The NRCP Conference

May 12, 2011

The NRCP 2011 Paraprofessional Conference has been scheduled for:

May 12-14, 2011

At the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The Call for Papers is still available (The deadline has been extended until Friday, October 29!)

The Conference Registration is now open!

Help Spread the Word

Please help us spread the news about the 2011 conference by by downloading this Save the Date document with some basics about the conference that you can share with your friends.

Take a look at the presentations and pictures from last year. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter to be notified for future conference news.

Conference Registration

Don't forget to register early to take advantage of our Early Bird Registration Rates!

You can contact us using our online web form or at 435-797-7272 with any questions.

Event registration for 2011 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Conference powered by Eventbrite

If you would prefer to print out and mail in the conference registration form or pay by money order, you can download the registration form.

Call for Papers

Deadline extended until Friday, October 29, 2010!

Keyed In, Logged On, Charged Up! Paraprofessionals Connecting With 21st Century Learners

29th National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals

May 12-May 14, 2011 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg Pennsylvania

Submit your Proposal

Download the Call for Papers Information to Share with Friends

Suggested Topics

This year we are especially interested in the following topics, but as always, we encourage proposals that expand horizons.

Research Initiatives focusing on paraeducator effectiveness, training and supervision, one-on-one use of paraeducators, or other pertinent topics.

Statewide or local initiatives to set standards and parameters for:

Hands on Sessions specifically designed to strengthen the on-the-job performance of paraprofessionals working in Title I programs, inclusive classrooms or one-on-one job assignments, home- and center-based early childhood programs, ALS/bilingual education, and vocational/transitional services.

Incentives for Retaining a Skilled Paraprofessional Work Force (e.g. career pathways, credentialing flexible degree programs, collaborative articulated systems between provider agencies and 2- and 4-year colleges).

Standards and professionally developed models for preparing teachers and other supervisors to work effectively with paraprofessionals and direct service providers in education and other human services.

Emerging Roles for Paraprofessionals in occupational, speech/language, physical therapy and other disciplines.

Submit your Proposal

NOTES

Proposals are due by Friday, October 29, 2010

If your proposal is selected, you will be notified by November 15th.

Conference Experiences

Wondering whether you should attend the next conference in Salt Lake City? Here are some experiences from past attendees.

2008 Conference Pictures

First, from some Paraeducators from Meadowbrook Schools in Warwick, Rhode Island:

“We attended the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals’ 27th National Conference from April 17 through April 19, 2008. This conference was held at the Hilton Hartford Hotel in Hartford, Connecticut.

"There were a wide variety of presentations for each session. There were 6 to 10 choices for each time slot. At times it was quite difficult to choose just one to attend, but those that we did choose were strictly educational and would be extremely important tools for us to apply at Meadowbrook School.

"The instructors and educators were knowledgeable and motivational. We left fully energized, with new insight and a renewed pride in our positions as Paraprofessionals. We learned how different School Districts in different States view paraprofessionals. We also now understand how different school systems allow the implementation of “on–line”credits for the paraprofessional in order to gain certification without the necessity for them to attend classes during school hours.

"One presenter, Ms. Cindy Meyers, provided valuable insight into the world of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Another, Jim Olsen, offered two sessions on relating topics: “Cultivating Positive Energy to Overcome Negativity and Adversity Which Can Drain Energy”; and another which shared ways that we would be able to put ourselves back in charge without undermining a child’s sense of security and self-worth. Finally, we attended an amazing session which developed into an open discussion on antisocial behavior. We were able to share ideas and strategies with a standing room only crowd of approximately 50 people. This information was invaluable."

Here is another experience from Zachary Rossetti, Assistant Professor of Elementary Special Education at Providence College:

“I think that the idea of a conference focused on paraprofessionals is incredibly important because they often are working most closely and most often with students with significant disabilities. They are ultimately responsible for actually providing the specific services outlined in student IEPs. A conference such as this recognizes this crucial role and works to prepare paraprofessionals and to alert them of the latest research and ideas around best practice. It also engenders camaraderie that helps all of us re-energize during our busy and stressful school years. I really enjoyed my first conference this past year because I met many dedicated people doing great work, especially several individuals who spoke of being the only ones in their schools or districts fighting for more inclusive supports on behalf of families and children with disabilities.

"I would recommend this conference to all professionals working with students with disabilities (especially administrators, therapists, and teachers in addition to paraprofessionals) so that they can recognize the crucial role of paraprofessionals while learning about latest research and practical classroom strategies. Further, I feel that teams of teachers, therapists, administrators, and paraprofessionals should attend together to help develop real team cohesion that can ultimately serve families and students better.

Hotel and Travel Information

Hotel Information

Book your Hotel Room today

The conference will be held at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel in Harrisburg, PA . The guest room rate is $119.00 with 2 double beds.If you call (1-800-325-3535), be sure to ask for the National Resource Center Room Block Rate.

A personalized website for the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals is available for the conference. Guests can access the site to learn more about the event and to book, modify, or cancel a reservation from May 27, 2010 to May 18, 2011.

The Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel’s central location is just minutes away from downtown Harrisburg, Harrisburg International Airport, and Hershey Park with easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-83, I-283, and I-78.

Note: The Sheraton offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. A courtesy phone is located at the airport that will ring the hotel to arrange for pick-up.>

Attention All Conference Exhibitors!

Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the conference.

Join us in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the 29th National Paraprofessional Conference:

“Keyed In, Logged On, Charged Up!”

Paraprofessionals Connecting with 21st Century Learners

May 12 - 14, 2011
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

We are expecting 500-600 paraprofessionals, parents, policymakers, and administrators in state and local education, personnel developers in 2- and 4-year colleges, as well as many other stakeholders and service providers.

Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to spotlight your products and materials!

Registration and Setup

Registration pick-up begins Wednesday afternoon, May 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM. The conference will begin on Thursday, May 12 and continues through Saturday, May 14. Exhibitors will be allowed to set up Wednesday evening. Additional shipping and set-up information will provided upon sign-up.

Download the Exhibitor Registration Form

Fees

Table space is available at a rate of $100 per table for education and non-profit organizations, and $150 for all other vendors (easels will be provided if requested.) Additional AV equipment is available for a fee upon request. Contact Connie Beck at connie.beck@usu.edu

Note: Limited electrical outlets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional Information

Should you have any additional questions, please contact Connie Beck at (801) 797-7272 or connie.beck@usu.edu.

Past Conferences

To get a taste of what will be be happening at the 2008 National Conference in Connecticut, here are schedules from past conferences as well as presentations and notes from a few of the presenters.

2006 Conference

In 2006, the 25th National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals was held in the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conference was held with the support of the Minnesota Paraprofessional Consortium, the Minnesota Department of Education and the Institute on Community Integration in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota.

You can review the conference schedule and even view some of the conference presentations in the links below:

2006 Conference Presentations

Enjoy the slides and notes from some of our 2006 conference presenters.

Building Better Behavior: A Program Describing Fundamental Behavior Strategies Appropriate for Paraeducators

From Bob Morgan, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation
Utah State University
TRISPED Projects

What is the purpose of Building Better Behavior? This CD-ROM program describes proven ways to address common behaviors in classrooms or other school settings. The approaches are called Behavior Builders. Some Behavior Builders emphasize positive approaches for teaching appropriate alternative behaviors to replace problem behaviors. This approach is used because many students who display behavior problems are not skilled in performing appropriate behaviors – they need to be taught how, when, and where to display new behaviors. Other Behavior Builders are designed to prevent problems before they start – called proactive approaches. The purpose is to provide basic strategies for interacting with students. It is not a set of behavioral intervention procedures, but fundamental methods for building better behaviors.

When is this program relevant? Behavior Builders is useful in addressing common behaviors in school classrooms or other educational settings. Used appropriately, Behavior Builders may significantly reduce behavior problems.

What is the paraeducator's role in this program? As direct service providers, paraeducators are frequently in situations where they need to manage student behavior. Building Better Behavior is written in practical language for paraeducators working in classrooms and Title I programs. It can be shared with teachers and other team members, including parents. Building Better Behavior is based on the thinking that fundamental skills in verbal interaction, timing of communications, and rapport-building will eliminate many problem behaviors before they occur. Many of the strategies will be immediately usable by paraeducators because they require no formal training in behavior analysis.

What else must be considered before starting a Behavior Builder?

Preliminary strategies. Behavior Builders are similar to preliminary strategies. Preliminary strategies may be used in conjunction with Behaviors Builders to maximize success. Preliminary strategies include

  • using appropriate and engaging curriculum,
  • providing opportunities for students with special needs to interact with typical students in regular education settings,
  • creating a limited number of positively stated rules for each school setting,
  • promoting communication opportunities for all students,
  • arranging the environment to enhance learning and reduce problem behaviors,
  • establishing high rates of praise statements from instructors to students for behavior and academic performance,
  • setting a rapid pace of instruction, and
  • reducing down time, and so forth.

In this presentation, the presenter will describe and demonstrate excerpts of the Building Better Behavior CD-ROM program. The exhibit at the conference invites paraeducators and others to stop by to use the program at their convenience.

