TN Department of Education Announces Special Education Conference

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education today announced the commencement of the 2009 Special Education Conference held in Nashville this week.

This year’s conference, sponsored by the Division of Special Education, is filled with a variety of technical assistance opportunities. The theme, “Measuring Up through Improved Outcomes,” will shine a light on sessions ranging from positive behavior supports, inclusion, transition planning, parent involvement, new high school diploma requirements and various aspects of Individual Education Plan writing.

“It is important that we come together each year to better improve our efforts to provide students the services they need alongside their peers,” Assistant Commissioner for Special Education Joseph Fisher said. “The goal is to help teachers and administrators across the state gain the knowledge they need to help students lead productive and meaningful lives.”

Approximately 1200 participants are expected this year including special education teachers and supervisors, parents, representatives from various private agencies serving disabled students and other individuals.

The conference begins Wednesday, Feb 25 at 9:30 a.m. at the Nashville Airport Marriott with a keynote session from nationally recognized speaker Dave Weber, and concludes Friday at noon.

For additional information on the conference, please visit http://state.tn.us/education/speced/seannounce.shtml.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us. 
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