Summer Leadership Institute for education professionals will study equity, inclusion, excellence in schools

The Syracuse University School of Education will host the 2010 Annual Summer Leadership Institute Aug. 9-11 on the SU campus. The institute theme–“Equity, Inclusion and Excellence: Leaders Reinventing Schools for ALL”–will be examined through lectures, workshops, presentations and analysis of various media, including documentary film.

Practicing or aspiring administrators and school leaders, including principals, special education directors, curriculum directors, superintendents and educational leadership students interested in attending can register by completing the required form at http://leadershipinstitute.syr.edu, or calling (315) 443-4696. The cost of individual registration is $590 for the three-day session, which includes materials, refreshments and parking; a discounted group rate is available.

With increasing accountability for raising student achievement for diverse learners, including students with disabilities, this institute gives school leaders the opportunity to engage in intensive professional learning and gain new strategies for reinventing schools that meet diverse learners’ needs.

The three days of presentations, workshops, film screenings and discussion groups were designed by the leadership team behind Schools of Promise: School of Education professors Julie Causton-Theoharis, George Theoharis and Christine Ashby. Schools of Promise is a partnership between the Syracuse City School District and SU dedicated to the support of fully inclusive environments for all learners. The Schools of Promise principles of inclusion and belonging are emphasized in the material presented at the institute.

“Schools and districts that are serious about reaching all kids require ongoing professional learning for their administrators,” says Theoharis. “This institute provides an array of opportunities for leaders to both learn ways to be more effective and be inspired to become more inclusive.”

The institute kicks off with a keynote address by Causton-Theoharis and Theoharis, and features a new lineup of nationally recognized presenters. Filmmaker Dan Habib will show “Including Samuel,” a film he made about life with his son, which also includes stories of other individuals living with disabilities. Other presenters include professor and cartoonist Michael Giangreco (University of Vermont), professor Alice Udavri-Solner (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and self-advocates featured in a new documentary film about autism, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette; the film was co-produced by School of Education Dean Douglas Biklen.

Additional sessions will be led by School of Education professors Kathy Hinchman, Beth Ferri, Marcelle Haddix and Christine Ashby, and will address topics such as inclusive literacy instruction; the “real” cost of special education; teaching black and Latino/a students; and autism, communication and inclusion.

The Summer Leadership Institute qualifies for academic credit; participation in additional sessions and course fees are required. Visit http://leadershipinstitute.syr.edu for more information. Registration instructions and information about overnight accommodations for out-of-town participants can also be found on the website or by calling (315) 443-4696. Registration for the Summer Leadership Institute is open until July 30 or until the program is filled.