The 15 Behavior Builders include

  • Name first
  • Specific instructions
  • Ask student to repeat instructions
  • Distinguish specific instructions from choices
  • Forecasting expectations
  • Establishing expectations for transitions
  • Recognizing/praising actions
  • Praise around
  • The name game
  • Reinforcing for asking to take a 10-sec break
  • Reinforcing for signaling for help
  • Reinforcing for asking "When can I …?"
  • Reinforcing for appropriately getting the instructor’s attention
  • Reinforcing successive approximations

For more information, contact Technology, Research, and Innovation in Special Education (TRI-SPED) at Utah State University, 1-877-722-3991 or www.trisped.org

[1] Presented at the 25th National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals, Bloomington, Minnesota, May 11 and 12, 2006

Building Systems in Utah: A Blueprint for Success

From Marilyn Likins, Utah Para Web site:

Hawaii State Department of Education and Community Colleges: Partnerships in Paradise

From Dale Asami, Judith Kappenberg, Lorelei Karasaki and Louise Pagotto

Partnerships in Paradise

Building the Future - One Student at a Time

Associates in Arts in Teaching Program

How Can We Use Assessment Techniques to Enhance the Learning of Pareducators? Or, How Do We Know if Our Students Are Learning?

From Susan Simon, Doug Van Oort, Julie Wenzel and Carolyn Cleveland

Keys for the Future Paraprofessionals Becoming Teachers

From Susie Branon and Lisa Oden

Learning, Talking and Creating Change: Different Formats for Conversations About Practice

From Mary Fisher and Brooke Baker:

Load Your Toolbox: Behavioral Strategies for Everyone

T = Take care of your own needs
O = OK to borrow tools from others
O = Open your mind and ask questions
L = Listen to each other
S = Start and End on time

TO DO LIST!

  • Introduction
  • Rules of the Thumb
  • Whitewashing the fence
  • Don't Make Me Build It
  • Are you the Contractor?
  • Opening Up Your Toolbox
  • Measure Twice, Cut once
  • Project Completed

You are the contractor. Think about these things:

  • Are there other things happening which may make the behavior worse?
  • Does the student know and understand the what is expected?
  • Does the student have the ability/skill to do what is asked of him/her?
  • Does the student have enough time to do what is expected?
  • Did the adult use respect when dealing with the student?
    • The voice remains calm
    • The student's personal space is honored
    • The student is not embarrassed in front of peers
    • Nonverbal and verbals interactions are appropriate

Measure Twice – Cut Once Questions

  1. Is the tool socially acceptable?
    • Does it make sense?
    • Is it humane?
    • Can you afford it?
    • Is it legal?
    • Can you tell others about it?
  2. Does the tool have some way of helping the student manage their own behavior?
  3. Can the tool be implemented without causing too much distraction for the rest of the class?
  4. Will the tool work?
    • Will this tool reduce the need for "tougher" tools?
    • Will this tool work in other settings?
    • Will the behavior transfer to other settings?
  5. Will the tool solve the problem behavior without making a bigger behavior problem?

I've come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my personal approach that creates the climate. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher (or a paraeducator), I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized. --Haim Ginott

Trying
Our darnedest to
Overcome
Landmines
Successfully

We cannot make a kid behave.
It will drive us to our grave.
In olden days, the rules we knew,
"Do it and it will be done to you!"
If we slugged, then we got hit.
If we chomped down, we got bit.
Now policies and rules have changed:
"Hit a kid! Are you deranged?"
Now we work to give the clues
To reinforce behaviors that we choose
Misbehavior we redirec
Quirks and foibles to correct.
We fill our box with tools galore
Always trying not to bore.
We do the research, try our tricks,
To give the skills kids need to fix.
The final strategy, if you dare...
Just let your students know, "I care!"

Anyone can punish or control, but it takes the best, the brightest, the most skilled, and the most creative educators to inspire students through positive programming.

If a child doesn't know how to read... we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to swim... we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to multiply... we teach.
If a child doesn't know how to behave... we punish.
John Herner

Behavior Tools

Removal or Introduction of Antecedents:

  1. Look at the behavior to decide what might be causing the behavior – what is happening just before the behavior shows up, it is a class, a certain time, a certain group of people? Also look for times when the behavior is not present.
  2. Change the situation (antecedent) and replace with an appropriate behavior situation (the good times).
  3. As the new behavior is learned and used, slowly reintroduce the antecedents which caused the inappropriate behavior.

Change the Task:

  1. Look at the task – it is too difficult, easy, or boring.
  2. Break the task into smaller chunks, give extra help, or plan for success.
  3. Increase the demands of the task as success happens.

Change the Position:

  1. Move the student to a new position in the room or at their desk to finish the task.
  2. Allow the student to do the problem on the whiteboard, stand at her desk, and sit on the floor.

Change the Schedule:

  1. Give breaks more often.
  2. Move difficult tasks to a different time of day.
  3. Break down the tasks between "seat" time and activity time.
  4. Time between activities or breaks can be lengthened a little at a time.

Redirect:

  1. Give a verbal/nonverbal cue/prompt which can lead to a more appropriate behavior.
  2. The cue/prompt redirects the student's attention.
  3. Be sure the cue doesn't call attention to the inappropriate behavior.

Choice Training:

  1. Teach students how to make choices. The choices need to have significance to the student.
  2. Give the student wait time to make the choice before giving prompts.
  3. The activities (choices) may be like doing math worksheet or writing a story now. It could be between two free time activities.

Verbal Cueing:

  1. Give a verbal cue that leads to the appropriate behavior.
  2. Example: I like the way Julie is sitting quietly.

Proximity:

  1. Make the student aware that you are close and aware of them.
  2. This could be eye contact, a tap on the desk, or walking past the student's desk.
  3. Teach self-management skills so proximity could be done from across the room.

Using Reinforcers:

  1. First decide what is reinforcing to the student(s).
  2. Use reinforcers when appropriate behavior is demonstrated or approximations toward completing the correct behavior.
  3. Use social reinforcers (praise, smiles) before primary reinforcers (food, drinks, stickers) if possible.
  4. Have a plan for fading out primary reinforcers.

Modeling and self-modeling with videotape feedback:

  1. Model the appropriate behavior for the student, talking about what is appropriate.
  2. This could possibly be done with videotaping the student and stopping the tape and discussing the behavior.
  3. Have the student practice the behavior or watch the video and talk about times the behavior is appropriate.

Functional communication training:

  1. Sometimes a student can not communicate their needs which lead to inappropriate behavior. An alternate communication system needs to be used.
  2. This could be sign language, Boardmaker pictures in a book, assistive technology devices, and pictures on a schedule.
  3. The student will need to be taught how to use the communication system using prompts and modeling.

Anger Control training:

  1. The adults need to determine what is happening just before the behavior happens.
  2. The student is taught self-statements like "Relax, stop, calm down, count to 10" to use before the behavior happens.
  3. Others things that could be used would be "pauses for the cause" like moving to a different spot in the room, asking to go get a drink or go to a different room.
  4. The student needs to reflect on the behavior and ways to handle it.

Directly teach a replacement behavior:

  1. The student is taught to replace an inappropriate behavior with an appropriate behavior through modeling, cueing, and prompting.
  2. For example, if a student touches/pushes other students when lining up, and they have been taught Body Basics for lining up, then every time the students line up, the teacher/para say, "Remember to use good Body Basics."

Preparation for Change:

  1. Some students don't deal well with a change to their routine or sudden, unexpected events.
  2. If at all possible, explain changes in the routine or activities in advance and why this is happening.

Explanation of Consequences:

  1. Discuss with the student the possible consequences of a behavior.
  2. This can be used before and/or after an inappropriate behavior – (if you doÉ, what will happen? Because you É., now what will happen?)

Verbal Command:

  1. Sometimes a student doesn't think about a behavior or can't stop it.
  2. Use a direct verbal command like "Stop running in the hall." Use a calm voice and do not shout.

Simple Restitution:

1. This is used to have a student undo the result of the behavior (wash

the tables after using marker on them).

2. Do not embarrass the student in front of their peers.

Blocking:

  1. The adult positions themselves between or removes others from the student. This would be if the student was hitting another student, throwing things, or running from the room.
  2. Be sure not to put yourself in danger.
  3. Don't raise your voice and remain calm.

Brief holding:

  1. A mild restraint (like holding a student's hands down momentarily, for less than 20 seconds) is used to stop a self-abusive behavior like biting, pinching, etc. Don't struggle with the student.
  2. 2. Remain neutral. Focus the attention on the activity.

Time Out:

  1. This is used for disruptive or aggressive behavior which is reinforced by peer attention.
  2. Take the student to a time-out area; tell the student what the inappropriate behavior is, and how long they will be in time-out. Set a timer.
  3. Calmly discuss the behavior that is appropriate and ask the student if they are ready to come back to the group. If not, the timer needs to be set again.
  4. The time-out period should be brief (3-5 minutes).

Paraeducator Training: Making the Decisions and Finding the Materials That Meet Your District's Needs

From Nancy French:

The PAR²A Center Web site

Paraprofessional Orientation: Need to Know

From Sharon Johnson

You can also download the handout that went with this presentation:
PDF icon PDF version of the handout
Word iconMicrosoft Word Version of the Document

Proactive Planning for Highly Qualified Paraeducator Staff Development

From Mary Lasater and Sheila Fernley

Proud to Be a Para Because I Make a Difference!

