Dr. Colvin draws on his experience as a classroom teacher, in both special and general education, and as a school administrator, educational consultant, author, and research associate and instructor at the University of Oregon. He is a nationally and internationally recognized educational and behavioral consultant who has assisted educators in more than 200 school districts, Universities, and agencies on the subjects of managing problem behavior, teaching challenging students, assessment, instruction and school safety planning. Dr. Colvin has authored and co-authored more than 80 publications, including a best seller book Managing the Cycle of Acting-Out Behavior in the Classroom and the 2000 Telly Award winning video program Defusing Anger and Aggression.  

Stuart Robertshaw, Ed.D., J.D. Law
a.k.a. "Dr. Humor"

Saturday Lunch Keynote 

"Dr. Humor, your presentation was wonderful but afterward my cheeks hurt—all four of them."

- U.S. Department of Defense

 Doug Cheney, Ph.D.

Thursday Workshop A

This workshop will focus on the essential elements of an effective transition program for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities. These elements have been identified in research and practice and described in a recent book, Transition of secondary students with emotional/behavioral disorders (Cheney, 2010). Content from the book will be used to discuss effective transition practices regarding assessment, IEP/transition plan development, personal futures plans, academic/vocational decision making, cultural considerations, and parent/family involvement. Copies of the text will be available and materials from the text will be used in the workshop.

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify assessment approaches that will enhance their IEP & transition plan development.

2. Target areas of IEP/transition plans for improvement in their practice.

3. Integrate functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans into the IEP.

4. Identify academic/vocational areas of their transition programs for improvement.

5. Identify approaches for more culturally responsive transition work with students/families.

6. Target areas for improving parent/family collaboration in transition planning.

Dr. Doug Cheney has 35 years’ experience in special education and is a national leader in the area of emotional and behavioral disabilities. He is currently the principal investigator (PI) on Washington’s Behavior Research Center on Evidenced Based Practices; and The BEACONS Outreach Project: Washington’s Positive Behavior Support Network. He and Dr. Rick Neel co-direct the Master’s program for teachers educating students with emotional or behavioral disabilities. Dr. Cheney is co-editor of The Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, an Associate Editor for Intervention in the School and Clinic; and a Consulting Editor for Behavioral Disorders and Beyond Behavior. He co-chaired Washington’s Statewide Task Force on Behavioral Disorders from 1997-99, which provided a blueprint for the state’s positive behavior support model and is a Past President (1998-99) of the International Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. 

Richard L. Simpson, Ed.D.

Thursday Workshop B

"Strategies for Achieving Successful Outcomes with Learners with Asperger Disorder and Higher-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders"

This workshop will discuss strategies and methods for children and youth diagnosed with Asperger disorder and high functioning autism, including management options, curriculum and instructional adaption procedures and alternatives for improving social and social interaction goals.

Dr. Richard L. Simpson is Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas where he has directed numerous University of Kansas and University of Kansas Medical Center demonstration programs for students with autism spectrum disorders and coordinated a variety of federal grant programs related to students with disabilities.  He has also worked as a special education teacher, school psychologist and coordinator of a community mental health outreach program.  He has authored numerous books, articles and tests on the topic of students with autism spectrum disorders.  Simpson is the former senior editor of the professional journal Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.  Awards include the Council for Exceptional Children Research Award, Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Leadership Award, Autism Society of Kansas Leadership Award, and numerous University of Kansas awards and distinguished roles, including the Gene A. Budig Endowed Teaching Professorship of Special Education.

 Richard P. West, Ph.D.

Thursday Workshop C

"Elements of Effective Instruction: Essential and Practical Tools for Schools of the Future"

Dr. Richard P. West is executive director of Utah State University's Center for the School of the Future and also professor of special education and rehabilitation counseling. He currently directs the Utah School Improvement Partnership and various research and demonstration projects funded by state and federal grants.  He has directed more than $20 million in research, training, and demonstration projects.  Prior to this, Dr. West was a school administrator in a large metropolitan school district. In collaboration with his associates at the Center for the School of the Future, Dr. West has developed school-based assessment tools used in more than 1500 schools.  Dr. West has served as guest or consulting editor of national journals; authored six books, 12 book chapters, more than 50 articles in national refereed journals, more than 40 additional articles and instructional products including videotapes and computer software.