WOW – what an awesome time at CEC 2017 convention.  For me the theme of my time in Boston was embraced by the opening general session  by Rick Guidotti on Change How You See, See How You Change. As a photographer Rick described seeing the beauty in people  - and how photographs could capture that beauty … and for some individuals – help them (and others) see the beauty in themselves.  Looking for, seeing and appreciating that beauty occurred throughout the convention. This included during workshops when I was fortunate to hear practical strategies that I could use with children. Change how you see, see how you change was accentuated when I had the privilege of facilitating a vibrant and engaging workshop where the dynamic participants  shared expertise on Anxiety, Resiliency and Trauma Sensitive Schools.   Looking for, seeing and appreciating beauty  occurred while being invigorated by the rich history of Boston such as walking the Freedom Trial, going to Harvard and touching John Howard’s shoe (and learning about the three inaccuracies about the statue). And most importantly I was so appreciative of the opportunity to meet new and previous friends by networking and connecting with others within Alberta, within Canada and around the world… having a beer at Cheers , clam chowder at the oldest restaurant in North America and having fish and chips at the oldest pub. For me the convention was about seeing, believing and appreciating – and in doing so being changed.

- Dwaine Souveny (Treasurer)

​My CEC Experience - Kathy Howery (Secretary)
 
While the weather in Boston was less than stellar, my experience at CEC this year certainly was. It started with my reconnection with Dr. David Koppenhaver, who is returning to Alberta this summer with Dr. Karen Erickson for a one week intensive course on Comprehensive Literacy for Students with Complex Communication Needs. I attended Dave’s talk ‘Reconsidering Reading Instructional Needs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities’ where I was reminded again on the importance of understanding where students who struggle with reading really struggle and creating a plan that focuses on those particular parts of the whole.
 
One highlight, of course, was the presentation that Dianne Butler and I did on the work I have been supporting in Black Gold – ‘Communication and Literacy for Every Student’. The session was very well attended (we had a packed room!), there were many great questions and people seemed genuinely interested in the work we have done to date. Very rewarding experience.
 
Another highlight was seeking David Rose get a lifetime achievement award!  I have known David for many years and had the great pleasure of working with him and others in 2011 make the Alberta UDL Summer Institute a reality (http://www.erlc.ca/resources/resources/udl/index.php ). I was happy to connect with David in person as well at one of the many UDL sessions that were highlighted at the Convention.
 
My final highlight was, I feel my best take-away from this years convention, and one that I kind of stumbled into more by accident than by design. On Friday there was an all day strand on Maltreatment of Persons with Disabilities. As this was something that came up in my doctoral studies (although I was not looking for it) I found these sessions compelling. CEC has created a working group focusing on the creation of policy and practices that will enhance student safety and success. I have been following up with this group and plan on being actively involved in this work, as the students that I work most closely with (those who require augmentative and alternative communication supports) are one of the most vulnerable groups of students. As a result of this follow I have been invited to present my research at the Illinois CEC convention next November. Something I am very excited about.
 
So to sum up my CEC experience this year… a wonderful mix of connecting with colleagues, sharing and receiving learning, and making exciting new connections to compelling work!  A success for sure!

Alberta CEC continues to provide important information to educators across the province.  In March Dwaine Souveny and Shawn Crawford will be facilitating a session on Supporting Positive Behaviour in Alberta Schools to students and educators at Mount Royal University.  

Integrated Services in Education (ISE) and the Alberta Council for Exceptional Children (ACEC) are pleased to be hosting Dr. Bill Jenson, on November 14th and 15th, 2016, for a series of learning opportunities of interest to professionals in education and psychology, as well as parents and other members of the public.
 
Who is Dr. Jenson?
Dr. Jenson is currently a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah. His research interests include externalizing behavior disorders, the management of noncompliance and aggression, practical classroom behavior management, behavioral assessment, academic intervention and parent training.
Dr. Jenson has dedicated his professional career to understanding and treating the students he refers to as “Tough Kids”. He has also published numerous resources for teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, and parents to assist them in successfully supporting the Tough Kids in their lives. In 2015, Dr. Jenson won the University of Utah’s Distinguished Innovation and Impact Award for his research on interventions and treatments for children.
 
