The Learning Assistance Teachers’ Association

A Provincial Specialist Association of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation

Presents

Adaptations in Action

Classroom Practice

Friday, October 22, 2010

Byrne Creek Secondary School

7777 – 18th Street, Burnaby, B. C.

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Registration

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - First Keynote: Saima Fewster

"Learning Support" – Differentiating instruction in the classroom, providing tiered levels of instructional support (RTI), and incorporating program adaptations are all ways to accommodate student diversity and maximize educational growth. Based on the BC CASE Learning Series Cornerstone workshop, this session will examine these structures to support the learning of all students.

Saima Fewster has been a District Resource Teacher for Special Education in Prince George for the past 6 years, and for the past 2 years she has also worked with BC CASE as the project coordinator on the Resource Teacher Learning Series project. Prior to these positions she taught for 20 years in a range of Special Education positions including learning assistance, curriculum enrichment, ESL, an elementary learning resource program for students with learning disabilities, and special needs support. Saima provides program support, professional learning opportunities and resources for district teachers working with students who have special learning needs.

10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Break

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Breakout Sessions

Session 1:

“Pick a Card – Any  Card” with Kelly Papapanagiotou & Candice Chase – Incorporating principles of Blooms Taxonomy, Multiple Intelligences and Student Choice, we focus on a unit that provides challenging opportunities for a range of learners, from grey area students to gifted and advanced learners.

 

Kelly Papapanagiotou has taught at both primary and intermediate levels. Her professional growth has been in the areas of adaptation, helping “grey area” students and capturing the boys.  In the last two years, Kelly has been learning how to engage and challenge her gifted and advanced students. She is looking forward to sharing her ideas instead of only being a conference attendee.

Candice Chase has worked mostly as an Upper Intermediate Teacher in Burnaby for six years with a focus on reaching all learners in her classes. For the past two years, Candice’s professional growth has been focused on creating units that provide challenging opportunities for a range of learners from grey area students to gifted and advanced learners.

Session 2:

"Smart Boards as Assistive Technology in the Classroom – A Science Unit" with Rachel Sebeysten – Are you unclear about how SMART Boards can specifically support the implementation of the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles? In this session, Rachel will share with you a grade 3/4 science unit on sound, planned with the three UDL principles in mind. She will show you aspects of the unit where classroom adaptations are supported by the SMART Board as Assistive Technology. Remember this is only one tool or strategy that enhances the three UDL principles. She will also show you how to use the SMART Board in conjunction with other adaptations.

 

Rachel Sebestyen is a classroom teacher in New Westminster, B.C. She has been very involved in New Westminster’s UDL Project for more than two years.

Session 3:

"SMART Technologies: Engaging Children with Special Needs" with Sian Sladen – In this presentation we will examine the ways in which SMART Technologies and UDL principles are helping bring students with special needs to new levels of achievement, collaboration, communication, and a sense of well-being. We will explore rich resources and interactive websites that your K-12 students will love! Learn how your SMART Board, Notebook Software, Document Camera, and Response Units can greatly enhance classroom adaptations.

Sian Sladen (M.Ed.) is a SMART Certified Educational Consultant at Evolution Presentation Technologies. Sian has been a K-12 classroom teacher for 15 years. She has provided professional development opportunities as a technology integration specialist to hundreds of educators. Sian has a passion for creating rich learning experiences that connect technology, the prescribed curriculum, and best learning practices for our students.

 

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch & LATA A.G.M.   

Sandwiches, Veggies & Dip, Fruit, Dessert Squares, Juice & Water provided

1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Second Keynote:  Lenora Archibald & Bill Standeven

"Adaptations & Modifications" – This session will examine the Ministry of Education's publication "A Guide to Adaptations & Modifications".

Cost of Conference:

BCTF members - $165.00

Student Teachers & Retired Teachers - $145.00

Non-BCTF members - $175.00

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Registration Information and Method of Payment to be announced

For more information contact

Karen Erickson at lataconference@hotmail.com