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Conference Overview

PreConference Sessions on July 25th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Choose from the following options:

Session #1: Applying Evidence-Based Practices in the Education of Children with Autism within Your Classroom : John J. Wheeler, Ph.D. and James Fox, Ph.D.

The purpose of this workshop will be to provide conference participants with a fluent understanding of how to apply evidence-based practices (EBPs) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) within classroom settings.   Attendees will be provided with guided instruction on the use of EBP's in the assessment of ASD and how information derived from assessment can be translated into the design and development of individualized interventions aimed at promoting optimal learning.  Applied vignettes will be provided to illustrate how to apply these practices within all classroom environments across young children of varying ages and presenting characteristics.  Topical areas within ASD will include assessment, intervention planning, design of individualized instruction, collaboration and teaming with families, positive behavior supports and the use of individualized activity schedules to promote engagement on the part of children with ASD.  The content to be presented will emphasize the applicability of these practices across general/special education classrooms serving young children.

 

Session #2: STEM Inquiry-Based Learning: Rosemary Geiken, Ed.D. and Beth VanMeeteren, Ed.D.  and members of the Project SEE Team

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) seems to be a new buzzword in education. But what does it mean? Why is it important? Why should teachers incorporate STEM into their curriculum? These questions, and more, will be answered in this workshop.  In this highly interactively session, participants will engage in hands-on STEM activities (Ramps, Blocks, Bubbles, and more) and have the opportunity to identify the learning that can take place with young children PreK through 3^rdgrade.  The presenters will use a combination of video, minimal lecture, and discussion to show how to identify standards that can be met (Common Core, Next Generation Science standards, and TNELDS), use questioning to facilitate higher order thinking, and document children’s learning.   Throughout the activities, presenters will show how children are building a foundation for later physics, geometry, and spatial concepts. In addition, teachers who are currently using these activities in their classrooms will share their experiences.

Session #3: Conscious Discipline®: Creating a Caring Culture for Learning: Ginny Luther, M.A.

Tired of children saying, “What do I get if I am good?” Do you feel exhausted, unable to reach the most difficult children? Conscious Discipline® is a journey of shifting our perception of seeing discipline as something we “do” to children. Start your journey to help children develop discipline within themselves! Our willingness to be a part of a school family is dependent on the safety we feel, sense of belonging, compassion and value we can offer to others. Discover connections that really count! Learn ways to build a safe and caring culture that internally motivates children with a drive to be helpful rather than competitive and fighting to be first.