Program Calendar

Save the Dates for SPaN's Exciting 2008-2009 Workshop Programs

Advocates, other professionals, and parents are welcome to attend any workshop. THE DECEMBER 12 WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT PAPA RAZZI RESTAURANT IN FRAMINGHAM, MA. DIRECTIONS Networking 9:00-9:30, Presentation 9:30am-11:30pm.

LOCATIONS FOR REMAINING WORKSHOPS IS TO BE DETERMINED

Program Fees (2 1/2 hr):
$25 Pre-registered Members
$35 Non-Members and Members without pre-registration
*All Day Workshop:
$65 Pre-registered Members
$85 Pre-registered Non-Members

Locations Program Format Cancellations Topics/Speakers Certificates of Attendance

REGISTER TODAY: At our new PAYMENT CENTER or Print Registration Form

Program Calendar 2008-2009

September 12,.2008
EMPOWERING PARENTS: The Role of the Advocate in the Stages of the IEP Team Process.   Presenters: Shelly Greene, M.Ed and Lynn Kreutz, M.A.
PROGRAM IS FREE, BUT PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
This kick-off orientation workshop is aimed at both newly trained and seasoned advocates as well as parents and interested professionals. The content of the workshop will focus on reviewing the flow and sequence of the actual IEP, as well as the important steps and effective strategies used in preparing for Team meetings, valuable skills to utilize while participating in Team meetings, and critical steps as follow-up to a Team meeting. At the end of the formal presentation, there will be opportunity for questions, comments, and discussion amongst all participants. Hand outs with practical suggestions will be provided.
If you want to register for this program only you may click above on the preregistration link, print the form and mail it to the SPaN address, or use the Contact Us form to rsvp the workshop.
October 24, 2008
*ALL DAY WORKSHOP 10am - 2pm (Annual Meeting 9:30)
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
WILL BE HELD AT PAPA RAZZI IN WELLESLEY- Get Directions
READING: Current Research, Teaching to the Stages of Reading and Dyslexia, Overview of Reading Programs. Presenter: Dr. Elaine Holden
Dr Elaine Holden will provide current research findings based on reading studies started in 1985 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, followed by studies by the National Reading Panel from 2002, and will provide copies of the National Reading Panel report available for all participants. Dr. Holden will also describe dyslexia and related reading problems, and then talk briefly about the stages of reading and teaching to the stage NOT the grade, the approach which follows current research. Finally, Dr. Holden will educate participants on reading testing, and if time allows, participants will be able to be administered portions of tests, learn about tutoring older students in reading, how reading impacts written expression, reading in the context of Response to Intervention, and the reading as part of language of math.
Elaine Holden, Fellow of the Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, has worked as a specialist, consultant, college professor, and supervisor in the area of reading for over thirty years. As the authorof numerous articles contributor to language texts and evaluation tools, as well as a noted speaker at educational conferences for over twenty years, Elaine brings a wealth of professional knowledge to the Foundation.
Dr. Holden has been a reading specialist/consultant in the New England area for over 30 years. Currently she directs the tutorials for The Reading Foundation, is a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Rivier College, Nashua, New Hampshire, evaluates children both privately and for school districts in the area of reading and related language disorders, and sits on the governing boards for the Associate of Specialists in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (ASAIF). Elaine is also a member of the New Hampshire board of directors of The International Dyslexia Association, and is the only Orton-Gillingham Academy Fellow in the State of New Hampshire. Elaine lives with her 99 year old mother and 5 spoiled cats of varying temperament, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where she also keeps her antique cars, 18 foot sailboat, and several thousand books.
November 14,.2008
