About The Program
The 2024 East Special Education Congress, with its overarching theme of “Rethinking Resilient Leadership: Adapting to the Shifting Sands of Education,” stands out as a distinctive opportunity for district leaders at the director level and above. This exclusive gathering offers a platform not only for networking but also for the collaborative exploration of forthcoming challenges and innovative solutions within the realm of inclusive education.
What to Expect:
Engage in strategic discussions that delve into the core of inclusive education. Participate in sessions crafted to foster in-depth conversations on evolving challenges and share insights that contribute to the ongoing transformation of special education environments.
Connect with director-level leaders who share a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. This congress provides a unique space for high-level networking, creating opportunities to establish valuable professional relationships that extend beyond the event.
Explore practical solutions to the real-world challenges faced by leaders in special education. Benefit from the collective wisdom of experienced professionals as you collectively address issues such as curriculum design, staffing shortages, and the integration of innovative technologies in the pursuit of enhanced student outcomes.
As a district leader, your VIP pass to the East Special Education Congress is not just an entry to an event; it’s an investment in your professional growth and a step toward shaping the future of special education, ensuring that every student thrives in an environment of equity and support.
Topics Of Discussion
Bridging General and Special Education through Collaborative Planning
Over 20 years ago, the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education released findings that compelled educators to look closely at the educational outcomes for students with disabilities. Among the findings was the concern that many educators and administrators viewed general education and special education as two systems. The fact is that general education and special education must share responsibility for these students. This discussion will focus on the need for shared accountability and collaboration in order to close the achievement gap for this population of students.
Understanding and Reshaping Disproportionality in School Systems
This breakout session will look at the disproportionate numbers of students who are in special education and are economically disadvantaged across our schools. Participants will discuss how to reshape the way we look at students who we would typically classify with a learning disability or a speech or language impairment
Navigating Post-Secondary Transitions for Every Learner
This session is intended to inform school leaders and special educators to thoughtfully and intentionally plan for the Postsecondary transition for all students with disabilities. Whether a student is transitioning to a research university or to a group home, the principles require effective planning, collaboration and communication which begins long before the senior year.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Behavioral Growth
This session will focus upon how to build capacity for behavioral growth within the school system. We will discuss ways to improve behavioral growth in students through multi-tiered supports that empower teachers and paraprofessionals.
Building Defensible Special Education Programs
In today’s litigious climate, school districts must be prepared to defend all aspects of a special education program should any issues arise via state level complaints or due process claims. Through the use of detailed policies and procedures, setting clear expectations, and a robust training and accountability process see how one South Carolina school district designs programmatic requirements while allowing for individual school decision making to ensure student success, all while building defensible school programs.
89.47% of delegates said this is the best event they’ve attended all year
Keynote Speakers
A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.
Klein Independent School District
Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools
Klein Independent School District
Speakers
Huntley Community School District 158, Illinois
Calvert County Public Schools, Maryland
Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland
Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia
Waco Independent School District, Texas
Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan
Charter Institute at Erskine, South Carolina
Bledsoe County School District, Tennessee
Charter Institute at Erskine, South Carolina
The Schedule
Event Registration
Opening Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops
Free Time
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Networking Breakfast
Morning Keynote/Panel Session
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Networking Luncheon
Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops
Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Day Keynote
Free Time
Networking Reception & Dinner
Morning Refreshments & Networking
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Brunch
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Keynote
Our Commitments to You
Maximized Networking Opportunities
A personal, customized itinerary
Exclusive qualified attendance
return on time and objective
Delegate Testimonials
This has been the most relevant conference that I’ve experienced in a very long time. I attend 2-3 professional conferences annually, and I’m taking more applicable content back from just Day 1 than I can recall in 39 years of work in education
RTM provides a unique experience that blends networking, learning, and opportunities to get to know industry partners. The big difference from the typical conference is the opportunity to meet with industry partners in an informal conversation while also learning from their experience. There are great opportunities to build a healthy learning and resource network with colleagues, industry experts, and industry partners. The opportunities are vast and the experience is powerful.
An impeccably organized event where educators from diverse corners of the country unite to share their narratives, contributing significantly to advancing the educational landscape.
I am thrilled I was afforded the opportunity to participate in my first RTM experience. It was refreshing to be surrounded by so many like-minded professionals who understand the barriers we are all facing. I was pleased with the way the RTM staff worked so diligently from the registration process to the final session. First class all the way!
