Council for Exceptional Children Mississippi Federation 2014 Conference Parading into a Brighter Future for Exceptional Children February 5-7, 2014 IP Casino & Resort Biloxi, Mississippi The voice and vision of special education. The voice and vision of special education. Mississippi Federation CEC Executive Board & Conference Planning Committee Dr. Mario Miller, President Holmes County School District Dr. Sherry M. Ponder, President-Elect PS: Ponder Solutions, LLC Dr. Terri Rhea, Vice President Choctaw School District Millie Wood, Secretary Itawamba Public School District Carol Ann Franklin, Treasurer Clinton Public School District Bobby Richardson, Divisions Nettleton School District Debbie Hubbert, Membership Jackson Public School District Dr. Linda McDowell, Past President University of Southern Mississippi 2 The voice and vision of special education. Greetings! On behalf of the Mississippi Federation CEC Executive Board and the Mississippi Unit Council for Exceptional Children, we welcome you! We are so excited you have chosen to join us as we Parade into a Brighter Future for Exceptional Children here in beautiful Biloxi, Mississippi. We are excited about what our 2014 state CEC conference has to offer. Not only are there opportunities to participate in pre-conference workshops focusing on specific issues, but there are breakout sessions filled with information to enhance your professional development. This event offers you an unparalleled experience to help you learn the latest in evidence-based practices; explore innovative technologies, products, and services; and network with other professionals working with children with exceptionalities and their families. Further, we are thrilled to introduce our inaugural 3K Sunset Beach Walk/Run/Roll, which showcases our consummate support for students with exceptionalities and their families. Throughout this year’s conference, you are encouraged to network with colleagues from around the state during general and breakout sessions and breaks. Additionally, the conference offers fourteen top vendors of educational products and services. Complimentary continental breakfast, luncheon and breakfast buffet are provided. And you have the potential to win exciting door prizes. Additionally, I wish to recognize Dr. Sherry Ponder, this year’s Conference planner, and the MS-CEC Executive Board. Thank you to the Imperial Palace Casino Resort, City of Biloxi, our conference sponsors, and all who have contributed to making this a pinnacle event in the lives of education professionals. I want to thank them for all their hard work, travel, and diligence to make this conference a success. Again, thank you for attending another awesome conference. It has been my pleasure to serve as your president this year. With enthusiasm and high expectation, Mario Dr. Mario Miller, MS-CEC Board President 3 4 Office of the Mayor A.J. Holloway To Participants and Guests attending the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference: Greetings. It is a pleasure for me to welcome you to Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I’m delighted that you were able to attend this important event. Today, you are at the most exciting time in our city’s long and colorful history. Our community has it all for residents and visitors alike: an outstanding quality of life, miles of white sand beaches, tasty seafood restaurants, great deep-sea fishing, championship golf courses, family attractions, a rich cultural history and historic sites, affordable prices and the excitement of unlimited casino gaming. Our strongest assets, however, are the smiling faces and Southern hospitality you’ll experience during your visit. Today, in a post-Katrina Biloxi, I’m proud to say that we still find ourselves in one of the most exciting and promising times in our city’s history. In the aftermath of the massive devastation and destruction that we have endured, we stand poised to realize even greater success here in Biloxi and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Council for Exceptional Children is a premier education organization that offers resources, expertise, and leadership to assist in providing high quality education for children and youth with exceptionalities. I hope that each of you shares a wealth of information at this gathering, and I hope you share my excitement for our future. Sincerely, A.J. HOLLOWAY, MAYOR City of Biloxi 140 Lameuse St. P. O. Box 429 Biloxi, MS 39533 228-435-6254 Fax: 228-435-6129 Visit online at biloxi.ms.us 5 “There is no question that Classworks helps educators successfully address the inherent challenges of special education. Its depth, flexibility, and customization features give teachers access to targeted instruction for struggling learners, thereby helping to raise achievement at all levels.” Luann Purcell, Ed.D. Executive Director Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) - Classworks K-8 online learning solution is uniquely qualified for special education students because it:  Supports integration of special needs students in the regular classroom  Provides differentiated instruction (by learning style)  Provides individualized