CHAPTER 688, Transition Planning for Students Turning 22. Presenter: Elizabeth (Betty Anne) Ritcey, MS, RN Director of the Bureau of Transitional Planning and Director of Service Planning and Coordination at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
This presentation will include a review of the Turning 22 688 law, how the law is implemented, and a review of what happens when a student completes 766 services but requires on-going suppport after aging out. The presentation will include a discussion of the relationship between school systems and the Bureau for Transitional Planning.
December 12, 2008
THE ANATOMY OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION CASE. Presenters: Connie Hilton and Tim Sindelar
WILL BE HELD AT PAPA RAZZI RESTAURANT IN FRAMINGHAM, MA. DIRECTIONS
An in-depth exploration of two to four recent special education decisions with a focus on the work of advocates and families before litigation is commenced - what worked, what did not work, mistakes to avoid and strategies for success. This examination will go beyond simply stating what the case stands for but will explore the hearing officer or judge's analysis of evidence and the effects of tactics in team meetings and in communications with school districts. This review is designed to give practical information to advocates and families who might someday end up in a due process hearing.
January 9, 2009
LEGAL BSEA UPDATES. Presenter: Attorney Daniel Ahearn, M.A., J.D. 10am-noon
An annual favorite, Dan will return to give ushis comprehensive summary of BSEA cases Hearing Decisions over the past year as well as specific focus on certain decisions which may have significant interest for advocates. He will also update us on any current legal issues with particular emphasis on children with learning disabilities. Each year Dan provides substantive information in a very understandable and organized presentation, with great handouts, making the workshop fairly easy to follow, as well as material to access at a later time.
February 13, 2009
TRANSITION PLANNING - Turning 16. Presenters: Terri McLaughlin and Marilyn Weber
Transition Planning the Next Steps for Youth 14-22: This workshop addresses the issues related to designing the right curriculum and supports throughout high school so that the student will be on the right track for becoming self-sufficient and living independently after graduation. Information and strategies will be provided to help parents and students translate individual preferences and dreams into meaningful goals in the IEP.
March 6, 2009
ADVOCATING FOR AN ASPERGER'S SYNDROME CHILD IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS                    Designed for: Advocates/Educators and Parents of AS Children. Presenter: Jean Stern, MS
This workshop is designed to help empower advocates/educators and parents of AS children as advocates in the IEP process. We must learn about the IEP process for AS children, which services are needed in school, and MA laws that apply. But how does it all fit together? How do we document, prepare and build collaboration? This workshop answers these questions and more about how to work within the MA educational system. It also has special focus on addressing the non-academic skills such as: social, self-advocacy, independent living, generalization and socially invisible organization. Everyone will leave with a worksheet for IEP planning that can be used each year. Discussion/questions follow and individualized phone support is available following the workshop if needed. (This course will not cover all the details of transition planning. Contact Stephanie Stephanie.Loo@aane.org about the schedule of our transition planning workshops)
Jean, Director of Children’s Services at AANE, has been an educational consultant in MA for over 20 years. She has 27 years experience as a special educator in Ct and MA, working in a variety of settings and roles, both independently and as a staff member. Jean holds a special education certificate from Connecticut and certificates as a School Adjustment Counselor and Lead Preschool Teacher in MA.
April 3, 2009
BSEA MEDIATION. Presenters: Steve Lilly-Weber and Susan Papanek McHugh
BSEA mediators Steve Lilly-Weber and Susan Papanek McHugh will present
a workshop on special education mediation. The workshop will include
teaching, roleplay, and discussion and is intended for both those who
are new to mediation and those who are looking to become more effective
participants in the mediation process.