Strategies for Incorporating the National Reading Panels Five Components of Reading into the Classroom

From Bonnie Houck

Study Groups As a Professional Development Model for Paraprofessionals

From Kjell Fenn

The Art of Synergy-Building Effective Teacher/Paraeducator Teams

From Deanna Avis

The Choice is Yours: Do You Want to Help or Hamper Inclusion?

From Ritu Chopra (Session 1)
The PAR²A Center Web site

The Effective Use of Teacher Assistants

Peggy Hayden and Ann Marie Dubuque
Teacher Assistants Website

(From their abstract)

This session will address strategies being used in RI to support districts in the effective use of teacher assistants. These include state and local leadership and infrastructure development, policy, data collection, and professional development strategies and resources. Participants will be made aware of a module on the Effective Use of Teacher Assistants that they can download for free at http://www.ritap.org/ta on the Resources webpage and adapt to their situation.

Session Description: Using an interactive lecture format, this session will highlight state and local:

  1. Leadership and infrastructure development
  2. Policy including state standards and guidelines and local policy development
  3. Data collection including a new statewide computerized data collection system that is under development for collecting and analyzing data at state and local levels related to TA qualifications, assignments and professional development acquired and needed.
  4. Professional development strategies and resources including use of a module on the Effective Use of Teacher Assistants that they can download for free and adapt to their situation. This module addresses:
  5. How to Use this Module
  6. Research Related To Teacher Assistants
  7. Legal Requirements Related To Teacher Assistants And Other Paraprofessionals
  8. Instructional Team Model
  9. Job Descriptions For Teacher Assistants
  10. Considerations For Assigning Teacher Assistants
  11. Orientation Of Teacher Assistants
  12. Professional Development For Instructional Team Members
  13. Supervision Of Teacher Assistants
  14. Performance Evaluation Of Teacher Assistants
  15. Orientation Exercise for Effective Use of Teacher Assistants Module
  16. Guided Discussion
  17. Bibliography

Tracking Student Behaviors' So That Administrators and Staff Can Identify Strategies to Help All Students Be Successful

From Harlan Leopold

Handout from the Session

The participants will learn how to effectively track student discipline, receive a copy of a behavior improvement plan, receive a copy of a discipline referral plan, view examples of curricula that deal directly with working to resolve undesirable behaviors, receive a list of videos used with the curricula, and participate in a discussion of techniques used in the Responsibility Center.

Transition Needs of Older Youth With Disabilities

From Joe Timmons
Institute on Community Integration

2006 Conference Schedule

25thNational Conference for Paraprofessionals Schedule (2006)

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Wednesday May 10th, 2006

4:00-7:30 PM Registration in the Ballroom Foyer at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel

Thursday, May 11th, 2006

7:00 AM -5:00 PM Registration - Ballroom Foyer
7:30-8:30 AM Continental Breakfast - Garden Court
7:00 AM-9:00 PM Exhibits - Garden Court
8:30-8:45 Ballroom Center and East
Introduction and Welcome-Commissioner of Education, Alice Seagren and Barbara Jo Stahl, Minnesota Department of Education
8:45 -9:45 Ballroom Center and East
Keynote Speaker: Scott McConnell
Promoting Literacy Development in Young Children
9:45-10:00 Break
10:00-11:30 Session 1: Veranda 1-4
Ritu Chopra
Choice is Yours: Do You Want to Help or Hamper Inclusion?
Session 2: Veranda 5-8
Kent Gerlach
Let's Team Up: Communication and Team Building Strategies for Paraeducator and Teacher Teams
Session 3: Atrium 7
Hungti Hsu
Law Suits and Legal Issues Regarding Paraprofessionals
Session 4: Atrium 2
Arlene Barresi
Paraeducator and Teacher Trainers/Mentors: A New Approach to Staff Development
Session 5: Atrium 1
Mary Lasater and Sheila Fernley
Proactive Planning for Highly Qualified Paraeducator Staff Development
Session 6: Edina
Mary Wiesen and Ellen Crayne
Para University: Math Strategies
Session 7: Atrium 8
Marilyn Likins
Building Systems in Utah: A Blueprint for Success
Session 8: Plaza 1
Anna Lou Pickett, Peggy Hayden and Susan Simon
Strategies for Establishing Policies and Building Systems to Support and Strengthen Teacher and Paraeducator Teams
Session 9: Bloomington
Lynette Dobberpuhl
Packing Light: Essential Tools for Paraprofessionals
Session 10: Atrium 3
Linda Alsop
Paraeducators Working With Students With Deaf/Blind Disabilities-Stepping Up to the Next Level
11:30-1:00 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00-2:30 Session 11: Veranda 1-4
Ivory Mitchell and Patsy Wilburn
Building Professional Development for Educational Support Professionals
Session 12: Plaza 1
Christine Macfarlane and Hayley Hill
Moving Up the Career Development Ladder: From Paraprofessional to Special Education Teacher
Session 13: Bloomington
Robert Morgan
Building Better Behavior: A Program Describing Fundamental Behavior Strategies for Paraeducators (Repeat Session 45 - Friday)
Session 14: Atrium 7
Elena Sandoval-Lucero
Identifying Resources for Paraeducator Professional Development
Session 15: Atrium 6
Barbara Jo Stahl, Paul Wasko and Sally Baas
Para efolio-Your Talent Skills and Abilities in an Electronic Portfolio
Session 16: Plaza 2
Adam Wendt
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Creating a Safe and Positive Playground
Session 17: Atrium 1
Emily Williams, Mary Deluney, Terry Ann Flynn, Rick Norby and Mary Jo Connolly
Working Together to Address the Teacher Shortage in Minnesota-Teacher Corps, Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Teacher's Union & St. Mary's University
Session 18: Veranda 5-8
Betty Montgomery and Linda Gray
Training and Professional Development Opportunities for Paraprofessionals
Session 19: Edina
Jim Olson
Nonviolent Communication
Session 20: Atrium 2
Abdallah Bendada
Paraprofessional Standards and Development Programs
2:30-3:00Break - Gardan Court
3:00-4:30Session 21: Veranda 1-4
Kent Gerlach
Current State and National Issues Regarding Paraeducators: Their Qualifications, Roles, Training and Supervision
Session 22: Veranda 5-8
Alice Brody
GETTING PREPARED: A Statewide Initiative to Assist Paraprofessionals in New York State Meet New State and Federal Requirements
Session 23: Bloomington
Mary Fisher, Brooke Baker & Wanda Hubbard
Educators Learning, Talking and Creating Change: Different Formats for Conversations About Practice
Session 24: Edina
Harlan Leopold
Tracking Student Behaviors' So That Administrators and Staff Can Identify Strategies to Help All Students Be Successful
Session 25: Atrium 1
Caroline Doerr, Mike Lee, Saliban Garbiye, Abdi Ali, Richard Zehn and Wangyal Ritzekura
Diverse Student Populations: Welcoming Immigrant Students and Their Families to Our Educational System
Session 26: Atrium 7
Thalia Moshoyannis
The Holland Self-Directed Search: An Interest Inventory
Session 27: Atrium 6
Susan Simon, Doug Van Oort, Julie Wenzel and Carolyn Cleveland
How Can We Use Assessment Techniques to Enhance the Learning of Pareducators? Or, How Do We Know if Our Students Are Learning?
Session 28: Atrium 8
Joe Timmons
Transition Needs of Older Youth With Disabilities
4:45-6:00 Peggy Hayden, Facilitator - Garden Court State Leadership Networking Session
4:45-6:00 Reception: New Ulm Chamber Orchestra - Garden Court

