Best Practices in Inclusive Education: Wisconsin

Best Practices in Inclusive Education: Wisconsin Summer Institute

Who: Administrators, Special & General Educators, Paraprofessionals, Related Service Providers & Parents
When: July 28-30, 2008
Where: Westwood Conference Center in Wausau, WI

Get updated driving directions as of 7/15/08

Powerpoint Handouts revised as of 7/25/08

Read the Reminder Memo

This year’s program offers some exciting information on Best Practices in Inclusion, Literacy, Curriculum, Transition, Autism, and Collaboration. Ralph, Emily, & D.J. Savarese (National Presenters, Educators, Authors, & Advocates) will present the first keynote address. The Savarese’s were recently featured on ABC’s Nightly News, CNN, and NPR. Ralph is the author of a recent book, “Reasonable People: A Memoir of Autism and Adoption.” His book traces the development of their son, D.J., a boy mistakenly thought to be profoundly retarded, & now, successfully earning high grades in general education classes, including High School Honors English. D.J. has autism, is nonverbal, and effectively uses alternative communication. D.J. wrote the last chapter of the book. Newsweek described this book as a “Real life story and an urgent manifesto for the rights of people with neurological disabilities. In two follow-up sessions, Emily will discuss their specific, successful approach to teaching D.J. to read and write, as well as how K-12 teachers can use appropriate curricular modifications to promote meaningful participation throughout the academic areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, & English.

Our keynote speaker on Wednesday is Ben D. Anderson, (Self-Advocate, Presenter, & Founder of “Break Through, Inc.”). Ben was born with Cerebral Palsy and misdiagnosed with an IQ of 63. He was placed in a residential special education school for several years. In 1992, Ben graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. In 2006, he was appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to the Rehabilitation Council. Ben will be presenting on the psychological and emotional effects of growing up with a disability, overcoming obstacles, & developing strong self advocacy skills.

In addition, the following Institute topics will offer a variety of tools for helping general & special education teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, related service providers, & parents effectively collaborate for the successful education and transition of their K-12 students. Topics include: Autism; Literacy; Math; Transition; Understanding Behavior; Accommodations & Modifications; Effective Collaboration, & Interfacing Extended & General Education Standards. Descriptions of these presentations and others are included in the attached program. Three Graduate Course Credits from Cardinal Stritch University are also available to those who attend.

Contacts: Dr. Kim Beloin at Beloin@att.net or 414-881-8101 or Sandy Berndt at Sandra.Berndt@dpi.wi.gov

We hope to see you and your colleagues in Wausau!