Focus on Success

Contents

• Featured Speakers
• Friday Institutes
• Saturday, Keynote and Session Block I
• Saturday, Session Block II
• Saturday, Session Block III
• Fees, Scholarships, and CEUs
• Order Registration Materials by E-Mail

FEATURED SPEAKERS

• SAM GOLDSTEIN, PH.D., is a psychologist with areas of study in neuropsychology, child development, and school psychology. A knowledgeable, entertaining, and compassionate speaker, Dr. Goldstein has lectured extensively on a national and international basis on attention disorders in children, adjustment and developmental impairments, and assessment of brain dysfunction. His extensive publications include textbooks; guides for parents and teachers concerning child development, attention problems, and brain injury; and award-winning videos dealing with attention disorder, depression, and education. He is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Attention Disorders and a member of the Editorial Board for the ADHD Report and the Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr. Goldstein serves on the faculty at the University of Utah; maintains a private practice at the Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center in Salt Lake City; and is a staff member at Primary Children's Hospital and the University Neuropsychiatric Institute. He is a member of the National Professional Advisory Board for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD), a member of the Professional Advisory Board for the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Brain Injury Resource Center. (See keynote and session S6.)
• BARBARA BATEMAN, J.D., Ph.D., Professor Emerita at the University of Oregon, is one of the nation's best-known experts in special education law. Dr. Bateman played an important role in establishing the category of learning disabilities in the 1960s and developing related special services. She has written more than 90 books, monographs, book chapters, and articles on special education legal issues. A new edition of her well-known book Better IEPs: How to Develop Legally Correct and Educationally Useful Programs has recently been published. Dr. Bateman has long been associated with the Learning Disabilities Association of America and has served as an advocate for parents of children receiving special education services, representing them in due process hearings and as a consultant. She has been honored by inclusion in Who's Who of American Women, among other distinctions. Dr. Bateman is a Fellow of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, a Trustee of the Reading Reform Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Institute for Advocacy for School Children. (See session F1.)

8:00 A.M.-9:00 A.M.-- Registration

9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. (Choose one--F1, F2, or F3)

• F1. "Getting to Know IDEA '97: Practical Applications for Parents and Educators" with BARBARA BATEMAN, J.D., Ph.D., University of Oregon
  This seminar will be a thorough, in-depth analysis of IDEA 1997, the law and the regulations. Particular emphasis will be placed on practical applications and solutions for students with learning disabilities. Dr. Bateman, one of the nation's leading experts on special education law, has recently authored Better IEPs: How to Develop Legally Correct and Educationally Useful Programs. She will help the audience grapple with how we can effectively use the IEP as a tool to increase the success of our students.Co-Sponsored by Parents Reaching Out (PRO).
• F2. "Success in Post-Secondary Education: Transition and Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities" with PATRICIA USEEM, M.A., Learning Support Services, University of New Mexico, and Expert Panel
  The panel will include transition specialists and representatives of Special Services from colleges and universities across New Mexico. Panel members will focus on the process of transition into a successful experience at college or university for learning-disabled students. Among the areas addressed will be: preparing in high school for post-secondary success; finding the right college or university; accommodations on the ACT and SAT; the application process; disability documentation requirements; support services and accommodations; and learning strategies and study skills. An afternoon segment will feature MINDY OPPENHEIM, M.Ed., Director, Supported Employment Education Designs (SEED) of San Francisco.
• F3. "Dynamics in the Classroom: 1. Multiple Intelligences: An Exploration" with MINDY OPPENHEIM, M.Ed., Director, Supported Employment Education Designs (SEED) of San Francisco, and "2. Action in the Classroom" with Panel of Educators
  How--with such a wide variety of learners in the classroom--can each student reach his or her learning potential? In Part 1 of this institute, Mindy Oppenheim describes the role of multiple intelligences in classroom dynamics, touching on the basics of neurolinguistics and brain-based learning in a fascinating and interactive presentation. In Part 2, teachers will illustrate tried-and-true teaching methods and materials that carry theory about multiple intelligences into practice. You should leave this institute with not only an expanded knowledge base but also a bag of tricks to use on Monday in your classroom.

9:00 A.M.-10:30 A.M. -- Institutes begin

10:30 A.M.-11:00 A.M. -- Break with refreshments

11:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M. -- Institutes continue

12:30 P.M.-2:00 P.M. -- Lunch on your own

2:00 P.M.-3:30 P.M. -- Institutes continue

3:30 P.M.-3:45 P.M. -- Break

3:45 P.M.-5:00 P.M. -- Institutes continue (ending at 5:00 P.M.)

