TN Department of Education Announces Special Education Conference

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education is proud to announce the 2010 Special Education Conference this week in Nashville. This year’s theme, “We’re Better Together:  Team Work Makes a Difference,” addresses the importance of professionals and other service providers working together to ensure that students with disabilities are prepared for independent living and employment once they leave the public school system.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student in Tennessee leads a productive, meaningful life,” said Joseph Fisher, Assistant Commissioner of Special Education. “It’s important that we invest time in professional development to attain that goal.”

Approximately 1200 pre-school through high school special educators, graduate students, and K-12 school and district administrators will be attending general and break-out sessions over the course of three days to learn about inclusive classrooms, positive behavior supports, assistive technology, the latest information on autism, gifted education, preschool practices, drop out prevention, student driven Individualized Education Plan (IEPs), and much more.

Assistant Commissioner Fisher will recognize several school districts for outstanding work in the provision of special education services during the Friday morning session.

For the Conference at a Glance visit:
http://state.tn.us/education/speced/doc/12510aagfinal.pdf

Conference details:

What:              2010 Annual Special Education Conference
Where:            Nashville Airport Marriott, Nashville, TN
When:             February 24-26, 2010

 More information, contact Amanda Maynord Anderson at (615) 532-7817 or Amanda.Anderson@tn.gov.
###