Friday May 12th, 2006

7:00-4:30 Registration - Ballroom Foyer
7:30-8:30 Continental Breakfast - Garden Court
7:00-5:00 Exhibits - Garden Court
Ballroom Center and East
8:30-8:45 		Introductions and Welcome
8:45-9:45 Ballroom Center and East
Keynote: Tina (Sue Edwards) and Lena (Annette Hustad)- Tina & Lena
A 'Para' Funny Ladies
9:45-10:30 Break - Garden Court
10:30-12:00 Session 29: Veranda 1-4
Tish Olshefski and Lisa Thomas
Meeting the Standards for Paraprofessionals: An American Federation of Teachers Study in Professional Development
Session 30: Veranda 5-8
Steven Kaatz
Remediating Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Session 31: Plaza 1
Kathy Sweezey
Preparing Teachers to Work Effectively With Paraeducators
Session 32: Edina
Kjell Fenn
Study Groups As a Professional Development Model for Paraprofessionals
Session 33: Atrium 1
Peggy Hayden and Ann Marie Dubuque
The Effective Use of Teacher Assistants
Session 34: Atrium 2
Sharon Johnson
Paraprofessional Orientation: Need to Know
Session 35: Atrium 7
Nancy French
Paraeducator Training: Making the Decisions and Finding the Materials That Meet Your District's Needs
Session 36: Atrium 6
Bonnie Lotzer
Nobody Told Me About This! (Repeat Session 66-Saturday)
Session 37: Atrium 4
Julie Neuberger and Beverly Plagge
Load Your Toolbox: Behavioral Strategies for Everyone!
Session 38: Atrium 8
Susie Branon and Lisa Oden
Keys for the Future Paraprofessionals Becoming Teachers
12:00-1:30 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30-3:30 Session 39: Veranda 1-4
Dale Asami, Judith Kappenberg, Lorelei Karasaki and Louise Pagotto
Hawaii State Department of Education and Community Colleges: Partnerships in Paradise
Session 40: Veranda 5-8
Cookie Miranda and Carmela Wisniewski
Communication and Team Building: Interactive and Problem Solving Skills for Partners in Learning
Session 41: Atrium 1
Teri Wallace
Using Fluency Data to Inform Instructional Decisions: What's My Role? (Repeat Session 75 Saturday)
Session 42: Edina
Marla Beckman and Vicki Uecker
Engaging Mathematical Activities for Struggling Elementary Students
Session 43: Bloomington
Kit Giddings
Classroom Assessment Made Easy: How to Identify, Record, and Monitor Student Progress and Still Teach (Repeat Session 69 Saturday)
Session 44: Atrium 2
Carol Long and Suzanne Koprowski
Portfolio Development for Paraeducators
Session 45: Atrium 4
Robert Morgan
Building Better Behavior: A Program Describing Fundamental Behavior Strategies for Paraeducators (Repeat Session 13 Thursday)
Session 46: Atrium 6
Donna Ramsey
Let's Make Books
Session 47: Atrium 7
Jim Olson
Creating a Sense of Peace Less Than a Peaceful World
Session 48: Plaza 1
Bonnie Houck
Strategies for Incorporating the National Reading Panels Five Components of Reading into the Classroom
3:30-3:45 Break - Garden Court
3:45-5:15 Session 49: Veranda 1-4
Katherine Anderson and Ann Goldade
Have Questions? Get Answers!
Session 50: Veranda 5-8
Bob Braun and Dan Stores
The Top Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Transition
Session 51: Atrium 7
Alice Brody
Educational Pathways for New York City Paraprofessionals: A Collaborative Effort Between the New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers and Empire State College, SUNY
Session 52: Edina
Maury Devolder
Let's Use Words Other Than -NO!-
Session 53: Atrium 1
Nancy French
The Paraeducator Effectiveness Study: Exploring the Link Between Paraeducator Training and Student Achievement
Session 54: Atrium 2
Sungti Hsu and Betty Ashbaker
Direct Supervision: What Is It, What Do the Laws Say, and What Must Paraprofessional and Supervisors Do to Comply With the Law
Session 55: Plaza 1
Marge Meconis and Nan McDonald
Changing a Staffing Model: Paraprofessionals in Team Classrooms
Session 56: Atrium 6
Judy Skyllingstad
Child Temperament: Traits, Tips and Tools for the Classroom
Session 57: Plaza 2
Ashleigh Molloy
Proud to Be a Para Because I Make a Difference!
Session 58: Atrium 8
Janet Hull
The Paraprofessional Role in Fostering Student Independence

Saturday, May 13th, 2006

7:00-8:00 Registration - Ballroom Foyer
Continental Breakfast - Garden Court
8:30-8:50 Ballroom Center and East
Hmong Dancers
8:50-9:00 Ballroom Center and East
Introductions and Welcome
9:00-9:30 Ballroom Center and East
Sally Baas, Concordia University
Presentation of Para of the Year and Team of the Year
9:30-10:30 . Ballroom Center and East
Keynote Speaker: Jane Bluestein-21st
Century Discipline: Building Responsibility, Cooperation and Self-Management
10:30-10:45Break - Garden Court
10:45-12:15 Session 59: Atrium 6
Patty Schoff and Dawn Bendiske
Self-Determination:-A Theory Based In Research: If You Take Their Life Jackets Away, Will They Sink or Swim?
Session 60: Atrium 1
Ginny Eggen
Building Resiliency (Repeat Session 76 Saturday)
Session 61: Edina
Teri Wallace and Barbara Jo Stahl
Para eLink: Expanding Our Horizons
Session 62: Bloomington
Terre Hirst and Katia Milius
Para University: Reading and Writing Strategies
Session 63: Plaza 1
Kelly Bredeken and Brian Kasper
How Much is Too Much?
Session 64: Atrium 8
Barbara Locker, Vanessa Hale and Sherry Hamilton
Back to School: One Avenue to Becoming a Highly Qualified Paraeducator
Session 65: Atrium 2
Carol Long and Suzanne Koprowski
A Field Guide for Paraeducators in Clinical Experiences: The First Year on the Job and Transfer Situations
Session 66: Atrium 7
Bonnie Lotzer
Nobody Told Me About This! (Repeat Session 36 Friday)
Session 67: Ballroom West
Jane Bluestein
My Brain Doesn't Work Like That: Accommodating Learning Differences
Session 68: Plaza 2
Deanna Avis
The Art of Synergy-Building Effective Teacher/Paraeducator Teams
12:15-1:15pm Lunch (On Your Own)
1:15-2:45 Session 69: Atrium 4
Kit Giddings
Classroom Assessment Made Easy: How to Identify, Record, and Monitor Student Progress and Still Teach (Repeat Session 43 Friday)
Session 70: Edina Room
Jo Ann Stolpa and Karen Malin
Top Ten List for Emerging Readers
Session 71: Atrium 6
Marilyn Likins
Middle School/Jr. High Students - Love'em or Leave'em: Management Strategies That Work
Session 72: Atrium 1
Barbara Jo Stahl
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing: Increasing Student Independence
Session 73: Atrium 8
Carol A. Long
Strategies for Inclusive Instruction
Session 74: Plaza 2
Deanna Avis
The Art of Synergy - Building Effective Teacher/Paraeducator Teams (Repeat Session 68 - Saturday)
Session 75: Atrium 2
Teri Wallace
Using Fluency Data to Inform Instructional Decisions: What's My Role? (Repeat Session 41 Friday)
Session 76: Plaza 1
Ginny Eggen
Building Resiliency (Repeat Session 60 Saturday)
Session 77: Veranda 1-4
Hattie Hollie
Foundations of Instruction - The Paraeducator's Role
Session 78:
Mary Deluney and Nancy Rekucki
Building Assets in School Communities

2007 Conference

In 2007, the 26th National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals was held at the Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

You can review the conference schedule and even view some of the conference presentations in the links below:

2007 Conference Presentations

Enjoy the slides and notes from some of our 2006 conference presenters.

A Peek into What Paraprofessionals Do in Inclusive Classrooms

From Ann Nevin, Florida International University and Ida Malian, Arizona State University

Classroom Assessment Made Easy

From Kit Giddings, Utah Personnel Development Center

Instructional Barrier Busters

From Kit Giddings, Utah Personnel Development Center

Paraeducator Perspectives: Factors that Help or Hinder their Effectiveness

Ritu V. Chopra, from the The PAR²A Center

Paraprofessional’s Path to Bridging the Gaps in the Inclusive Classroom

Presenter: Dr. Ashleigh Molloy
Transformation Education Institute, York University