5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. -- Reception in Exhibitor Area (with complimentary snacks and no-host bar)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

7:30-8:30 A.M. -- Registration and Coffee; Visit Exhibits

8:30-10:15 A.M. -- Welcome and Orientation; Keynote Address

• Keynote Address by SAM GOLDSTEIN, Ph.D.: "A Lifetime of ADHD: Rethinking the Care and Treatment of ADHD Through the Life Span"
  Dr. Goldstein will focus on the lifetime impact of ADHD, presenting an update of the most current research, including research on adolescent and adult outcomes. He will discuss a model for intervention based on a lifetime perspective and offer observations and insight regarding treatment of this condition into the 21st century.

10:15-10:30 A.M. -- Break

10:15-11:45 A.M. -- SESSION I (Choose one--S1, S2, S3, S4, or S5)

• S1. "Dyslexia: A Very Common and Specific Learning Disability" with MARY POIRIER GILROY, M.A., Multisensory Language Training Center of New Mexico
  Mary Gilroy, an educator with a master's degree in learning disabilities and certification from the Academic Language Therapy Association, will present an overview of dyslexia, a specific learning disability that requires specialized remedial instruction as well as adaptations and modifications to the regular curriculum. The workshop will include a question-and-answer period, and information sheets will be available for parents and professionals.
• S2. "School-Based Assessment and Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities" with ROBERT L. RHODES, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
  Dr. Rhodes will provide an overview of the assessment procedures commonly associated with the diagnosis of a learning disability within a school setting. The instruments and assessment procedures commonly used, roles of various members of the multidisciplinary team, and potential pitfalls and dilemmas will be discussed. A question-and-answer period for parents and professionals will be included.
• S3. "I.E.P.: In-Evitably Painful?" with JULIE RUSSELL, R.N., M.A.
  Teachers and parents work together for the benefit of children with learning disabilities; and yet communication between teacher and parent is not always comfortable or easy. What concerns and feelings do educators and parents bring to meetings? How might viewing such encounters from another's perspective enhance overall communication and the planning process? In this session, a dramatization of a meeting between a classroom teacher and the mother of a child with learning disabilities will provide insight into a sometimes painful situation.
• S4. "Social Snafus: How to Help the LD Child Over the Hurdles" with MARTHA CARMODY, Ph.D., Psychologist
  The hurdles that children with learning differences so often face in social and emotional development present challenges not only to the children but also to their parents. These children frequently experience anxiety and frustration as they strive to fit in socially. Such feelings sometimes lead to impulsive, aggressive, or withdrawn behavior. Typical problems will be described, along with practical suggestions for managing behavior problems while supporting social development. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
• S5."Current Issues and Future Directions for New Mexico" with BOB PASTERNACK, Ph.D., New Mexico State Director of Special Education
  The Director of Special Education for the State of New Mexico will discuss what is going on in our state: how educational reform movements impact our students; current projects and efforts of the State Department; the relationship between local schools and the State Department; and how IDEA '97 is affecting our school systems. Get first-hand information on these issues and more, along with an opportunity for questions and answers.

12:00 NOON-12:30 P.M. -- Visit Exhibits

12:30-1:30 P.M. -- Sit-Down Lunch Served by Albuquerque Marriott, Presentation of Awards

1:30 P.M.-1:45 P.M. -- Visit Exhibit; Announcement of Prizes Awarded by Exhibitors

1:45-3:15 P.M. -- SESSION II (Choose one--S6, S7, S8, S9, or S10)