instruction  Allows everyone to work at their own level and own pace Gives immediate and ongoing feedback   Assigns state objectives and targets for all students at their level  Offers reports & results for use in IEPs For more information, please contact: Cheri Ladner 228.265.0152 cladner@classworks.com © 2014 Classworks MS-CEC 2014 Conference Schedule of Events Wednesday • February 5 11 am - 4 pm 11 am - 1pm 1 pm - 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 6 - 8:30 pm Registration Conference Area - Third Floor Pre-Conference Workshops (Session Descriptions on pg. 10) Vendor Setup Parade to Mardi Gras Museum 3k Sunset Fun Run/Walk/Roll Shuttle bus between IP and museum every 15 min Conference Area - Third Floor IP Parking Lot Beach at Beau Rivage 3K Walk/Run Immediately following the pre-conference sessions, join the sunset parade to the Biloxi Mardi Gras Museum for an opening reception complete with Hamburgers • Hotdogs • Refreshments After the reception, enjoy a 3k walk/run at dusk to raise awareness for children with exceptional needs. Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Carnival all refer to events of the carnival celebration, beginning on the Epiphany or Kings day and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of indulging in food and drink before fasting during the Lenten seaon. Mardi Gras day is always 47 days prior to Easter Sunday. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Those colors were selected in 1872 to honor a visiting Russian Grand Duke to the city of New Orleans. The color of purple represents justice; green represents faith; and gold represents power. The colors of Mardi Gras should be worn if not in costume. A popular custom is the baking of a special cake in honor of the three kings, called a King’s cake. Inside every cake is a tiny plastic baby. The person who receives the slice of cake with the baby is asked to continue the festivities by hosting the next King Cake party. “Laissez les bon temps roulez!” (Let the good times roll!) 7 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Schedule of Events Thursday • February 6 7 am - 4:30 pm 7 am - 7:45 pm 8 - 8:15 am 8:15 - 9:30 am Registration Continental Breakfast Conference Area - Third Floor Ballroom A - Third Floor Welcome: Mayor AJ Holloway Ballroom A - Third Floor Keynote Speaker: Dr. Therrell Myers, Ballroom A - Third Floor MS Dept. of Education Special Education Director 9:30 - 9:45 am Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor 11:15 - 11:30 am Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor 9:45 - 11:15 am 11:30 am - 1 pm Breakouts (Block 1) Luncheon 2013 MS-CEC Awards Keynote: Dwight Jones (Session Descriptions on pg. 12) Ballroom A - Third Floor 1 - 1:15 pm Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor 2:45 - 3 pm Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor 1:15 - 2:45 pm 3 - 4:30 pm 4:30 - 4:45 pm 4:45 - 6 pm 7 pm - until Breakouts (Block 2) Breakouts (Block 3) Break & Vendor Time Divisions/Special Interest Group Meetings CEC Conference Social & Grand Prize Giveaway (Session Descriptions on pg. 14) (Session Descriptions on pg. 16) Conference Area - Third Floor Conference Area - Third Floor Ballroom A MS-CEC 2014 Conference Schedule of Events Friday • February 7 8 - 9:45 am 9:45 - 10 am 10 - 11:30 am 11:30 - 11:45 am 11:45 am - 12:15 pm Biloxi Breakfast Keynote: Congressman Gregg Harper, MS 3rd District Conference Area - Third Floor Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor Break & Vendor Time Conference Area - Third Floor Breakouts (Block 4) Final General Session MS-CEC Business Meeting (Session Descriptions on pg. 18) Conference Area - Third Floor 9 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Pre-Conference Workshops Wednesday • February 5 • 1-4 pm Inclusion in the 21st Century Classroom Ballroom A Cheri Ladner, Curriculum Advantage Combining an inclusion instructional model and centered-based literacy, Indianola School District is providing targeted instruction that is differentiated based on assessment data for each student. Beginning in PreK-2 classrooms personalized learning for both reading and mathematics are tailored to each student’s standards based on individual educational plan. Improving Student Outcomes by Improving Transitions Services in Mississippi Ballroom C Dr. Catherine Fowler, National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) This preconference workshop will provide participants with a tool to evaluate their current practices through the lens of research-based practices that predict post-school success for students with disabilities. This tool is applicable at the community, district, school building and classroom level. Legislation and Law: The Latest Issues in Special Education Ballroom D Jim Keith, Esq., Adam and Reese, LLP Come learn what the current hot legal issues are in Mississippi. You will also hear about current legislative issues. This session sponsored by the MS-Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). School Programming for Students with Autism in Mississippi: Strategies for Addressing the Basics Ballroom E Dr. Timothy Morse, University of Southern Mississippi During this session basic information about school programming issues that pertain to students with autism will be presented with a particular emphasis on appropriate school-based environmental arrangements and instructional strategies. Dynamic Behavior Education Strategies Ballroom F Dr. Mark Yeager, TEAAM Autism Most teachers and other professionals are not prepared to understand the role that behaviors play in enhancing the optimal behavior of learning. This session introduces a set of processes that helps professionals understand how to consider problematic behaviors and turn them into productive learning behaviors. This interactive workshop will provide participants with ready to use skills once back in their teaching environments. 