Tough Kid Website: http://toughkid.com/
Dr. Bill Jenson talks about “Tough Kids” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79ydap_rxA
 
Why should you attend these learning opportunities?
 
Students with emotional and behavioral challenges impact:
 
THEIR TEACHERS
Effectively managing disruptive classroom behavior is a challenge for beginning and experienced teachers alike. For over two decades, surveys of teachers in North America have indicated that discipline issues are a primary concern and a cause of significant stress and frustration. Student behavior is reported as an important reason why teachers request transfers to other schools and even leave the profession.
 
THEIR PEERS
Students who behave disruptively can have a negative effect on an entire classroom. There is evidence that disruptive students can lower the test scores and academic achievement of their classmates. Non-disruptive peers experience lost instructional time and are prevented from participating in educational activities. They may experience physical or emotional danger.

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders are more likely to experience a variety of poor school outcomes including: failing more courses, being retained more frequently, having higher rates of absenteeism, having lowered academic achievement, dropping out of school more frequently and being less likely to graduate from high school. Socially, these children often feel isolated, stigmatized and unhappy. They are at greater risk for criminal behavior, substance abuse and suicide.
 
In large part, schools have addressed the difficult behavior of students through measures that keep them away from school such as suspensions and expulsions, rather than through proactive measures designed to keep them in school. Dr. Jenson’s strategies are research-validated positive interventions that can be time efficiently implemented in classrooms at low cost.
 
 Professional Development Dates:
 
Monday, November 14th

•    Evening Lecture: “Tough Kids” and Families: Who Are They, What Causes These Behaviors, and How to Manage Them
•    Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
•    Where: Alberta Room, Dining Centre, University of Calgary 
•    This is a FREE public event
•    Please register to attend: https://tough_kids_and_families.eventbrite.ca

 
Tuesday, November 15th

•    Workshop: Practical Management of “Tough Kids”
•    Time: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
•    Where: Alberta Room, Dining Centre, University of Calgary
•    Please register and buy your tickets here: http://practical_management.eventbrite.ca

•    Discount on tickets is available to school teams of 3 or more staff members

CEC is all about sharing resources and information.  Their Tool of the Week is one good example.  It is a free resource designed to support you in your inclusive education practices.  You can read the weekly posts by visiting www.tooloftheweek.org or subscribe and find your free tool from CEC's publication in your inbox every Monday morning.

Have questions or suggestion?

Contact:        tooloftheweek@cec.sped.org

Happy reading!

Kathy Howery (ACEC Secretary) from the University of Alberta's Department of Education Psychology will be presenting at the upcoming ATA Council for Inclusive Education Conference "Waves of Inclusion; An Ocean of Opportunity" help in Kananaskis on October 13 - 15th.  Kathy will be presenting AAC in the classroom:  Supporting Students with Complex Communication Needs. Kathy has been a member of the Council for Exceptional Children since 2002.  Kathy has presented at regional, national and international conferences on inclusive education. 

Dwaine Souveny (ACEC Treasurer) is a certified professional coach and registered psychologist from Red Deer.  He will be hosted by the Saskatchewan Council for Exceptional Children in Saskatoon on October 17th.  His workshop on the "Educational Implications and Strategies for Anxiety and Executive Functioning" will provide insight and techniques for working with students with these challenges.  Dwaine has been a member of CEC since 2007 and is a dynamic speaker whose workshops are filled with practical information.

​Hello Alberta CEC Members!
 
It has been a while since we have sent you an update from the ACEC.  Sorry for being incognito, but rest assured that your ACEC executive has been working to make an impact on inclusive education, both locally, nationally and internationally.  Here are some things we've been up to at the CEC:
 
Canadian Committee - As of January 1, 2017, the International CEC will have a Canadian Committee, comprised of the leaders from CEC’s provincial units. This is a transformational change from the existing Canada/US Committee.  The purpose of the committee will be to advise the Board of Directors on ways to meet the needs of Canadian members relative to membership, professional development, publications, products and services.  In addition, the Canadian Committee will provide a forum for Canadian units to discuss and address shared concerns specific to provincial/ territorial and federal education systems, legislation, and teacher preparation.
 