• S6. "Treatment of ADHD: From Theory to Practice" with SAM GOLDSTEIN, Ph.D., Featured Speaker
  Dr. Goldstein provides a practical overview of the medical, educational, and behavioral interventions that have proven effective in ADHD. The interventions will be presented in a logical framework based upon their impact on the core symptoms and self-regulatory difficulties experienced by people with ADHD. Medications will be reviewed; however, the presentation will emphasize psychosocial interventions, including a brief overview of an educational model, guidelines for parenting, and a discussion of research-proven behavioral strategies.
• S7."Family-School Partnerships" with LARRY FULLER, Project Coordinator, Project Adobe, Parents Reaching Out (PRO)
  This practical, informative presentation is aimed at giving parents, educators, and others who work with families a deeper understanding of family-school relationships and at providing a vision of not only why but how to make these partnerships stronger and more interactive. Discussion will include what parent involvement looks like and how to foster it. Strategies for breaking through barriers to effective family-school partnership will be explored.
• S8. "1, 2, 3 . . . 6? . . . 8, 9?" with MARJORIE McCAMENT, M.A.
  The problems that students with learning disabilities have with reading often overshadow their difficulties in learning math. An experienced teacher, consultant, and math tutor provides information on these math difficulties, focusing on the unique language of math and on practical strategies for helping students in elementary grades 1-5. (Participation is limited to the first 40 registrants.)
• S9."Learning Disabilities and Related Disorders" with LORRAINE PERLMUTTER, Ph.D., Psychologist
  Learning disabilities are frequently accompanied by comorbid disorders of language, attention span, organization, social skills, and emotional functioning. This presentation is aimed at helping parents and others to identify these disorders and the resources for evaluating and remediating them. The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach, including active parent and student input, will be stressed; and strategies for developing straightforward, clear communication and commitment of resources from all involved will be provided.
• S10."Language Skills Needed for Problem Solving -- a Practical Approach" with CARIN WHITE, M.S., CCC/SLP
  Students with learning disabilities often face difficulty in identifying and solving everyday organizational and behavioral problems. This presentation will provide parents and educators with insight into the language skills involved in these processes. Language development, sequencing, and step-by-step instruction in problem identification, solution, and prevention will be described. Understanding these language skills is often a key to increasing students' ability to become responsible and independent.

3:15-3:30 P.M. -- Break

3:30-5:00 P.M. -- SESSION III (Choose one--S11, S12, S13, S14, or S15)

• S11. "Combining a Therapeutic Multisensory Reading Program with Whole-Language Activites for a Balanced Approach to Classroom Literacy" with Karen Lacey, M.S., CCC/SLP; Wendy Baird, M.A., OTR/L; Diane Kullman, Education Coordinator for Pre-School, College of Santa Fe
  This presentation focuses on classroom strategies for beginning readers (aged 4-8) to help keep reading and writing difficulties from developing. Whole-language strategies are combined with a structured, multisensory reading and writing program. The authors present WatchWord, a reading program in which children build handmade objects to help them learn sound-letter matches and begin to blend sounds together into words. Speech and language pathology and occupational therapy strategies are integrated into the classroom literacy program as well.
• S12."Educational Service Opetions for Students with ADHD" with TAMMY SOLETHER, Executive Director, The ADD Advocate
  This workshop presents an overview of special education services for students with ADHD, including evaluation, eligibility, and the IEP. Also included is information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, as it pertains to students with ADHD, including eligibility, related services, and the 504 Accommodation Plan. A case management model is described as a means to ensure a comprehensive intervention approach.
• S13. "Don't Forget Us!"with GAIL STEWART, J.D., Special Education Attorney
  This session is for those who are pondering how to create change in their schools for students with learning disabilities. After an overview of New Mexico law on education, reforms in other states will be summarized as they have related to educational issues for students with learning disabilities. The group will then brainstorm goals and possibilities for New Mexico as we look toward the 60-day legislative session in 2000.
• S14. "Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD)" with DEBORAH MULDAWER, John Adams Middle School
  People with nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) have problems in three major areas: visual/spatial perception, motor skills, and social skills. This presentation will include a detailed description of NLD, tips for identifying and diagnosing NLD, and a resource list of people who work with the NLD population. The presentation is geared toward parents and teachers and addresses how NLD impacts performance and behavior in school and in life.
• S15. "Portfolio Assessment and Students with Learning Disabilities" with Elissa Wolfe Poel, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
  The student portfolio is an effective tool with numerous practical applications related to evaluation, placement, and documentation. Portfolio contents reflect student performance, aid in establishing goals and objectives, and provide evidence for qualifying students for placement in and out of special education. Portfolios empower students and their families in the decision-making process and help to increase students' self-esteem, leading to higher-quality work performance and more active participation in classroom activities. Learn more about the Portfolio Assessment System in this session.

When one family member registers at the regular rate, an additional family member (husband, wife, child) may register at the following reduced rates: Friday only, $10; Saturday only, $15; both days, $20. For example, a husband and wife who are LDA members and who register by October 15 can attend both days for a total of $95.

SCHOLARSHIPS. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Call 505/821-2545 to inquire about scholarships. The application process is simple!

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS are pending from the following state accreditation agencies:

• Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology & Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board (3 credit hours for Friday, 6 credit hours for Saturday, total of 9 credit hours for full conference)
• New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners (can also be used by school counselors) (3 credit hours for Friday, 6 credit hours for Saturday, total of 9 credit hours for full conference)
• New Mexico Board of Examiners for Occupational Therapy (0.3 CEUs for Friday, 0.6 CEUs for Saturday, total of 0.9 CEUs for full conference)

Click here to request that registration materials be mailed to you. Be sure to include your mailing address.