10 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Pre-Conference Workshops Wednesday • February 5 • 1-4 pm Using Data-Based Individualization to Provide Intensive Intervention in Academics and Behavior Ballroom G Dr. Rebecca Zumeta, National Ctr. on Intensive Intervention This session provides participants with a rationale and overview of data-based individualization (DBI) – intervention for students with severe and persistent learning and behavior needs. DBI is a researchbased process for individualizing validated interventions through the systematic use of assessment data to determine whn and how to intensify instruction for non-responsive students. The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs. Recommended by CEC-DLD. 2e Students: Who Are They? What Do They Need? How To Educate Them To Be All They Can Be Ballroom H Dr. Terri White Rhea, Choctaw School District This session will take an in-depth look at the twice exceptional student and how to teach them for maximal success. With miles of white sand beaches, tasty seafood restaurants, unlimited gaming and rich cultural history, we hope you enjoy your stay. 11 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 1 Thursday • February 6 • 9:45 - 11:15 am Stop the cycle of Illiteracy: Solutions for Leadership, Data and Student Success Ballroom A Amanda Burnett, Winsor Learning, Inc., Senior Consultant Yes A methodology that can be used to analyze data from assessments, inform instructional decisions, and align programs ensuring that instruction meets the needs of each student. Strategies and Applications for Building Positive Behavior within the Classroom Ballroom C Mary Claire Griffin, Assessing Educational Competencies, Consultant – Behavior Services Division Behavior intervention strategies at the classroom level; how to effectively collect data and utilize information to improve behavior and learning within classrooms. Welcome to my World: Shaping a Positive Classroom Environmentfor Students with Autism Me Ballroom D Margaret Ellmer, Ph.D, Rankin County Schools, Asst. Dir. Of Special Education Information about an 8-step process designed to develop classrooms with environments and routines that are both productive and pleasant. Emphasis will be placed on developing schedules, programming and behavioral interventions for students with autism. Assessing the Teacher’s Voice Ballroom E Vanessa Savoie, Lightspeed Technologies, Consultant Showcasing a powerful new classroom audio tool for both whole room and differentiated instruction; importance on student achievement; integration of all media related technology into one system. Catch the Buzz with Kurzwell 3000-firefly (Includes an iPad App) Ballroom F Missy Tatum, Kurzweil & Intellitools/Audio Systems of Austin Powerful suite of tools provides students with anytime anywhere access to their text-to-speech literacy capabilities and their documents. 12 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 1 Thursday • February 6 • 9:45 - 11:15 am Examining the Post-high School Activity of Individuals with Disabilities Ballroom G Sabrina Singleton, The University of Southern Mississippi, Doctoral Student In order for a smooth transition, youth with disabilities should experience employments, independent living, and explore opportunities to postsecondary education while in high school. Transition: The Bridge That Brought Me Over Ballroom H Valecia Davis, MDE/OSE, Program Coordinator Best practices and eligibility requirements for accessing outreach programs and services in the areas of secondary transition provided by Local Education Agencies (LEAs), MDRS, other State and local agencies; provisions of IDEAs requirements for transition services and best practices for its implementation. MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 2 Thursday • February 6 • 1:15 - 2:45 pm Vocabulary and the Common Core Standards for SCD Students (Yes, It IS possible to teach vocabulary to SCD students – Let’s Adapt) Ballroom A Donna Davis, Assessing Educational Competecies, Co-Partner Co-presenter: Diona Berry Teaching Vocabulary to students with significant cognitive disabilities; examining a tiered approach to teaching vocabulary and leaving with strategies to successfully implement in working with students who will take an alternate assessment. What Do I Do Now? Using Activity Schedules & Visual Supports to Help Students Achieve Success in