Speakers to address learning success for all students

Dr. Patti Ralabate, a nationally respected special education expert and a leader in Universal Design for Learning, will present three sessions at the Education Minnesota Professional Conference Oct. 20 and 21 at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework and set of principles that aims to make learning accessible and engaging for all students in the classroom – similar to the idea of universal design in architecture, which aims to create spaces all people can use. UDL encompasses standards, curriculum, instruction and assessments, and uses a variety of presentation methods and other tools to address students’ needs and interests.

Ralabate’s sessions are geared to both general and special educators. She will speak at 10:15 a.m. Oct. 20 and deliver the Friday keynote at 8:45 a.m. Oct. 21. She will also present a two-hour seminar at 10 a.m. Oct. 21.

Ralabate is director of implementation and director of the National Center on Universal Design for Learning for CAST, a nonprofit research and development organization in Wakefield, Mass. She is a former senior policy analyst for the National Education Association and has been involved in many national-level projects and coalitions related to special education.

Other speakers at the Professional Conference Oct. 20 include:

Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius. Appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton last December, Cassellius has had a 20-year career as a classroom teacher, administrator and superintendent. She will speak on what lies ahead for Minnesota’s public schools, educators and students. (Ballroom A, 9 a.m.)
Jonathan Friesen, an award-winning author, international speaker and storyteller who has Tourette Syndrome. A former teacher, Friesen is now a writer, speaker and trainer focusing on disability and mental health issues. He is the author of five novels, including “Rush,” “Jerk, California” and “The Last Martin.” (Ballroom A, 1:30 p.m.)
Dr. Walter Roberts, professor of counselor education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and an expert on bullying, crisis intervention and violence prevention. He has also been a classroom teacher, school counselor, licensed professional counselor in private practice and consultant. He will speak on the high-profile issue of bullying. (Ballroom A, 2:45 p.m.)

National political commentator and analyst Donna Brazile will deliver the keynote address at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20.

The Professional Conference is free and open to the public.

August 08, 2011