Modeled after the theory and practice of the Schools of Promise inclusive schools
initiative and the mission of the Syracuse University School of Education, the annual
Summer Leadership Institute will be held on the SU campus from Aug. 10-12. This
year's institute, titled "Equity, Inclusion & Excellence: How Leadership Can
Transform Schools for All Learners," was developed by School of Education assistant
professors and Schools of Promise co-directors Julie Causton-Theoharis and George
Theoharis. The conference has more than 165 registered professionals from across the
country; the participants include principals, superintendents, curriculum directors,
special education directors and graduate students.
"There is a real need for our K-12 schools to be models of both equity and excellence
for each and every child," says Theoharis. "We know that school leaders are essential
to make that a reality, and this requires focused professional learning for
administrators."
The three-day institute will feature presentations by internationally recognized
leaders in school reform, as well as disabilities advocates who will share personal
stories from their educational experiences. The institute presenters-including Rich
Villa, William Henderson and self-advocates Keith Jones and Stephen Hinkle-will
discuss strategies leading to successful inclusive learning environments. Associate
professor and chair of reading and language arts Kelly Chandler-Olcott will present
"Literacy for All: The Power and Promise of Inclusive Literacy Instruction," and
Theoharis and Causton-Theoharis will give the title presentation: "Include. Belong.
Learn: How Leaders Can Transform Schools for All Learners." Afternoon concurrent
sessions will include panel discussions titled "Lessons from the Trenches," featuring
administrators from the Syracuse City School District and other school
administrators from around the nation.
"We have selected some of the most notable presenters in the country," says Causton-Theoharis. "This conference lineup is intended to inspire school administrators to re-imagine schools that are truly inclusive for ALL our students."
For a complete conference agenda and speaker profiles, visit
http://soe.syr.edu/summerinstitute09.
For Schools of Promise, visit http://inclusioninstitutes.org.