Academic Settings Ballroom C LaShanda Lenoir, Assessing Educational Competencies, Consultant The Basics of developing an activity schedule, the principles supporting the use of activity schedules, and various ways to implement activity schedules into their student’s academic day; leaving with strategies and tools to use in implementing activity schedules in their classroom. Strategies for simultaneously addressing the positive behavior support and language needs of students with autism Ballroom D Dr. Tim Morse, The University of Southern Mississippi, Associate Professor Strategies that the staff who operate the USM-Gulf Coast Autism Project employ for the purpose of addressing the need for positive behavior supports by the students who attend the Autism Demonstration School, as well as the conceptual model the staff uses to develop the students’ receptive and expressive language skills. Copresenters: Sandy Bankston and Erin Ballantyne Take Note – Teaching Note Taking Skills Ballroom E Dr. Marge Crowe, MS State, Meridian, Director of Special Education Programs, Assistant Professor Strategies to teach note taking skills, organizational skills, and strategies to support students as they take notes; using graphic organizers, technology, class procedures, Universal Design for Learning strategies, and processes; leaving with an illustrated handout that includes suggestions for further reading and websites offering free materials. 14 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 2 Thursday • February 6 • 1:15 - 2:45 pm Promoting Literacy through Research Based Assessment Ballroom F Casey Robertson, Louisiana Tech University, Teacher of Blind Students Co-presenters: Laura Bostick, Sheena Manuel, and Dr. Edward Bell. For all persons working with blind and low vision students. Participants will learn how to assess blind or visually impaired children for the appropriate reading media. Twice Exceptional Ballroom G Debbie Davis, Lee County School District, Gifted Teacher Characteristics and strategies for working with twice exceptional students in order to help them be successful in the classroom; participating in games and activities that will be both educational and stimulating for your students. A Day of Vocabulary and the Common Core Ballroom H Susan Brasfield, Assessing Educational Competencies, Consultant Teaching vocabulary to both regular education and special education students Participants will examine a tiered approach to teaching vocabulary and leave with strategies to successfully implement in any classroom. Conference Social and Reception Thursday • 6 - 10 pm The first 75 conference attendees receive a FREE drink ticket! Line Dancing Lessons at 6 pm. Food • Fun • Entertainment Music by Double DJS Entertainment MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 3 Thursday • February 6 • 3 - 4:30 pm Convince Me! A How-to Session in Common Core Argument Writing Ballroom A John Dorroh, Assessing Educational Competencies, Consultant This hands-on model is an easy and practical way for teachers to begin helping students understand what is required for successful argument writing; addressing the needs of different learning levels and styles in classrooms of regular education and inclusion students. Assessing Educational Competencies, LLC Autism: A View from the Inside Ballroom C Marie Claire Giffin, Assessing Educational Competencies, Consultant – Behavior Services Division History, current statistics, and diagnosis of Autism will be presented. Through the utilization handson activities, experience living with Autism and how characteristics of Autism affect students within the classroom. Strategies for classroom design, effective ABA intervention techniques, and educational resources. Safety Skills Instruction for Students with Autism: A Comprehensive Programming Perspective Ballroom D Dr. Tim Morse, The University of Southern Mississippi, Associate Professor Information about the application of evidence-based practices to the design and implementation of a comprehensive safety skills curriculum. Co-presenter: Sandy Bankston Using Technology to Provide General Curriculum Access Ballroom E Dr. Beverly McKissick, Mississippi State University, Assistant Professor Key Components of using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) to provide instruction; how to determine what makes a good CAI program and how to use program features to create CAI programs. It’s a Parade, Not a Circus: RTI & IEP….Oh, My! Ballroom F Dr. Vicki Hartley, Delta State University, Associate Professor Thoughts/actions; the what-why-how of transforming planning, teaching, and monitoring student learning into an integrated bundle of pragmatic practices which meet the learning needs of students in RTI and IEP environments. Co-presenter: Dr. Steve Street. 