A Conference on Inclusive Education Rhetoric to Reality A Conference on Inclusive Education February...
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From Rhetoric to Reality A Conference on Inclusive Education February 25th - 27th 2010 Ryerson University Room POD 250 350 Victoria Street, Toronto Ontario. AND Sutton Place Hotel 955 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Transcript of A Conference on Inclusive Education Rhetoric to Reality A Conference on Inclusive Education February...
From Rhetoric to RealityA Conference on Inclusive Education
February 25th - 27th 2010Ryerson University Room POD 250 350 Victoria Street, Toronto Ontario.
AND Sutton Place Hotel 955 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Quality inclusive education for all students with disabilities still remains elusive. Despite supportive policy, creating and sustaining fully inclusive classrooms remains a challenge for administrators, educators and parents. FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY, A CONFERENCE ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION will provide an opportunity for professionals, individuals with disabilities and family members to come together and spend time exploring how to best meet the educational needs of students
in an inclusive manner. Discussion will focus on both policy and the practical translation of that policy into real inclusive practice at the classroom level. This conference will feature plenary and working sessions by nationally recognized educators who will challenge participants to fully understand the concept of inclusion and provide varying perspectives as seen by educators, parents and advocates.
Dr. Vianne Timmons is the President of the University of Regina and also the President-Elect of the IASSID. She is one of Canada’s leading advocates and experts on inclusive education. She is internationally recognized for her research and educational commitment to inclusive education.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island, she has had a tremendous impact on young teachers and it is in that context that she will open FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY, A CONFERENCE ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. Dr. Timmons was recently featured in the Globe and Mail as one of the “100 women making headlines in Canada.”
Dr. Sheila Bennett is a native of Newfoundland and Labrador, Sheila began her career as a special education teacher in her home province. Upon completion of her graduate work at the University of Toronto, Dr. Bennett held a number of school and board based positions in Ontario prior to
joining the Faculty of Education at Brock University.
Currently a Professor of the Teacher Education Department, with the Faculty of Education at Brock University, Dr. Bennett continues to work in the field of Special Education and Inclusion. A member of the Council for Exceptional Children, the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara and the Board of Trustees for the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre she maintains close connections with the field of exceptionality.
Julie Stone has been in the field of education for over 40 years. She has taught at all grade levels as well as at University. She is also an instructor for the Instructor Development Program for the New Brunswick Community College system (NBCC.) She also works with NBCC on the
Special Admissions Program which is designed to assist High School graduates who had Special Education Plans to be successful in a Post Secondary setting. Julie is also writing and teaching on-line courses dealing with Education and Disability for the Department of Education. Julie is a Past President of both the National and Provincial Associations for Community Living and continues her volunteer work with the Association as a member of the Governance Committee and the Inclusive Education Committee.
Deirdre Smith, Manager, Standards of Practice and Education at the Ontario College of Teachers. In this capacity Deirdre leads a team of program officers who conduct research, development and implementation activities that support strategic planning and a provincial framework that maintains standards of
practice and promotes continuing competence among members of the College, the teachers of Ontario.
Gordon L. Porter is the Director of Inclusive Education Canada. He is Chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission and an educator with extensive experience in inclusive education. He is active as a speaker and consultant in Canada and in a number of other countries.
Conference Intent
Keynote Speakers
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm: RegistrationLocation: Ryerson 350 Victoria Street, one block E of Yonge on GerrardRoom: POD 250
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Special Open ForumFrom Rhetoric to Reality – Reflections on Inclusive Education with Dr. Vianne TimmonsRyerson University President Sheldon Levy will welcome participants and introduce Dr. Vianne Timmons, President & Vice Chancellor of the University of Regina.
8:30 am – 9:00 am: BreakfastRoom: Queen Victoria Foyer
9:00 am – 10:15 am: Plenary Making Inclusion Real: Lessons LearnedRoom: Queen Victoria Ballroom Julie Stone, Nackawic, New Brunswick Teacher, Trainer & ConsultantJulie will explore practical applications aimed at assisting High School teachers to better prepare and teach students with learning challenges, including those with learning and intellectual disabilities.