Alberta Teachers' Association Council for Inclusive Education Conference in Kananaskis - The ACEC will have a notable presence the ATA Council for Inclusive Education Conference "Waves of Inclusion; An Ocean of Opportunity," held in Kananaskis this year on October 13-15.  Our own ACEC secretary, Kathy Howery, will be presenting two sessions: AAC in the classroom: Supporting Students with Complex Communication Needs, and Literacy for Students with Significant Disabilities.  Our ACEC executives will also be sharing apps at the Art and App Reception, and will also be providing several prizes to delegates throughout the conference.  Please come visit us at our display in the exhibitors area. For more information about the conference, please visit https://cieducation.ca/initiative/celebrating-the-challenges-2016.
 
U of C Speaker -On November 14, 15, 2016, Integrated Services in Education at the University of Calgary, in partnership with ACEC, will be hosting a speaker who share his extensive knowledge on Behavioural RTI and implementation in schools.  More information will be available soon at http://werklund.ucalgary.ca/ise/. 
 
As always, your ACEC executive would love to hear from you.  Please contact one of your executive should you have any news or comments to pass along.  Please also look for us at one of the upcoming events!
 
Shawn Crawford
President
shawn.crawford@outlook.com

Kathy Howery
Secretary
khowery@ualberta.ca

Dwaine Souveny
Treasurer
dwaine.souveny@gmail.com

Jan Palmer
Member At Large
janpalmer27@telus.net

 
We hope you are having a great start to your school year, and look forward to seeing you soon!
 
Shawn Crawford, PhD. (R. Psych.)
President, Alberta Council for Exceptional Children

What Does Inclusion and Differentiation Mean in a Classroom?
by Dr. Noella Piquette

     By its very nature public school systems are inclusionary of diversity within academic, intellectual, social, behavioral and cultural domains. Yet, when inclusion as a practice is examined it is typically through a narrow lens – one focused on students with exceptional needs and how to differentiate instructional material in order to include these students with their same grade peers. The understanding of what it means to be involved as an educator on a pragmatic level is often overlooked. The term inclusion specifically refers to the process and practice educating “students identified as having exceptional needs” (SEN) in general classrooms in their neighborhood school. Inclusive education has developed from the belief that education is a basic human right and that it provides the foundation for a more just and accepting society.

     In taking a human rights approach or human justice perspective, it is critical to foster equity for diverse learners. The United Nations created a universal framework to assist school divisions and educators to develop best practice for all learners, including all SEN (UNESCO, 1994; 2001; 2003). The foundational belief for differentiation is that all students learn in a variety of ways and have differing learning profiles. Central to the idea of differentiation are three of UNESCO’s (1994) statements: (1) developing a school ethos of trustworthiness and human reciprocity, based on the human rights of all, teachers and learners; (2) setting high expectations for the behavior and work of all members of the school community; and (3) accepting the goal of the development of the full intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual and moral potential of all learners. Hence, to embrace the idea of inclusion and diversity is to understand that all students are different and all must be supported.

Differentiation: Planning For All Students
     Inclusion in the classroom requires an educator to consider the entire student body and individual students simultaneously to plan for their learning needs and to address the curriculum (Hutchinson, 2007; Mitchell, 2005). An educator’s first priority is to ensure a coherent and thoughtful curriculum that incorporates the developmental and cognitive level of the student body. The long-term planning and unit development must be based on the curriculum standards set out by the educational ministry, incorporating what important elements are necessary for the students. Thus, an educator plans “for all” as the foundation. The planning “for some” or “for one”, which is a critical component of inclusion or a supportive educational environment, occurs when breaking down the “for all” long-term planning information. This second phase of curriculum planning is guided by the considerations for increasing the learning opportunities for the diverse learners. For example, an educator may take into consideration: For (student’s name) to learn, practice or demonstrate knowledge—what must be added, enhanced, scaffolded, or altered? It should be appreciated that every student ought to have academic instruction that is focused on the knowledge, understanding, and skill development targeted for the long term curricular, unit or individual lesson. The adaptations and accommodations put into place for some students is intended to support their instruction in a general class, not to create a separate instructional goal. 