16 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 3 Thursday • February 6 • 3 - 4:30 pm Cognitive Interventions for Students with Attention Deficit Disorder Transitioning to College Ballroom G Jonnie Cleveland, The University of Southern Mississippi, Graduate Assistant This session looks at a quantitative synthesis of strategies available for the supports of individuals with ADD in the transition from secondary to post-secondary education. Through Song, Dance and Story... Ballroom H Dr. Buddy Fish, Jackson State University, Associate Professor Constructs of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Curriculum, a research based program proven to reduce problems in children with EBD, improves academic progress and social function. The program helps at-risk children develop into productive citizens. Research has shown that the EQ curriculum can decrease aggression and anti-social behaviors, school suspensions, and discipline problems; while increasing school attendance and completion, satisfaction, and academic achievement. With so many colors in the rainbow, Let’s use every one. www.ms-cec.org Exceptional Children. Exceptional Opportunities. 17 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 4 Friday • February 7 • 10 - 11:30 am New IEP Software for Mississippi Schools Ballroom A Summer Allison, SpedTrack, VP of Sales & Client Services SpedTrack has been providing IEP software to schools for over eleven years. Now Mississippi schools have another option! Stop by our presentation to get an overview of the great features and benefits SpedTrack provides to both administrators and teachers. We have everything you need from referral through dismissal. This includes a full evaluation report writer, IEPs, standard reports, custom reporting, and many other great features. Identifying and Understanding Key Shifts in CCSS ELA and Math and what that means for Special Education Ballroom C Cheri Ladner, Curriculum Advantage, Account Executive Six shifts in Math and six shifts in ELA/Literacy have been identified as necessary to fully align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in our classrooms. Come learn about these shifts and see how they can be implemented within digital curriculum and performance based learning models. Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans: Why we do them and how to implement them Ballroom D Tricia Cox, Pass Christian School District, Asst. Director of Special Education Get a review and examples of processes and forms, including FBAs and BIPs, and examples of how to complete the overwhelming task of progress monitoring. Co-presenter: Dr. Kristi Mong. Assignments Matter: Making the Connections that Help ALL Students Meet CCSS Ballroom E Terri White, Ph.D, Presenter Gifted, Special Services, and Elementary Curriculum Director, Jones County SchoolDistrict In this session, educators will interactively discuss why assignments matter! Participants will be introduced to a sequential process of crafting an assignment that meets the demands of CCSS complete with attention given to how to scaffold that assignment for ALL of the learners in the classroom. 18 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Breakout Sessions 4 Friday • February 7 • 10 - 11:30 am G.L.A.S.S.: Reflections of Parental Resiliency Ballroom F Dr. Kalanya Moore, Mississippi Valley State University, Director of Field Experiences and Student Teaching Internship Greenwood Leflore Autism Spectrum Society (G.L.A.S.S.) in partnership with Mississippi Valley State University Department of Teacher Education will provide information regarding the Five Stages of Resilience, based on The Resilience Model and the effects educational support networks for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has on the fortitude and resilience of families. Co-presenter: Miranda Hodge, NBCT, G.L.A.S.S. co-founder, Parent; Co-presenter: Sylvia Clark, OT, G.L.A.S.S. Parent Transition Coordinator: Duties and Tools for Successful Transition Ballroom G Robbie Sellers, Petal School District, Transition Coordinator The benefits for school districts to have a Transition Coordinator; duties and specific examples of tools to assist teachers, families and students (elementary through high school) plan for the most successful transition for individual students (writing transition plans, IEP summaries of performance,and use of Portfolios.) Copresenter: Teresa Bell Standards-Based IEPs Ballroom H M. Pleshette Smith, MS Department of Educational Program Coordinator Providing educational benefits not merely compliance with IDEA 2004; the seven-step process for writing Standards-Based IEPs; developing a data based Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) and the process for using the PLAAFP in state standards to develop measurable annual goals. Save the Date! MS-CEC Conference 2015 February 4-6 Biloxi, Mississippi 19 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Poster Presentations Ballroom B Success Defined: A Student Centered Approach to Transition Eileen Milner, MS Department of Mental Health, Employment Facilitator Information on (1) providing effective planning and transition services for young adults with disabilities who are exploring options for employment, volunteer services, community involvement and living, (2) development of effective partnerships and collaboration to have in place for a smooth flow from education to adult services, resource development, and advocacy skills. Collaboration During Transition Planning: The Parents’ Perspective Kellie Fondren and Dr. Sandy Devlin, Mississippi State University, Graduate Student An illustration of parents’ feelings and thoughts about the collaboration between school and home during the transition planning process; depicting parents’ ideas to increase better collaboration and their desires for their child concerning life after high school. Camp Jigsaw: Putting the Pieces Together Dr. Sandy Devlin and Eric Martin, Mississippi State University, Professor of Special Education Camp Jigsaw is a weeklong camp for adolescent boys with autism held every summer on the campus of Mississippi State University. The camp brings children on the spectrum into relationships with typical peers. Planned activities focus on remediation of social skill deficits and allow the students to practice selfdetermination skills. The camp is staffed by graduate students in special education under the direction of Dr. Sandy Devlin. Collaboration With Parents and Professionals in the Treatment of Autism with an Elementary-Aged Student Dr. Sandy Devlin and Jill Vance, Mississippi State University, Professor of Special Education The impact of collaborative efforts of parents and school professionals in the treatment of autism in an elementary aged boy is portrayed. Method of treatment was discrete trial training across settings (e.g. home and school). Change agents were the child’s parents, special education teacher, and paraprofessional. Collaboration Between the Center for Technology Outreach, Special Education Graduate Students, and the Center for the Advanement of Service Learning Excellence Dr. Sandy Devlin’s Graduate Students, Mississippi State University, Dept. of Special Education The Extension Center for Technology Outreach partnered with students enrolled in the Seminar in Emotional/ Behavioral Disorders class to develop an innovative approach to teaching 4-H volunteers and Extension agents how to best work with students with special needs who participate in the robotics project. The seminar class was divided into groups according to focus (autism, anger management, etc.) Each group researched the topic and devised a response for the constituents to learn and use in their interactions with special needs youth. The research was delivered via interactive video to Extension agents and 4-H volunteers as an in-service opportunity. 20 MS-CEC 2014 Conference Poster Presentations Special Education Transition Planning Anji Reddy Nalamalapu, Gentry High School, SPED Instructor Material useful to the special needs teacher for developing quality Transition IEPs – students and parent surveys collecting data to develop Transition part of IEP. By using survey forms parents are included in IEP development. The information is effective and useful for writing transition plans for middle and high school student IEP 504 ELL ir Behavo RTI Gifted seas this day. You only get one. Learn more about SEAS Achieve, our comprehensive plan management suite for education. Everything you need, all in one place. www.seaseducation.com MS-CEC 2014 Conference Keynote Speakers Thursday • 8:15 am Therrell Myers, Ed.D. was named the director for the Office of Special Education (OSE) at the Mississippi Department of Education in June, 2013 by the State Board of Education. He took over the Office after working alongside the OSE as a financial consultant with school districts in Mississippi. He brings a wealth of professional knowledge in both the areas of secondary and higher education, including focus on special education. He served as headmaster for the New Learning Resources School District, a special purpose school district, for 10 years. Dr. Myers also has experience as superintendent, serving in that capacity in both Columbus and Philadelphia. He has both teaching and administrative experience from serving at Mississippi State University, Mississippi College and all three campuses of Holmes Community College. He also Thursday • 11:30 am From Washington, D.C., to Washington State, Dwight Jones is a game changer, known for his common sense approach to education reform and his unwavering passion for raising student achievement. A nationally recognized consultant and speaker, Jones has held virtually every position in K12 public education, from student and teacher to principal and superintendent – most recently overseeing the nation’s fifth largest school district – Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his tenure there, he initiated a school reform agenda designed to raise the academic bar and ensure that all of the district’s 310,000 students were “ready by exit” for the military, a career, or postsecondary education. Prior to his time in Nevada, Jones was the Colorado Commissioner of Education, where he worked with the legislature to implement landmark reforms – including the revision of content standards and an appropriate state assessment; a student identifier to track individual student academic progress; a statewide educator evaluation system to hold educators accountable for their students’ academic growth; and an online growth model to depict how well each school performs. While superintendent of the Fountain-Fort Carson