Researchers From the American Institutes for Research to Present at the Council for Exceptional Children Conference

Washington, D.C. - Researchers from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) are making numerous presentations at the 2008 conference of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) being held April 3-5, 2008, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

AIR is one of the nation’s leading educational research firms, with services that include training, technical assistance and research at the federal, state and local levels. We perform work in professional development, student progress monitoring, assessment, evaluation and the use of technology in instruction and accountability for students with special needs.

The following is a list of the subjects and times of presentations involving AIR staff at the CEC conference.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 — Pre-Conference Workshop

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Title: Differentiating Instruction Through Technology: Make it Work!

From AIR: Tracy Gray and Heidi Silver-Pacuilla

Abstract: Differentiated instruction is a model of curriculum planning, instruction, management and assessment that can make the general curriculum accessible for students with disabilities. This workshop introduces an online toolkit and provides hands-on experience in using technology to differentiate instruction.
 
Thursday, April 3, 2008

1:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Title: Understanding Curriculum Access and Differentiated Instruction

From AIR: Melissa Storm, Anthea Medyn and Nancy Safer

Abstract: This module provides teachers with an overview of curriculum access and differentiation and specific differentiation strategies and considerations when implementing the process at the classroom, school or district level.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Title: Digital Media and the Changing Marketplace

From AIR: Tracy Gray

Abstract:  An examination of the ways digital media are revolutionizing our ability to design and deliver standards-based learning environments customizable to individual needs. Although revolutionary, these technologies raise new questions and challenges for publishers, policy makers and educators.

3:45 - 5:45 p.m.

Title: Connections Between NCLB Outcomes, Effective Reading Interventions and You

From AIR: Amy Klekotka, Anna Mark, Jacki Bootel and Rebecca Holland-Coviello

Abstract:  To provide sound and effective instruction, particularly in reading, teachers need the skills necessary to identify struggling readers and to provide targeted instruction to those students. This session provides an overview of five essential components, gives strategies and activities for each component, makes the link between assessment and instruction and shows how the five components fit together.

Friday, April 4, 2008

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Title: Curriculum Access in Math and Science

From AIR: Monya Ruffin, Susan Skipper and Renee Sherman

Abstract:  This session describes the challenges that students with disabilities have in accessing complex math and science content and provides teachers with several research-based instructional and learning strategies that can be used to address these challenges.

8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Title: Differentiating Instruction With Technology: Examples and Strategies to Scale Up Technology Innovation

From AIR: Tracy Gray and Heidi Silver-Pacuilla

Abstract:  This poster session showcases the research synthesis conducted by CITEd on implementation and what it takes to scale up educational initiatives involving technology. The synthesis illuminates pitfalls to avoid and common pathways in implementation that lead to success.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Title: Listening to Administrators: Learning About Assistive Technology Decisions and Priorities

From AIR: Tracy Gray and Heidi Silver-Pacuilla

Abstract: This presentation demonstrates a research-to-practice activity undertaken by the National Center for Technology Innovation in collaboration with an industry leader. This collaborative activity sheds light on administrators’ priorities and decision making as it relates to assistive technology purchases, infrastructure and integration with instructional technology plans and federal regulations, such as IDEA and NCLB.

1:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Title: Effective Collaboration Strategies for Enhancing Curriculum Access

From AIR: Stacia Rush, Amy Klekotka and Jacki Bootel

Abstract: This session discusses which models of co-teaching might be appropriate for a particular setting and student population, how to involve administrators and how a co-teaching model can be evaluated with equity. Participants will explore specific models of co-teaching and how to take the critical first steps.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Title: Response to Intervention: A National Approach for Improving Educational Outcomes

From AIR: Darren Woodruff

Abstract: This session provides information on the key components of response to intervention (RTI); identifies existing resources specific to RTI; and discusses the IDEA requirements related to early intervening services, disproportionate representation and identification for specific learning disabilities. AIR’s National Center on Response to Intervention will provide information on the types of support that are available to states.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

— Dropout Prevention for Students With Disabilities, Extended Learning Event

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Title: Developing Early Warning Systems to Identify Potential High School Dropouts and Early Warning
System Tool

From AIR: Joe Harris and Mindee O’Cummings

Abstract:  The first panel examines the initial step toward an effective dropout prevention policy: tracking and analyzing basic data to identify students showing early warning signs of dropping out. The key indicators include poor grades in core subjects; low attendance, including missing 10 of the first 30 days of high school; failure to be promoted to the next grade; and disengagement in the classroom, including behavioral problems.
 

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Title: Approaches to Dropout Prevention: Heeding Early Warning Signs With Appropriate Interventions

From AIR: Louise Kennelly and Mindee O’Cummings

Abstract: This session discusses steps that schools can take to identify at-risk students and provide the necessary support systems and relevant interventions to assist students in obtaining a high school diploma. The session also addresses early warning data systems to target interventions for groups and individual students.

About AIR
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is an independent, nonpartisan not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research on important social issues and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity.

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