September 12,.2008	EMPOWERING PARENTS: The Role of the Advocate in the Stages of the IEP Team Process. Presenters: Shelly Greene, M.Ed and Lynn Kreutz, M.A. PROGRAM IS FREE, BUT *PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED* This kick-off orientation workshop is aimed at both newly trained and seasoned advocates as well as parents and interested professionals. The content of the workshop will focus on reviewing the flow and sequence of the actual IEP, as well as the important steps and effective strategies used in preparing for Team meetings, valuable skills to utilize while participating in Team meetings, and critical steps as follow-up to a Team meeting. At the end of the formal presentation, there will be opportunity for questions, comments, and discussion amongst all participants. Hand outs with practical suggestions will be provided. If you want to register for this program only you may click above on the preregistration link, print the form and mail it to the SPaN address, or use the Contact Us form to rsvp the workshop.
October 24, 2008	**ALL DAY WORKSHOP 10am - 2pm (Annual Meeting 9:30)* REGISTRATION IS CLOSED WILL BE HELD AT PAPA RAZZI IN WELLESLEY- Get Directions READING: Current Research, Teaching to the Stages of Reading and Dyslexia, Overview of Reading Programs. Presenter: Dr. Elaine Holden** Dr Elaine Holden will provide current research findings based on reading studies started in 1985 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, followed by studies by the National Reading Panel from 2002, and will provide copies of the National Reading Panel report available for all participants. Dr. Holden will also describe dyslexia and related reading problems, and then talk briefly about the stages of reading and teaching to the stage NOT the grade, the approach which follows current research. Finally, Dr. Holden will educate participants on reading testing, and if time allows, participants will be able to be administered portions of tests, learn about tutoring older students in reading, how reading impacts written expression, reading in the context of Response to Intervention, and the reading as part of language of math. Elaine Holden, Fellow of the Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, has worked as a specialist, consultant, college professor, and supervisor in the area of reading for over thirty years. As the authorof numerous articles contributor to language texts and evaluation tools, as well as a noted speaker at educational conferences for over twenty years, Elaine brings a wealth of professional knowledge to the Foundation. Dr. Holden has been a reading specialist/consultant in the New England area for over 30 years. Currently she directs the tutorials for The Reading Foundation, is a professor in the Graduate School of Education at Rivier College, Nashua, New Hampshire, evaluates children both privately and for school districts in the area of reading and related language disorders, and sits on the governing boards for the Associate of Specialists in the Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (ASAIF). Elaine is also a member of the New Hampshire board of directors of The International Dyslexia Association, and is the only Orton-Gillingham Academy Fellow in the State of New Hampshire. Elaine lives with her 99 year old mother and 5 spoiled cats of varying temperament, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where she also keeps her antique cars, 18 foot sailboat, and several thousand books.
November 14,.2008	CHAPTER 688, Transition Planning for Students Turning 22. Presenter: Elizabeth (Betty Anne) Ritcey, MS, RN Director of the Bureau of Transitional Planning and Director of Service Planning and Coordination at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) This presentation will include a review of the Turning 22 688 law, how the law is implemented, and a review of what happens when a student completes 766 services but requires on-going suppport after aging out. The presentation will include a discussion of the relationship between school systems and the Bureau for Transitional Planning.
December 12, 2008	THE ANATOMY OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION CASE. Presenters: Connie Hilton and Tim Sindelar WILL BE HELD AT PAPA RAZZI RESTAURANT IN FRAMINGHAM, MA. DIRECTIONS An in-depth exploration of two to four recent special education decisions with a focus on the work of advocates and families before litigation is commenced - what worked, what did not work, mistakes to avoid and strategies for success. This examination will go beyond simply stating what the case stands for but will explore the hearing officer or judge's analysis of evidence and the effects of tactics in team meetings and in communications with school districts. This review is designed to give practical information to advocates and families who might someday end up in a due process hearing.
January 9, 2009	*LEGAL BSEA UPDATES. Presenter: Attorney Daniel Ahearn, M.A., J.D.* 10am-noon** An annual favorite, Dan will return to give ushis comprehensive summary of BSEA cases Hearing Decisions over the past year as well as specific focus on certain decisions which may have significant interest for advocates. He will also update us on any current legal issues with particular emphasis on children with learning disabilities. Each year Dan provides substantive information in a very understandable and organized presentation, with great handouts, making the workshop fairly easy to follow, as well as material to access at a later time.
February 13, 2009	TRANSITION PLANNING - Turning 16. *Presenters: Terri McLaughlin and Marilyn Weber* Transition Planning the Next Steps for Youth 14-22: This workshop addresses the issues related to designing the right curriculum and supports throughout high school so that the student will be on the right track for becoming self-sufficient and living independently after graduation. Information and strategies will be provided to help parents and students translate individual preferences and dreams into meaningful goals in the IEP.
*March 6, 2009*	ADVOCATING FOR AN ASPERGER'S SYNDROME CHILD IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS Designed for: Advocates/Educators and Parents of AS Children. Presenter: Jean Stern, MS This workshop is designed to help empower advocates/educators and parents of AS children as advocates in the IEP process. We must learn about the IEP process for AS children, which services are needed in school, and MA laws that apply. But how does it all fit together? How do we document, prepare and build collaboration? This workshop answers these questions and more about how to work within the MA educational system. It also has special focus on addressing the non-academic skills such as: social, self-advocacy, independent living, generalization and socially invisible organization. Everyone will leave with a worksheet for IEP planning that can be used each year. Discussion/questions follow and individualized phone support is available following the workshop if needed. (This course will not cover all the details of transition planning. Contact Stephanie Stephanie.Loo@aane.org about the schedule of our transition planning workshops) Jean, Director of Children’s Services at AANE, has been an educational consultant in MA for over 20 years. She has 27 years experience as a special educator in Ct and MA, working in a variety of settings and roles, both independently and as a staff member. Jean holds a special education certificate from Connecticut and certificates as a School Adjustment Counselor and Lead Preschool Teacher in MA.
April 3, 2009	BSEA MEDIATION. Presenters: Steve Lilly-Weber and Susan Papanek McHugh BSEA mediators Steve Lilly-Weber and Susan Papanek McHugh will present a workshop on special education mediation. The workshop will include teaching, roleplay, and discussion and is intended for both those who are new to mediation and those who are looking to become more effective participants in the mediation process.

Visit our Payment Center to register for any program.

Program Fees (2 1/2 hr):	$25	Pre-registered Members
	$35	Non-Members and Members without pre-registration
*All Day Workshop:	$65	Pre-registered Members
	$85	Pre-registered Non-Members