Pena <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">, PaTTAN //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Career and Tech Ed Centers **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Career and Tech Ed Centers (CTCs) can and often do provide a strong educational option for students with disabilities. For this to happen, educators from sending schools, educators from the CTC, as well as parents and students must work closely together to ensure that the program matches the student’s strengths, needs, and long-term objectives. This session will provide practical strategies and processes to help ensure that this occurs. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Jackie Greene, PaTTAN //


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Strategies for Saving Money in Your Special Education Budget **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">This interactive session will focus on the article “Something Has Got to Change: Rethinking Special Education” by Nathan Levenson. In this article, Levenson identifies ways for districts to do far better in four key areas. He explains how to reduce costs while boosting results by: better integrating special education with general education classrooms; smarter deployment of support staff; the use of more sophisticated metrics to gauge effectiveness metrics; and employing more strategic management structures. Participants will explore the strategies outlined in the article and discuss how they can rethink special education for their school. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Judy Ball, PaTTAN //

*

Thursday, July 26, 2012
=__ General Session 8:15am - 10:15pm __=

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">How Little is Little? Does One Degree Matter? **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Tough times, economic hurdles, negative educational perceptions...and the list goes on. What keeps motivating employees and staff to continue? Is there a simple way to increase employee motivation by reminding us of how a small amount of extra effort and attention can have a big impact on our results? Can positive attitudes be fostered? Leaders always find a way. This session will reinforce what you know, add to your current motivational strategies, and make you think differently about a little effort, attitude, and the impact it has on all we do! //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Presenter: Dr. Gina Scala, East Stroudsburg University //

=__ Closing Keynote 10:30am - 11:30am __=


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Why do things Succeed? Building Organizational Capacity in the Age of Accountability **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In today’s ever-changing school environments, evaluation can play a critical role for helping schools inquire and learn about what it is doing well in addition to understanding where it needs to improve and change. This closing session focuses on the link between asking questions (inquiry) and improving practice and, as a result, administrators and teachers are better positioned to use evaluation findings and embed evaluation practices into their culture and work processes. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Presenter: Laura Moran, PaTTAN //