| |
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
The 55th Annual conference of the International Dyslexia Association in Philadelphia in November of 2004 included some remarkable sessions. Dr. Guinevere Eden chaired a diverse symposium which included fascinating speeches and brain images such as the photographs of the regions of the brain concerning expertise, dyscalculia and visual word formations. This was valued information giving proof that the latter area exists, since some erroneously believe and have written that they do not. On the other hand, the outstanding quality is not a surprise. Dr. Eden is always associated with the highest level of presentations her speeches and images at the Maryland Branch of the International Association conference were equally valued for their most helpful information and guidelines for research.
Then, Jean Foss, another brilliant speaker who has spoken many times at previous International Dyslexia Association conferences, gave a unique, detailed presentation on dyslexia and non-verbal learning differences, contrasting their diagnostic differences while illustrating similarities in prescriptive strategies. Most fascinating, she showed a pre-intervention overhead of copying failures, then explained she did not give direct instruction in these images, but was teaching to the brain with instruction in other shapes. A year later, the students copied with far greater facility. Her presentation and handouts had other well-delineated lists of characteristics and suggestions for remediation as well. Fortunately, this issue presents that information.
Additionally, Dr. Frank Wood, yet another brilliant speaker, also gave a highly informative presentation. It is widely reported that music facilitates learning. A trio not only performed music to illustrate the effect of music on early reading achievement, they also introduced the audience to the practice of allowing students to explain what they heard while being silent. Further, the audience learned that when the people in the first three rows stamped their feet to simulate thunder, in the second group of rows made the sound of raindrops, and in the third whistled to simulate the sound of wind, the entire group could recreate the sound of a thunderstorm. This is especially useful knowledge for teachers who are not musicians, but would like to include such soundscapes for the development of their students.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES - 2005
National Association for Developmental Education
The 2005 National Mid-Year Board meeting will be held March 10-12, 2005.
2005 National Conference to be held in Boise, ID, September 10 -15, 2005.
http://www.nade.org/CONFERENCEupdates.htm
New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
32th Annual conference to be held at the New York Marriott Marquis, Midtown, New York, NY, March 14 -15, 2005.
http://www.nybida.org/annualconf.html
International Dyslexia Association
Research to Practice: Advances in Reading and Literacy. Omni Shoreham
Hotel , Washington , D.C. July 21 -23, 2005
http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=7&page_id=212
56th Annual Conference. Adam's Mark Hotel, Denver, CO
November 9 - 12, 2005
http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=7&page_id=213
Association on Higher Education And Disability
Meeting the Profession annual conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. August 2 - 6, 2005
http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/2005_conf/index.htm
Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
17th Annual International Conference on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Dallas, TX. October 27 - 29, 2005
http://www.chadd.org/webpage.cfm?cat_id=14
College Reading and Learning Association
2005 CRLA Conferece, Hilton Long Beach, California, November 2 - 5, 2005
http://www.crla.net/Conferences.htm
|