SU School of Education to host Annual Summer Leadership Institute: Equity, Inclusion & Excellence

SU School of Education to host Annual Summer Leadership Institute: Equity, Inclusion & ExcellenceAugust 05, 2009Jennifer Russojhrusso@syr.edu

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.