2007 Conference Schedule

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

Download a printable schedule

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Wednesday May 2nd, 2007
4:00-6:00 PM State Leadership Meeting
3:30-7:30 PM Registration and Packet Pickup
Thursday, May 3th, 2007
7:00 AM -5:00 PM Registration - Pavilion Landing
7:30-8:30 AM Continental Breakfast - Pavilion Court
7:00 AM-9:00 PM Exhibits - Court
8:30-9:45 Pavilion IV-VI
Introduction and Welcome
Dr. Beth Everett
Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools
Anna Lou Pickett
To Step Into the Future We Must Understand Lessons From the Past
9:45-10:00 Break
10:00-11:30 Session 1: Pavilion II & III Room
Peggy Hayden and Ann Marie Dubuque
State Supports for the Effective Use of Teacher Assistants
Session 2: Pavilion I Room
Kent Gerlach
Clarifying the Roles of Paraeducators and Their Supervisors: It’s All About Ethics and Professional Guidelines
Session 3: Enchantment A Room
Kathy Muth and Giovanni Chiarelli
Communication and Teaming Building: Interactive and Problem Solving Skills for Partners in Learning
Session 4: Enchantment B Room
Peggy L. Akerman
A Study of Work Satisfaction of Special Education Paraprofessionals
Session 5: Enchantment E Room
Cathy D. Gangstad
Understanding the Reading Brain: Helping Students Become Fluent Readers
Session 6: Enchantment F Room
Carol Long and Suzanne Koprowski
Portfolio Development for Paraeducators
Session 7: Pavilion V Room
Deb Andrews
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Adolescence: Strategies for Addressing Teenage Behaviors
Session 8: Enchantment C & D Room
Ginny Eggen
Writing Strategies That Work
11:30-1:00 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00-2:30 Session 9: Pavilion I Room
Terri Emberling and Susan Kay
A Generation in Crisis: What Everyone Who Works With Children Needs to Know About Kids’ Brains in Today’s World (Continued in Session 19)
Session 10: Enchantment A Room
Sharon Nelson
Expanding Roles: Paraeducators Providing Health Care to Students in Elementary Schools
Session 11: Pavilion IV Room
Jane Robb Linse
Washington State’s Model for Training Paraeducators
Session 12: Pavilion V Room
Christy Ullery
Teamwork: Tools for Creating an Effective Team
Session 13: Enchantment E Room
Thalia Moshoyannis
The Holland Self-Directed Search: An Interest Inventory (Repeat Session 45)
Session 14: Enchantment B Room
Joanna Davis-Diaz and Jennifer Arnold-Brevoort
English Language Learning: Activities, Techniques, and Ideas
Session 15: Enchantment F Room
Bryce Day
Structured Training and Mentoring for Paraeducators
Session 16: Enchantment C & D Room
Kathy Sweezey
Preparing Teachers to Work Effectively With Paraeducators
2:30-3:00Break
3:00-4:30Session 17: Enchantment C & D Room
Susan Branon and Melanie Crider
Paraprofessionals Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn
Session 18: Enchantment E Room
Ritu Chopra
Paraeducator Perspectives: Factors that Help or Hinder Their Effectiveness
Session 19: Pavilion I Room
Terri Emberling and Susan Kay
A Generation in Crisis: What Everyone Who Works With Children Needs to Know About Kids’ Brains in Today’s World (Continuation from Session 9)
Session 20: Enchantment A Room
Sungti Hsu and Betty Ashbaker
Supervision: Under the Microscope of Micro-management or Supported Mentoring
Session 21: Pavilion V Room
Ashleigh Molloy
Paraprofessional’s Path to Bridging the Gaps in the Inclusive Classroom
Session 22: Pavilion IV Room
Judy Skyllingstad
The Challenging Child: Changes, Choices, and Second Chances
Session 23: Pavilion II & III
Barbara Laird
Behavior IS Communication
Session 24: Enchantment B
Cynthia Hutten-Eagle
Paraeducator to Teacher: A Journey Worth Taking
Session 25: Enchantment Room F
Jessica Dandridge Brinkley and Carol Nelson
Building Winning Teams
Session 26: Pavilion VI Room
Barbara Jo Stahl
“Showing and Sharing Your Talents, Para eFolio”
5:00-6:30 Reception
Friday May 4th, 2007
7:00-3:30 Registration - Pavilion Landing
7:00-8:00 Continental Breakfast - Pavilion Court
7:00-5:00 Exhibits - Pavilion Court
8:30-9:45 Introductions and Welcome
Keynote: Karen Kaiser Clark – Life is Change⎯Growth is Optional
9:45-10:30 Break
10:30-12:00 Session 27: Pavilion IV Room
Susan Simon
The Student Can't Do the Assignment: Should I Make Changes? How Should I Do It?
Session 28: Pavilion I Room
Steve Brandick
From Career Ladder to Teacher Pipeline: 12 Years Later of Success
Session 29: Enchantment A Room
Deborah Cotton
Is There Anyone That Looks Like Me!: Preserving Minority Role Models in Today’s Classroom
Session 30: Pavilion II & III Room
Christine Valenciana, Evelyn Weisman, Francisco Balderrama, Laura Ortiz, Joyce Foster, Antonia Alvarado and Susana Flores
Reflections on Women Paraeducators and Their Journey to Teacher Certification
Session 31: Enchantment B Room
Barbara Laird
The Recipe for Success From Our Cookbook of Inclusion (Continuation Session 41)
Session 32: Pavilion III Room
Bonnie Lotzer
Nobody Told Me About This!
Session 33: Enchantment E Room
Regina M. Moreno
Beyond the Basics: Paraprofessionals Working With Students With Low-incidence Disabilities
Session 34: Enchantment F Room
Arlene Barresi and Kathy Muth
Paraeducator and Teacher Trainers/Mentors: A New Approach to Staff Development
Session 35: Pavilion V Room
Ann Nevin, Deidre Marshall, Jorine Voigt and Ida Malian
A Peek Into Role Changes and Demands: What Do Paraeducators DO in Inclusive Classrooms?
Session 36: Pavilion VI Room
Nancy French
Maintaining the Training Vision: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
12:00-1:30 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30-3:30 Session 37: Pavilion VI Room
John Blaydes
Survival Skills for Paraeducators: Tools for Keeping a Balance in Your Life
Session 38: Enchantment F Room
Bob Braun and Dan Stores
The Top Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Transition
Session 39: Enchantment C & D Room
Kathy Chavez and Eloisa Corona
Work Shouldn’t Hurt: The Strain and Sprain of Special Education Work
Session 40: Pavilion V Room
Kjell Fenn and Iris White
Connecticut’s Statewide Study Groups as a Professional Development Model for Paraprofessionals
Session 41: Pavilion IV Room
Mary Fisher, Sarah Craycroft and Wanda Hubbard
Conversations About Practice: Connecting Our Practice to Child Outcomes
Session 42: Enchantment A Room
Victoria Rodriguez
Becoming Teachers: A Dream That Came True for Latino Paraprofessional
Session 43: Enchantment B Room
Barbara Laird
Recipe for Success From Our Cookbook of Inclusion (Continuation from Session 29)
Session 44: Pavilion II & III Room
Harlan Leopold
Tracking Student Behaviors’ So That Administrators and Staff Can Identify Strategies to Help All Students Be Successful
Session 45: Enchantment E Room
Thalia Moshoyannis
The Holland Self-Directed Search: An Interest Inventory (Repeat from Session 13)
Session 46: Pavilion I Room
Tish Olshefski
What Paraprofessionals Need to Know About the IDEA Regulations and NCLB Reauthorization
4:00-7:30 Special Event: The Indian Pueblo Culturual Center with Dinner and Entertainment
Saturday, May 5th, 2007
7:00-8:00 Registration - Pavilion Landing
Continental Breakfast - Pavilion Court
9:00-10:30 Pavilion IV - VI
Introductions and Welcome
Keynote Speaker: Teri Wallace, Ph.D.
Working Together for One Student at a Time
10:30-10:45 AM Break
10:45-12:15 Session 47: Pavilion I Room
Nancy S. Campbell
Instructional Strategies = Student Success
Session 48: Enchantment A Room
James Olson
Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything
Session 49: Pavilion II Room
Kjell Fenn
All Kids are Motivated ⎯ Just Wait for the Bell!
Session 50: Enchantment B Room
Kit Giddings
Classroom Assessment Made Easy: How to Identify, Record, and Monitor Student Progress and Still Teach
Session 51: Pavilion VI Room
Carolyn Jones Smith
The Busy Paraeducator’s Ultimate Guide to Ongoing Professionalism
Session 52: Enchantment C & D Room
Joanna Davis-Diaz and Jennifer Arnold-Brevoort
“Homework in Action”
Session 53: Enchantment E Room
Carol Long and Suzanne Koprowski
A Field Guide for Paraeducators in Clinical Experiences: The First Year On the Job and Transfer Situations
Session 54: Enchantment F Room
Deb Andrews
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Adolescence: Strategies for Addressing Teenage Behavior
Session 55: Pavilion IV Room
Wanda Newman
Portfolio: The Road to a Post-Secondary Education
Session 56: Pavilion VI Room
Cindy Myers
Paraprofesssional Essentials: Understanding your Student's Autism

2008 Conference

The 2008 was held in Hartford, Connecticut- view the schedule and presentations from the conference below.

