CEC in Boston was an exciting, inspiring and informative convention! The conference was attended by about 4500 delegates, 90 of whom were from Canada. I personally attended several great sessions on topics such as positive classroom management practices, anxiety, and ADHD. The main highlight for me was attending the meeting of our newly formed Canadian Committee and getting the opportunity to discuss future endeavours with our colleagues from other provinces. Also, our Canadian Representative Assembly meeting was very informative, as we discussed CEC's recently published High Leverage Practices document. Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to Boston without seeing some historic sights, and enjoying local cuisine in some of the oldest restaurants and pubs in North America! I look forward to sharing more with you in my President's report at the upcoming AGM!
- Shawn Crawford (President)
- Shawn Crawford (President)
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)
- 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!
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!
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