10:15 am – 10:30 am: Break
10:30 am – 11:30 am: Facilitated Discussion from 3 Different Perspectives on Making Inclusion Real
The Parent PerspectiveRoom: WellesleyFacilitator: Marlene MunnChair National Action Committee on Inclusive Education; Past-President, NBACL
The Teacher PerspectiveRoom: Queen Victoria Salon AFacilitator: Sharon BoudreauSaskatchewan member of National Action Committee on Inclusive Education.
The Advocate/Agency PerspectiveRoom: Queen Victoria Salon BFacilitator: Anne KrestaInclusive Education Consultant with Community Living Manitoba and Manitoba member of the National Action Committee on Inclusive Education.
11:30 am – 11:45 am: Break
11:45 am – 1:00 pm: Closing PlenaryCan we create a “Tipping Point” for Inclusive Education in Canada? Taking Stock: Looking Ahead Room: Queen Victoria BallroomGordon L. Porter, Director, Inclusive Education Canada
Conference AgendaThursday February 25th 2010
Saturday February 27th 2010
8:00 am – 9:00 am: RegistrationLocation: Sutton Place Hotel Queen Victoria Foyer
9:00 am – 12:00 pmLocation: Sutton Place Hotel Room: Queen Victoria Ballroom
From Rhetoric to Reality the Policy Puzzle – Mandating Real Inclusion Through presentations and a panel discussion the morning will include: Laszlo Galambos, Principal of Programs: Special Education, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board and Chris Spence Director of Education Toronto District School Board, along with other inclusion advocates, will explore the value and importance of inclusive education, current supporting policy and practice, and what it takes to make REAL inclusive education a reality in classrooms and schools.
12:00 pm: Lunch
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm: Plenary Research into Practice: Including Students with Exceptionalities - What WorksDr. Sheila Bennet, Professor, Faculty of Education Brock University
Dr. Bennet will explore what the current research tells us about; the roles of leaders, the academic achievement and social benefits of students and the environment and culture of building inclusive schools.
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm: Looking at Inclusion Issues from the InsideDeirdre Smith & Gordon Porter
Deidre and Gordon have just completed a book of 25 case studies that explore issues in inclusive education. It will be available in spring 2010. Deirdre and Gordon will describe the elements of the case studies approach and will introduce the divided sessions that follow.
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Break
2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Facilitated Discussion from 3 Different Perspectives
The Family Perspective Facilitator: Rabia KhedrRoom: Wellesley
The Teacher PerspectiveFacilitators: Deidre Smith & Julie StoneRoom: Queen Victoria Salon A
The Principal/School Leader PerspectiveFacilitators: Gordon Porter & Catherine MontreuilRoom: Queen Victoria Salon B
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm: Break
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm: Lessons Learned Facilitators: Deirdre Smith & Gordon PorterRoom: Queen Victoria Ballroom
Friday February 26th 2010
How to register on line Just go to our website
www.communitylivingontario.ca - look under What’s NewIf you require assistance with your online registration contact
Registration fee$209 (includes conference fee, lunch on Friday and breakfast on Saturday )
Can be paid online by major credit card or by cheque payable to: Community Living Ontario.
Both of these payment options are available through the online registration process.
For more information Contact Kimberley Gavan 1-800-278-8025 ext.234
A block of rooms has been reserved at a special rate of $129.00 plus tax per night. In order to get this rate please use this code when making your reservation BLOCK CODE: TO100225CO.
Guests may call the Hotel locally at (416) 324-5621, or toll-free at 1-8663-SUTTON (1-866-378-8866) from anywhere in Canada or the United States.
Guests may also make their reservations online through our website,www.suttonplace.com.
Event LocationsRyerson University Room POD 250 - Podium, 350 Victoria Street
(area connecting Jorgenson Hall to the Library Building)http://www.ryerson.ca/maps/
Sutton Place Hotel955 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5S 2A2(416) 924-9221
Transportation from airport contactCity Limo at 1-866-901-6909
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program - Disability component. The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect those of the Government of Canada.