2008 National Conference Schedule

Hilton Hartford Hotel

Last Updated March 3, 2008

Download a printable schedule

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Wednesday April 16th, 2008
4:00-7:30 PM Registration and Packet Pickup
4:30-7:30 PM State Leadership Meeting
Thursday, April 17th, 2008
7:00 AM -5:00 PM Registration
7:30-8:30 AM Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-9:00 PM Exhibits
8:00-8:30 AM Introduction and Welcome: Honorable Mayor Eddie Perez
Dr. Mark K. McQuillan, State Department of Education Commissioner & Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent of Hartford Schools
8:45-9:45 AM Keynote Speakers: Kent Gerlach, Pacific Training Associates and Teri Wallace, University of Minnesota
Supervision and Evaluation
9:45-10:00 AM Break
10:00-11:30 AM Session 1
Peggy Akerman
Degree of Work Satisfaction of Special Education Paraprofessionals
Session 2
Pamela Brucker & Dana Colon
Paraprofessionals as Certified Teachers: Training Paraprofessionals to Teach in Urban Districts
Session 3
Carol Bottom & Julia Neuberger
Paraprofessionals as Members of the Behavior Team
Session 4
Cindy Myers
Understanding Your Student With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Session 5
Peggy Hayden & Susan Toohey Kaye
Building State and Local Supports for the Effective Use of Paraeducators
Session 6
Sherrie Newmark
Singing in a Collaborative Education Choir: Making Every Voice Count
Session 7
Barbara Costagliola & Nancy White
Two Heads are Better Than One: Paraprofessional and Teacher Teaming Session
Session 8
Dorothy Handfield
Going Beyond NCLB’s Highly Qualified Requirements: Building Professional Learning Communities that Includes Paraprofessionals
11:30 AM-1:00 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
1:00-2:30 PM Session 9
Cindy Myers
Homework Support for Kids with Organizational Deficits
Session 10
Deborah Cotton & Nancy Konitzer
Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck: Using Paraprofessionals as a Valued Tool
Session 11
Julie Giaccone
Speech Language Pathology Assist Option for Paraprofessionals: Training, Competencies, and Job Market
Session 12
Antonette Hood
Strengthening Inclusive School Communities: Paths to Effective Co-Teaching with Paraeducators
Session 13
Barbara Locker
The On-Line World of Paraeducator Professional Development
Session 14
Ann Birch & Jill Morgan
Building Foundations for Paraprofessionalism: Professional Development for Teacher Assistants in Wales
Session 15 (Repeat Friday)
Taya Johnson, Jan Pace, Kathy Prewett, Marie Wise and Kathy Chartier
CSI: Utah (Critical Support Interventions)
Session 16
Anna Lou Pickett
Establishing Policies and Creating Systems That Strengthen Teacher and Paraeducator Teams
2:30-3:00 PM Break
3:00-4:30 PM Session 17
Kent Gerlach
Clarifying the Roles of Paraeducators and Their Supervisors: It’s All About Ethics and Professional Guidelines
Session 18
Ellie Giles, Betty Montgomery & Sally Murek
Multicultural Paraprofessional Retention: A Culture of Respect
Session 19
Donna Morelli, Tricia Silva & Gio Koch
Recruit, Train, and Retain: Strategies for Success
Session 20
Gayle Love
Filling in the Cracks: Evaluating a Training Program for Paraeducators and Para-Supervisors
Session 21
Perri Murdica
Guidelines for Training and Support of Paraprofessionals Working with Students – Birth to 21
Session 22
Christopher Phillips
Online Paraprofessional Resources: How to Find the Diamond in the Rough
Session 23
Jessica Veneziano-Lemos & Gina Fleming
Increasing the Capacity of Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Education
Session 24
Barbara Jo Stahl, Penny Bidne & Kristen Olson
Higher Education’s Role in Training Teachers to Direct the work for Paraprofessionals
4:30-6:00 PM Reception- Hartford Hilton
Friday April 18th, 2008
7:00 AM-4:30 PM Registration
7:00-8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits
8:30-8:45 AM Introductions and Welcome: David Carter, Chancellor of the CT State University System
8:45-9:45 AM Keynote: Panel
Moderator: Roch Girard, President, CT Federation of School Administrators Career Choices: Paraprofessionals and Teachers
9:45-10:30 AM Break
10:30 AM-12:00 PM Session 25
Peggy Hayden & Susan Toohey Kaye
Transition to Teaching for Paraeducators
Session 26
Taya Johnson, Jan Pace, Kathy Prewett, Marie Wise and Kathy Chartier
CSI: Utah (Critical Support Interventions)
Session 27
Arlene Barresi & Kathy Muth
Paraeducators and Teacher Trainers/Mentors: A New Approach to Staff Development
Session 28
Roseanne Agderian & Linda Bush
Supporting Progress Reporting for Special Needs Students
Session 29
Ellen Crayne & Marie Wiesen
Math Strategies with the Math Nerds
Session 30 (Repeat Saturday)
Carol Longs & Suzanne Koprowski
Paraeducator Portfolios: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Session 31
Jill Morgan & Ann Birch
Paraprofessionals Across the Pond: Teaching Assistants in Great Britain and Their Experiences of Supervision
Session 32
James Olson
Worn Out? 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life and Work with Positive Energy
Session 33
Patricia Weinwurm
Understanding Methicillin-Resistant Staphylcoccus Aureus (MSA –Staph) Bacteria: Our Schools, Our Communities
Session 34
Jan Stivers
Preparing Beginning Teachers to Supervise Paraeducators
12:00-1:30 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30-3:00 PM Session 35
Christopher Phillips
The NRCP Website: What is Available, Where We Are Going and How It Can Help You
Session 36
Carolyn Jones Smith
Got Hard to Reach Parents? Use Technology
Session 37
Ann Nevin, Ida Malian & Andrea Liston
Paraeducators Profile in Inclusive Classrooms: A National Study
Session 38
Mary Fisher & Margaret Hearn
Writing Brought Us Together: Paraeducators as Team Members Supporting the Writing Process
Session 39
Ashleigh Molloy
Paraprofessionals Fueling Change
Session 40
Debbie Minnick
Living Wage: You’re Worth It!
Session 41
Deborah Peters Goessling & Laura Hauerwas
Paraeducators and Their Important Role in Response to Intervention
Session 42
Christy Ullery & Geraldine DiPalma
Working Together: Tools You Can’t Live Without
Session 43
Melanie Crider & Donna Broyles
ParaPQ: Paraeducators Pursuing Quality
Session 44
M. Victoria Rodriguez
From Paraeducators to Teachers: Perception of the First Year of Teaching
3:00-3:15 PM Break
3:15 PM-5:00 PM Session 45
Suzan Van Beaver & Mary McKee
Self of Steam
Session 46
Patrica Mueller & Corrie Palmer
LRE: More Alphabet Soup or Is It? Strategies to Encourage Student Independence
Session 47
Terre Hirst & Katia Milius
Para University: The Road to Reading and Writing (Repeat Saturday)
Session 48
Ritu Chopra
Paraeducators as Future Teachers: Benefits and Challenges
Session 49
Leonard Edmonds
Communicating With Parents: Understanding the Process and Improving Your Skills
Session 50
Cathy Gangstad
Math Madness
Session 51
Jim Arden & Cara McCarthy
Preparing Teachers to Work Effectively with Paraeducators
Session 52
Thalia Moshoyannis
The Holland Self-Directed Search: An Interest Inventory
Session 53
James Olson
Who’s in Charge? You or the Kids!
Session 54
Christine Gilbert & Debbie Streeter
The Crayon Carrying Martha Stewarts of the Schools
Evening Special Event
Saturday, April 19th, 2008
7:00-8:00 AM Registration
Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 AM Introductions and Welcome: Iris White & Perri Murdaci, CT State Department of Education
8:45-10:00 AM Keynote Speaker: Jason Dorsey
Inspiring Hard to Reach Students: Making Personal Responsibility Contagious
10:00-10:15 AM Break
10:15-11:45 AM Session 56
Zachery Rossetti & Deborah Peters Goessling
Making it Happen: Friendship Facilitation Strategies
Session 57
Christine Gilbert & Debbie Streeter
The Crayon Carrying Martha Stewarts of the Schools
Session 58
Giovanni Chiarelli & Jan Boehning
Communication and Team Building: Interactive Problem Solving
Session 59
Corrie Palmer & Patrica Mueller
Paraeducators:  Who ARE You?
Session 60
Margaret Stewart & Susan Comey
Do You Want Your Students to Be More Actively Involved in Their Learning?
Session 61
Maria Short
Training School-Based Speech-language Pathology Assistants: A Vermont Experience
Session 62
Kathie Chavez
Work Shouldn’t Hurt: The Strain and Sprain of Special Education Work
Session 63
Ellen Crayne & Marie Wiesen
Math Strategies with the Math Nerds
Session 64
Diane Flores-Rhodes
Being an Effective Parent Liaison for Your School
Session 65
Cathy Gangstad
It’s All About Connections: Five Lessons Every Educator Needs to Know From Brain Research
12:00-1:30 PM Session 66
Iris White
Managing Antisocial Behavior
Session 67
Yvonne Gardner, Donna Swanson & Students from the FOCUS Alternative Learning Center
The Spectrum Unplugged
Session 68
Kit Giddings
Marking our Teaching Count: The Basics of Instruction

Things We did in Connecticut

You may want to plan a few days before or after the conference to enjoy the area. While Boston and New York a just short distance away, you will find plenty to do right in Hartford. Please take some time to explore the sites and suggestions below!

Where to Find More information

Download a list of things to do in Hilton and surrounding areas

Things to Do

Mark Twain House & Museum

House/Mansion, Hartford

Mark Twain House & Museum

Address: 351 Farmington Ave., at Woodland St., Hartford, CT
Phone:(860) 247-0998
Cost: $12
Parking Fee per vehicle - $1 weekdays, $2 weekends
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 9:30-4:30
Website: www.marktwainhouse.org

Built in 1874, the Mark Twain House & Museum was the home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, until 1891. While he and his family lived in this 19-room Victorian mansion, Twain published seven major novels, including Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and The Prince and the Pauper. The home is one of only two Tiffany-designed domestic interiors open to the public

Mohegan Sun Casino

Casino & Hotel, Uncasville, CT (1 hour drive from Hartford)

Mohegan Sun Casino

Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT
Phone: (860) 278-2670
Cost: $10
Parking Fee per vehicle - $1 weekdays, $2 weekends
Hours: Wed.-Fri. 11-5 (1st Thursday of most months until 8), weekends 10-5
Website: wwww.mohegansun.com

Mohegan Sun Casino is a Native American Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut and is open daily 24 Hours. The casino's 300,000 square foot gaming space features 6,495 gaming machines and 300 table games. The property has twenty restaurants, seven bars and a hotel with 1,176 rooms.

Mohegan Sun is your Connecticut destination for casino excitement surrounded by top entertainment, gourmet dining, premier shopping, luxury hotel including complete spa treatments. Visit the Website for a complete overview of all of the exciting opportunities available to you at the Mohegan Sun.

Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art

Museum/Gallery, Hartford

Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art

Address: 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 278-2670
Cost: $10
Parking Fee per vehicle - $1 weekdays, $2 weekends
Hours: Wed.-Fri. 11-5 (1st Thursday of most months until 8), weekends 10-5
Website: www.wadsworthantheneum.org

With more than 50,000 artworks and artifacts spanning 5,000 years, the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art is the second-largest public art museum in New England and the oldest in the nation. The first American museum to acquire works by Salvador Dalí and the Italian artist Caravaggio, the museum also houses 7,000 items documenting African-American history and culture in partnership with the Amistad Foundation. Particularly impressive are the museum's collections of baroque, impressionist, and Hudson River School artists.

