Collaborating for Student Success Conference

4th Annual Virginia Tech and Radford University T/TAC Collaborating for Student Success: Creating Inclusive Communities Conference

Approximately 250 participants from regions 6 and 7 and around the state attended the 4th annual Collaborating for Student Success: Creating Inclusive Communities Conference that was held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia on Monday, October 19, 2009. This conference provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for educators, parents and all school community members who were encouraged to reflect on topics that relate to creating inclusive schools which embrace a culture of collaboration. The morning keynote was presented by Dr. Susan Copeland and Dr. Liz Keefe, Associate Professors at the University of New Mexico. Much of their work in schools involves the implementation of effective inclusive practices for all students. Both speakers share a passion for reading and co-authored Effective Literacy Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities.

In addition, there were 27 sessions that took place following the morning keynote and during the afternoon. Topics included of collaborative problem-solving, Universal Design for Learning, math instruction, leadership for inclusive schools, literacy instruction, co-teaching, assistive technology, behavior support, possibilities beyond school, on-line collaboration, differentiation of instruction and more.

If interested in more information about this conference, please contact Martha Ann Stallings.