Best Practices in Inclusive Education: Wisconsin Summer Institute

WISCONSIN’S 18TH ANNUAL STATE-WIDE INSTITUTE ON BEST PRACTICES IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION - 2011

Keynote speakers:

Paula Kluth is an independent educational consultant and an adjunct instructor at National-Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. Her professional and research interests center on differentiating instruction and on supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms. She has a M.Ed. in Educational Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin. She is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator. She is the author of “You’re Going to Love This Kid”: Educating Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms (2003, Brookes Publishing) and the lead editor of Access to Academics: Critical Approaches to Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy (with Doug Biklen & Diana Straut, 2003, Erlbaum Publishing). She has also written several articles and chapters on inclusive schooling. She is currently conducting research on the literacy experiences of students with autism. She thanks the real experts - those with disabilities and their families - for sharing their lives and expertise and teaching her all she knows about disability, ability, and inclusion.

Bob Kann is a professor of education, author, and professional storyteller. Cindy Bentley is a self-advocate & advocacy specialist for People First Wisconsin. Cindy was born with intellectual disabilities and spent much of her childhood in a state institution. When she left Southern Wisconsin Center in 1984, her life began and her journey to independence and self-determination led her to become the first athlete to serve on the board of directors of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Cindy has traveled around the world as a Global Messenger for Special Olympics, attended dinners at the White House, and spoke at conventions in front of 15,000 people. Bob is an entertainer, speaker, and consultant on topics related to humor, motivation, diversity, creativity and storytelling. He is the author of five children’s books, including “Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion.” Together, Bob and Cindy will tell the story of Cindy’s life. Bob will also present a forum on the Power of Storytelling. For more information on Bob Kann, visit his website at: http://www.bobkann.com.

In addition to these keynote speakers, general and special educators, administrators, DPI consultants, and other professionals from across Wisconsin & Illinois will present forums on: Differentiating Instruction; Co-teaching; Staffing & Instructional Design; Transition to Employment and College; Literacy; Including Students with Mental Health Challenges; Understanding Behavior; & Fostering Self-Determination. Finally, there will be several opportunities for team & individual planning as well as networking with professionals, presenters, & colleagues.

The first opportunity for networking will begin on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m., at which time everyone attending is invited to gather for the Institute’s Opening Networking Social. Another Networking Social will be on Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. These Networking Socials will be held on the Westwood Conference Center Upper Deck and Lounge. Please plan to join us for door prizes, snacks, beverages, and conversation.

Cordially,
Kim S. Beloin, Ph.D
Director: State-wide Institute on Best Practices in Inclusive Education & Adjunct Associate Professor of Education/Special Education