State Capitol

Government Building, Hartford

State Capitol Building

Address: 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 240-0222
Cost: Free
Hours: Weekdays 9-3, tours weekdays 9:15-1:15, Saturday 10:15-2:15
Website: www.cga.ct.gov/capitoltours

The gold-leaf dome of the State Capitol rises above Bushnell Park. Built in 1878, the building houses the state's executive offices and legislative chamber, as well as historical memorabilia. On a tour, you can walk through the Hall of Flags, gape at a statue of Connecticut state hero Nathan Hale, and observe the proceedings of the General Assembly from the public galleries, when in session.

Lady Katharine Cruises

Public Cruise Line

Lady Katharine Cruises - two cruise ships

Website: www.ladykatecruises.com/directions.htm

Discover the endless possibilities for putting a splash of fun in your life. Whether you’re thinking of a special occasion or going out just for fun, you’ll make it a better experience when you are on the water. Visit the Website for complete details regarding location, rates and upcoming events.

Mystic Seaport

Museum/Village, Mystic (About 1 hr. 15 minute drive from Hartford)

Mystic Seaport

Address: 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT.
Mystic Seaport is located about 10 miles east of New London in Connecticut’s “Ocean Corner”, part of the Mystic Places region. Phone:(860) 572-0711
Cost: Adults: $12, Children (6-17): $8, Children (5 and under): Free, Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military and College Students (with ID): $10
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Website: www.mysticseaport.org

The distinguishing feature of Mystic Seaport is that it hasn't anything in common with a typical whisper-quiet, don't touch museum environment. The complex is full of things to do, feel, climb, hear, smell and even taste. Visitors can walk along the streets of our authentic 19th century seafaring village and talk with one of our role-players, watch boat-builders, riggers and lumbermen at their work, or even raise a ship's sails. Mystic Seaport has the most extensive collection of vessels in the U.S., Charles W. Morgan, Sabino and L.A. Dunton are among them.

Mystic Marinelife Aquarium

Aquarium, Mystic

Mystic Aquarium

Address: 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic CT
Mystic Aquarium is situated just off of Interstate 95 in the town of Mystic Phone:(860) 572-5955
Cost: Adults $17.50, Senior (age 65+) $16.50, Children (age 3-17) $12.50, Children (age 2 and under) Free
Hours: Sunday - Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm
Website: www.mysticaquarium.org

Visitors of the Mystic Marinelife Aquarium will get face to face with amazing sea creatures, enjoy a fascinating sea lion show, and touch a cownose ray the Ray Touch Pool. There is also a 30,000-gallon simulated coral reef habitat with exotic fish from around the world. Return to Titanic is another interesting exhibit, which marks Dr. Robert Ballard's historic return to the legendary wreck he discovered in 1985. The exhibit includes a breathtaking 18-foot model of the Titanic.

New England Air Museum

Museum, Windsor Lock

New England Air Museum

Address: 36 Perimeter Road, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Lock, CT
Phone: (860) 623-3305
Cost: Adults: $9, Children (ages 6-11): $5, Children (ages 5 and under): Free, Seniors (60 & up): $8
Hours: 10 am-5 pm daily
Website: www.neam.org

The New England Air Museum is dedicated to the teaching and preservation of aviation history and technology especially in regard to Connecticut's contributions.

See the landmark artifacts of aviation which changed history - Learn about the courage and determination of famous men and women who brought aviation to where it is today. Hear firsthand the stories of veterans who lived the wars of the 20th century and fought to preserve the freedom we now enjoy. Experience firsthand the principles of flight which have challenged the pioneers of aviation for generations. Discover the impact our state of Connecticut has had on aviation and space exploration from the earliest balloon launches of 1857 to the design of space suits for the Mission to Mars.

2009 Conference

The 2009 was held in Salt Lake City, UT- view the schedule and presentations from the conference below.

2009 Conference Presentations

Enjoy the slides and notes from some of our 2009 conference presenters.

Avoiding the “Velcro Effect” Determining When a Student Requires Paraeducator Support

Presentation from Patricia H. Mueller, Ed.D.

Avoiding the “Velcro Effect” Determining When a Student Requires Paraeducator Support

Determining When a Student Requires Paraeducator Support Article (by Patricia H. Mueller and Francis V. Murphy)

CSI: Critical Support Interventions for Managing Difficult Behavior

Presentation from Kathy Chartier, Kathy Prewett, Jan Pace, Marie Wise & Taya Johnson

Criticual Support Interventions
Ideas and Interventions
Behavior Problems with Students with Autism
Data Collection, a Tool for Success

Educating the Whole Child for the 21st Century

Keynote presentation from Linda Mariotti.

Educating the Whole Child for the 21st Century

How Paraprofessionals Can Neutralize Arguments with Love and Logic

How Paraprofessionals Can Neutralize Arguments with Love and Logic

Literacy Instruction for Students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) Edit Presentation

Presentation from Renáta Tichá

Literacy Instruction for Students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD)

Making a Path: Creating Opportunities to Document and Share Promising Strategies or Practices Across One State

Making a Path: Creating Opportunities to Document and Share Promising Strategies or Practices Across One State by Mary Fisher & Mary Jo Dare.

Making a Path: Creating Opportunities to Document and Share Promising Strategies or Practices Across One State

Opportunities for Advancement in Special Education

Presentation from Joy Kutaka-Kennedy, Gertrude Gregorio & Nhung Tran

Opportunities for Advancement in Special Education

Paraeducators as Co-Teachers: A Fantasy or Reality?

Presentation from Ann Nevin & Jacqueline Thousand

Paraeducators as Co-Teachers: A Fantasy or Reality?

Paraeducators in China

Presentation from Jessica Dai, Larissa Feng and Sophie Xie.

Para Educators In China

Read more about the presenters here

Paraeducators in Inclusive Settings Share Their WIZdom

Paraeducators in Inclusive Settings Share Their WIZdom—What Do They Do? How Do They Do It? What Do they Need to Do It Better? by Andrea Liston, Ida Malian, & Ann Nevin.

Paraeducators in Inclusive Settings Share Their WIZdom

Paraprofessionals and the Paparazzi—You Think You Know But You Have No Idea!

Presentation from Ashleigh Molloy

Paraprofessionals and the Paparazzi—You Think You Know But You Have No Idea!

Preparing Paraeducators to Assist Students with Autism

Preparing Paraeducators to Assist Students with Autism by Nancy French.

Preparing Paraeducators To Assist Students With Autism
Preparing Paraeducators to Assist Students with Autism

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Presentation from Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch & Ernesto Mejia

Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

The Paraeducator Effectiveness Study: Supervision Models in Inclusive and Self-Contained Settings

The Paraeducator Effectiveness Study: Supervision Models in Inclusive and Self-Contained Settings

The Power of Positive Relationships: Effective Behavior Management for Paras, by Paras

The Power of Positive Relationships: Effective Behavior Management for Paras, by Paras by Betsy Povtak and Ruth Musicante

The Power of Positive Relationships: Effective Behavior Management for Paras, by Paras

