Combined Divisions Multiple Disabilities and Deafblind, Infant & Preschool, Education Curriculum, and Itinerant Personnel

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Expanded Core Curriculum - Back by popular demand, these four divisions of are teaming together to present an all day session on instruction in the Expanded Core Curriculum content areas. All of the latest resources and tools will be shared with participants. In addition, participants will be able to actively engage in some of the latest resources developed through various partnerships across the country. If you want to know how to improve your practice in the ECC content areas for ALL children and youth who are blind or visually impaired then register now for an exciting information-filled day. If you want to be part of a learning community that is committed to improving outcomes for ALL children and youth who are blind or visually impaired then make sure you attend this session.

Put Nemeth on the Math Page: Teach Mathemematical Concepts, Processes and Relationships While Applying Nemeth Braille Code

Think about putting Nemeth braille code instruction on the math page and organizing math calculation rules and math concepts for review, reference and study notes that will endure across years. Share the "Chart It" strategy for displaying chart and diagram information.  Learn to prepare "Teacher Sheets" to support mathematics instruction

Patricia Bolger, M.A., B. Ed., Whitby, ON, Canada

Moderator:  Loana Mason

Charting Our Own Course of Self-Determination

This session will feature four successful visually impaired young adults including famous aspiring author, Kody Keplinger. Each will describe and provide information about the road he/she has traveled in becoming self-determined including advice for teachers. Also, Dr. Flener will provide information on her experiences and research in advocacy and self-determination.

Click here to download the presenter handout #1

Click here to download the presenter handout #2

Betsy Flener, Ed.D., Bowling Green, KY

Moderator:  Marie Ttopp

The Power of Authentic Assessment Rubrics: Improving Instructional Practice

This session will provide participants with resources and tools to improve instructional practice that targets quality data needed for eligibility, program planning, and instruction. The session will share over 100 resources. This session is intended for teachers of students who are blind or visually impaired or their administrators.   

Mary Ann Siller, M.Ed., Dallas, TX, Karen Blankenship, Ph.D., Nashville, TN

Moderator:  Aida McAnich

Opening Doors to Braille Literacy: Hadley's Approach to Teaching Braille to Sighted Learners

The Hadley School for the Blind offers two free online braille courses to teach sighted learners including parents, paraprofessionals, and teachers.  This presentation will provide an overview of these courses. Included is information about the braille course in the degree program offered by Hadley and Utah State University for paraprofessionals

Judy Matsuoka, M.S.Ed., Winnetka, IL

Moderator:  Loana Mason

Response to Intervention: Including Students who are Blind/Visually Impaired into a National School Reform Movement

Response to Intervention (RtI) is schoolwide initiative designed to improve educational outcomes for all students.  Colorado has taken a lead role in the nation to ensure that learners with blindness/visual impairment are included in RtI-based problem solving teams, progress monitoring, and research-based interventions.  Information will be shared on this process.

Tanni Anthony, Ph.D., Denver, CO

Moderator: Jill Brown