CONFERENCE INFORMATION

The recent International Dyslexia Association conference in Atlanta, Georgia included many exciting sessions. Dr. Sylvia Richardson described the interrelations of motor skills and literacy. She demonstrated how early childhood education must include clear speech and legible handwriting. Dr. Birgit Jaarsma reported her unique research on ways that dyslexics learn music. She blends rhythms and sight materials for students to learn musical notation. Dr. Jeffrey Gilger informed the audience that chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 15, 18, and perhaps others may indicate dyslexia, and Dr. Gordon Sherman stated that the appropriate enriched environments may halt learning differences from becoming learning disabilities, and Dr. Jack Fletcher showed pre and post intervention slides documenting brain changes following the appropriate academic interventions, e.g., phonics instruction.

The CRLA conference presented many outstanding institutes, including Teaching Portfolios. Betty Black demonstrated the connection between a teaching portfolio and teaching performance, and ways to improve to better serve students. Always a fascinating speaker, David Arendale gave a brilliant account of the History of Developmental Education in American Higher Education. The Lunch with a Mentor segment offered the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics, including Developing Program Mission and Goal Statements, Learning Strategies that Enhance Student Success, and the opportunity to share ideas with the keynote speaker, Sindiwe Magona.

Future conferences:

NADE, Harmony in Diversity, Austin, Texas, February 12-15, 2003.

http://www.nade.net/E.%20conferences.htm

New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, March 21-22, 2003.

www.dyslexia-parent.com/New_York.html

AHEAD annual conference, Dallas, Texas, July 8-12, 2003.

http://www.ahead.org

Please visit their websites for conference registration and other information.