2009 Conference Schedule

Hilton Salt Lake City Center

Last Updated January 31, 2009

Download a printable schedule

Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
4:00-7:30 PM Registration
4:30-7:30 PM State Leadership Meeting (Salt Lake City Center Hilton)
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
7:00 AM–5:00 PM Registration
7:15-8:15 AM Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-9:00 PM Exhibits
8:00–9:45 AM Introduction and Welcome: Ralph Becker, Mayor, Salt Lake City
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lorretta Johnson
9:45-10:00 AM Break
10:00-11:30 AM Session 1:
Pat Mueller
Avoiding the “Velcro Effect:” Determining When a Student Requires a Paraeducator 		Session 2:
Betty Ashbaker, Jose Enriquez, Kyle Reyes & Jill Morgan
Seamless Transition from High School to University: Success for Hispanic Youth
Session 3:
Ann Nevin & Jacqueline Thousand
Paraeducators as Co-Teachers: A Fantasy or a Reality? 		Session 4:
Barbara Locker & Marjorie Sheffel
Paraeducator Professional Development: On-Line Style!
Session 5:
Barbara Jo Stahl
Supervising Paraprofessionals: Keys to Success 		Session 6:
Ann Morrison
Response to Intervention: Paraprofessionals Delivering Tier 2 Interventions to Urban At-Risk Kindergartners
Session 7:
Kathy Muth, Rowena Maitland Ward & Cara McCarthy
Preparing Teachers to Work Effectively with Paraeducators Integrating Paraeducators Into the Instructional Team 		Session 8:
Elena Sandoval-Lucero
Paraeducator Effectiveness Study – Supervision Models in Inclusive and Self-Contained Settings
11:30 AM– 1:00 PM LUNCH (On Your Own)
Lunch Forum A: Topics in Research Related to Paraeducators HOSTS: Pat Mueller and Carol Long
1:00-2:30 PM Session 9:
Joanie Garro
The Effects of Adult Proximity on the Social Interaction of Children With and Without Disabilities 		Session 10:
Anna Lou Pickett
Establishing Policies & Systems That Strengthen Teacher & Paraeducator Teams
Session 11:
Leonard Edmonds
The Paraeducator/Teacher Team 		Session 12:
Andrea Liston, Ida Malian, & Ann Nevin
Paraeducators in Inclusive Settings Share Their WIZdom—What Do They Do? How Do They Do It? What Do they Need to Do It Better?
Session 13:
Corrie Palmer
Finding Your Fit: Determining Your Communication and Work Styles 		Session 14:
Deb Armstrong
Wag More Bark Less
Session 15:
Ritu Chopra & Geri DiPalma
State-wide Preparation of Paraprofessionals in Early Intervention Services: Recommended Practice & Challenges 		Session 16:
Ginny Eggen
Working for the Love of It!
2:30-3:00 PM Break
3:00-4:30 PM Session 17:
Carol Adams, Kathy Leeser & Peggy Mueller
Paraeducator Professional Development: A Blueprint for Success 		Session 18:
Julieta Beam
Effective Strategies for ESL Students
Session 19:
Cynthia Hutten-Eagle
Activities to Facilitate School-to-Adult Life Transition 		Session 20:
Becky Wuerth & Ann Conking
Raising the Bar: Developing a Relevant Paraprofessional Training Program
Session 21:
Malinda McKee
Managing Anti-Social Behavior 		Session 22:
Tamara Davidson
What Every Paraeducator Should Know Before the Bell Rings!
Session 23:
Kent Gerlach
What Should Paraeducators Expect From Their Supervisors? 		Session 24:
Joyce Mounsteven & Cathy Lonergan
The Journey from Survival to Success: Training for EAs in Ontario, Canada to Improve Services for Students with Autism
Session 25:
Donna Broyles
Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Supervising Teacher-Building Teams that Work 		Session 26 (Repeat Saturday):
Kathy Chartier, Kathy Prewett, Jan Pace, Marie Wise & Taya Johnson
CSI: Critical Support Interventions for Managing Difficult Behavior
5:00-9:00 PM Special Event: Park City Utah Olympic Park and Shopping
Friday, May 1st, 2009
7:00 AM–4:30 PM Registration
7:00-8:00 AM Continental Breakfast
7:00 AM-5:00 PM Exhibits
8:00-9:45 AM Introductions and Welcome
Keynote: Linda Mariotti
Educating the Whole Child with 21st Century Skills
9:45-10:00 AM Break
10:00 AM-11:30 PM Session 27:
Paul Bates, Deborah Gray, Christie Wingo, & Kammie Mueller
Behavior Techniques for Paraprofessionals in the Classroom 		Session 28:
Ann Birch, Jill Morgan & Betty Ashbaker
Pause for Thought: Enhancing Your Effectiveness Through Reflective Practice
Session 29:
Kathleen Stacey
Communication Strategies for Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Classrooms 		Session 30:
Linda Alsop
Paraeducators Working with Individuals Who Are Blind or Deafblind: Who are They and What Do They Do?
Session 31:
Nancy French
Preparing Paraeducators to Assist Students with Autism 		Session 32:
Renata Ticha
Literacy Instruction for Students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD): Materials, Strategies and Decision Making
Session 33:
Tish Olshefski
Workplace Ethics 		Session 34:
Danae Hendrix, Toni Collett, Sylvia Arce, Rachon Brooks & Laura Nieves
Empowering Revolution Working With Students in Crisis
Session 35:
Ellie Giles & Sally Murek
Optimizing Paraprofessionals 		Session 36:
Tim Riesen
Employment Options for Transition-Aged Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities
11:30 AM– 1:00 PM LUNCH (On Your Own)
Lunch Forum B: Community Colleges HOSTS: Sue Simon and Joyce Evenski Lunch Forum C: Topics for Administrators HOSTS: Barbara Jo Stahl and Suzan VanBeaver
1:00-2:30 PM Session 37:
Joseph Davis, Karen Bydlon & Melanie Wursta
The Future of Special Education Paraeducator Training in Community Colleges 		Session 38:
Ivory Mitchell
Teacher & Paraeducator Partnerships: Creating a Classroom Team
Session 39:
Caroline Dunn & Betty Ashbaker
Training Paraprofessionals to be Effective Future Certified Teachers 		Session 40:
Ashleigh Molloy
Paraprofessionals and the Paparazzi—You Think You Know But You Have No Idea!
Session 41:
Louise Ogden & Linda Smith
Communicating Effectively and Emphatically with Parents 		Session 42:
Suzan Tibbitts
Bridging the Gap Between Mind and Flesh Regarding Body Modifications (Piercing & Tattos)
Session 43:
Ben Anderson
Going Beyond Everybody’s Else’s Expectations 		Session 44:
Wendy Farone & Jennifer Goldbloom
Pennsylvania Paraeducators: Going Above and Beyond
Session 45:
Deborah Burnett, Bernadine Montoya, Rebecca Boyer & Peggy Fleetwood
Instructional Strategies for Paraprofessional in the Classroom 		Session 46:
Sharon Blatz
Perspective and Agreement of the Paraprofessionals and Special Education Teacher on Role and Preparedness
2:30-3:00 PM Break
3:00-4:30 PM Session 47:
Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch & Ernesto Mejia
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today 		Session 48:
Michael Herbert
Leveraging Language—Teaching Academic Vocabulary to Reluctant Learners
Session 49:
Joy Kutaka-Kennedy, Gertrude Gregorio & Nhung Tran
Career Pathways for Paraprofessionals 		Session 50:
Roz Welch
STRESS—and What to Do About It!
Session 51:
Maren Dennis, Ashlee Villordo & Betty Ashbaker
An Online System for Reducing Bullying, Improving Schools, and Connecting with Community 		Session 52:
Mary Fisher & Mary Jo Dare
Making a Path: Creating Opportunities to Document and Share Promising Strategies or Practices Across One State
Session 53:
Ruth Musicante & Betsy Povtak
The Power of Positive Relationships: Effective Behavior Management For Paras, By Paras 		Session 54:
Kathy Muth , Maitland Ward & Cara McCarthy
Communication and Team Building – Interactive Problem Solving Skills for Partners in Learning
Session 55:
Jyl Warner, Debbi Beverly, Kathy Frost & Judy Estrada
Paraprofessionals as Training Leaders 		Session 56:
Ritu Chopra & Veronica Marquez Hepworth
Systematic, Comprehensive and Sustainable Paraprofessional Training: Lessons Learned
4:30-6:00 PM Reception
5:00-9:00 PM Special Event: This is the Place Heritage & Quilt Museum & Gardiner Village
6:30-7:30 PM Welcome and Utah Outstanding Paraeducator Awards
7:30-8:30 PM Keynote Speaker: Darol Wagstaff
Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
7:00-8:00 AM Registration
Continental Breakfast
8:00-8:30 AM Introductions and Welcome: Teri Wallace and Marilyn Likins, Co-directors, NRCP
Nan Gray, Director of Special Education
8:30-8:45 AM Break
8:45-10:15 AM Session 57:
Rebecca Case
How Paraprofessionals Can Neutralize Arguments with Love and Logic 		Session 58:
Margo Thurman
Epilepsy—Seizures and Safety
Session 59:
Wanda Newman
Supporting Our Own: Paraeducators Mentoring Paraeducators 		Session 60:
Greg Glidden, Craig Struble & Stefanie Carbone
Digital Tools for Accessing the Curriculum: Tools You Can Use Tomorrow!
Session 61:
Eunice Zee-Chen
Be a Detective: In Search of the Impact of Sensory Processing on Behaviors in School 		Session 62:
Jeri Rigby
Small Group Instruction – Where the Action Is!
Session 63:
Carol Long & Suzanne Kowproski
Paraeducator Portfolios: Getting Your Ducks in a Row 		Session 64:
Suraj Syal
Navigating through the Perfect Storm
10:30-11:30 AM Keynote Speaker – Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch
Living Our Legacy
11:30-12:30 PM Lunch
12:45-2:15 PM Session 65:
Cory Wofford & Carol Nelson
Building Winning Teams within the School Community 		Session 66:
Teri Wallace
Introduction to Response-to-Intervention: Why Is This Important?
Session 67
Cathy Longstroth & Cindy Myers
Active Student Engagement: Supports for Meaningful Participation 		Session 68 (Repeat from Session 26):
Lisa Cohne
Preschool Pioneer Library - Where kids go to click, learn and grow!
Session 69:
Kathy Chartier, Jan Pace, Marie Wise & Taya Johnson
CSI: Critical Support Interventions for Managing Difficult Behavior 		Session 70:
Jill Morgan
Aspergers and the Autistic Spectrum: Implications for Regular Education
Session 71:
Noemi Olsen, Barbara Smith & Betty Ashbaker
Research on a Reporting Bullying in Middle/Junior High Schools
2:30-4:00 PM Session 72:
Kit Giddings & Deanna Avis
Progress Monitoring in the Classroom: Easier Than You Think 		Session 73:
Julie Mootz
Fantastically Fun Fractions
Session 74:
Glenn Dyke
Self-Management Strategies in the Classroom: Managing the Tough Kid & the Tough Kid Within 		Session 75:
Vickie Ahlstrom/span>
Communication & Team Building: Worth the Time It Takes
4:00-4:30 PM Door Prizes

Past Conference Schedules