Accommodation: Specialized support and services that are provided to enable students with diverse needs to achieve learning expectations. This may include technological equipment, support staff, and informal supports.
Adaptation: Adjustments to curriculum content, instructional practices, materials or technology, assessment strategies, and the learning environment made in accordance to the strengths, needs and interests of the learner.
Modification: Changes in policy that will support students with exceptionalities in their learning (e.g., altering school attendance policy or curriculum).

     There are three overarching philosophical component necessary for all students in a classroom, but in particular for those who are the most vulnerable, namely the SEN population. First, students who require curricular, content, or instructional, or resource adaptations should be considered in the planning stages rather than reacting to their differences once they have demonstrated that they are not able to learn with their peers. From a human rights perspective, this is a means in which the student can retain one’s dignity while engaging. From a teaching perspective, including this differentiation will benefit all students. Second, learning about the individual’s special needs etiology will benefit in the planning of the instruction, goals, and materials to be selected. This background information includes the unique learning profile consisting of developmental, intellectual, and socio/emotional data relevant to supporting their learning needs. From a human rights perspective this means that each student’s unique experiences will be taken into account and appreciated. Third, ensuring that all students feel welcomed in the classroom and that any type of negative interactions, or willful absence of interactions between peers are not tolerated. For educators this translates to teaching all students to treat each other with respect and dignity. This also requires action plans to be put into place to ensure that all students understand that teasing and insulting behavior will not be tolerated. In sum, these three philosophical positions simply denote that educators should plan for each student, know each student, and protect each student.

Planning Through a Differentiation Approach
      Addressing the needs of all students through a differentiation approach consists of multiple pathways to teach, use materials or resources, and provision of alternate evaluation methods. Identifying and building upon all students’ individual strengths, talents, skills, and prior knowledge allows teachers to engage students in appropriately challenging classroom activities. The goal of differentiation is to create learning environments, content, process, and products that enable all students to succeed with meaningful curriculum. Differentiating incorporates implementing many instructional routines and strategies that are not only beneficial to most students but also enables successful inclusion of all students, including SEN (refer to Figure 2). Inclusion is differentiation; requiring teachers, parents, administrators and support personnel to develop creative, effective programming for all students. The long-term effect of this enabling environment will allow the school and larger community to embrace every student as having unique strengths and needs; exemplifying that diversity is valued. 

Plan long-term units/concepts for each subject: Consider the learning environment, content, process and knowledge products in planning.    
Plan “for all”
Plan “for some”
Plan for learning opportunities for learners
For all: What is the learning goal? How will this learning be accomplished (instructional strategies, materials, resources)? How will this learning be demonstrated?
For some: What adaptations and accommodations can be put in place to support learning? What must be added, enhanced, scaffolded or altered to support students in their learning progress?
Plan for students with exceptionalities (SEN)
Learn about the student – learning profile and interests
Involve the student in planning and decision-making
Collaborate and plan with learning team members
Identify and teach pre-requisite skills

References:
Hutchinson, N. (2007). Inclusion of exceptional learners in Canadian schools. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Pearson.
Mitchell , J. (2005). Contextualizing inclusive education: Evaluating old and new international paradigms. London, UK: Routledge Farmer.
Mittler, P. (2005). Building bridges between special and mainstream services. Asian Pacific Disability Rehabilitation Journal, 16(1), 3-15.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2004). The mobius effect: Addressing learner variance in schools. Journal of Learning Disabilities. 37(6), 516-524.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: UNESCO. (1994). Special needs education and community-based programmes. Paris: UNESCO.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: UNESCO. (2001). World education forum: Education for all. Inclusion in education: The Participation of disabled learners. Paris, France: UNESCO.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: UNESCO. (2003). Open file on inclusive education. Paris, France: UNESCO.

​
Author Bio:
Dr. Noella Piquette is an Associate Professor and Registered Psychologist at the University of Lethbridge. The focus of her work within the Faculty of Education focuses on the knowledge, skills and behaviors that are required of teachers in order to effectively respond to students with diverse and exceptional needs. Differentiated instruction, development of professional learning communities, student assessment and individual program planning (IPP) are some of applied research interests.
Her previous background as an educator included the roles of guidance counselling, special education, and adapting instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners in inclusive classrooms.