School District (Colorado), Jones’ work to raise student achievement led to minority students actually outperforming their non-minority peers. As an operational 22 has experience as a classroom teacher and a coach. Dr. Myers’s priorities as director focus on improving educational results for children with disabilities by addressing the importance of access to the general curriculum in regular education, strengthening the roles of parents and focusing resources on teaching and learning. Dr. Therrell Myers vice president of EdisonLearning Inc., after opening three reconstituted, 100percent minority schools in Baltimore, Jones was recognized by the state of Maryland for realizing the highest student achievement growth in the city. Jones is a commissioner for the 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Dwight Jones Colleges and the Education Commission of the States, and an advisory committee member of the Education Research and Development Institute. He serves on national and local boards for a number of organizations including WestEd, Education Sector, the International Association for K12 Online Learning, and the Center for Research on Education Outcomes, and has addressed state legislatures and advised numerous governors, as well as U.S. Department of Education administrators, on student achievement and other education matters. A father of three, he and his wife, Jenifer, reside in Denver, Colorado. MS-CEC 2014 Conference Friday • 8:00 am Keynote Speakers Gregg Harper is currently serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives after having been first elected to Congress in November of 2008. In 2012, he was honored to be reelected with 80 percent of the vote. Mississippi’s Third Congressional District stretches from Wilkinson County to Oktibbeha County and includes the northeast corner of Jackson and the I-20 corridor into east central Mississippi. BACKGROUND Gregg has lived in Mississippi’s Third Congressional District since 1972 and currently resides in Pearl with his wife of 34 years, Sidney, and their two children, Livingston and Maggie. The Harpers are active members of Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, where he serves as a deacon. The son of a former petroleum engineer and a mom who worked two days a week until she was 88 years old, Gregg learned at a young age the value of hard work and the importance of a solid education. Gregg and Sidney are both graduates of Mississippi College where he majored in Chemistry. He then earned his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. Prior to his service in Congress, Gregg practiced law for twenty-seven years, including serving as the prosecuting attorney for the cities of Brandon and Richland. He also served on the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, and remains active in his community as a member of both the Pearl and Rankin County Chambers of Commerce. COMMITTEES In Congress, Gregg serves on the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he is a member of three subcommittees: Environment and the Economy; Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade; and Oversight and Investigation. The state’s senior House Republican also sits on the select Committee on House Administration, a special appointment made by House Speaker John Boehner. Additionally, Gregg serves as chairman of the Joint Committee of the Library of Congress. PRIORITIES A longtime advocate for American-made energy, Gregg believes that Congress must advance Rep. Gregg Harper ideas that stabilize fuel prices and build a steady supply of American energy. He is also devoted to working with families raising special needs children. As a member of Congress, he has relentlessly aimed to streamline federal programs and services intended to be a support to youth with significant disabilities in transition from adolescence to adulthood. A strong advocate for our Second Amendment rights, he is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. Gregg has also championed laws removing burdensome and unneeded federal mandates, helping to ensure that safe and affordable public drinking water is available to small and rural communities, promoting innovative drug developments for neurodevelopmental disorders, and honoring public servants. He has also authored legislation that would end taxpayer financing of presidential campaigns and shut down an obsolete federal election agency. It is Harper’s desire to serve our state and country with honor and integrity. In the U.S. House of Representatives, he is committed to advocating conservative values in the tasks and challenges facing America. The voice and vision of special education. Thank you! to all the sponsors and vendors who made the MS-CEC 2014 Conference possible. Gold Sponsors: Class Works • City of Biloxi Green Sponsors: Bailey Kirkland Education Group Lightspeed Technologies • SpedTrack SEAS Education Purple Sponsors: Assessing Educational Competencies • Regions Bank Trustpoint, LLC • Holmes Educational Consultants Educational Materials Specialists • Fluency Plus Kaplan Early Learning • Playscapes of Mississippi Kurzwell-Audio Optical System Program Design: