Meeting the needs of special education students carries both legal and ethical responsibilities for a school district. The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) is hosting a Special Education Symposium on Monday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at The Conference Center at Mercer County College, 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.

The NJSBA Special Education Symposium will provide an overview of special education in New Jersey and the latest developments in the field. The day will include a variety of breakout sessions, general sessions, and a networking lunch.

Select topics include parent and district relations and the importance of social-emotional learning across the general population to enhance the experience for the special education students.

Keynote Speaker, Ian Hockley – Executive Director, Dylan’s Wings of Change

Dylan’s Wings of Change is a foundation dedicated to the memory of Ian’s son, Dylan Hockley, who was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. The mission of Dylan’s Wings of Change is to empower empathic and courageous children to create strong, inclusive communities. Working with dedicated experts, the foundation created Wingman, a youth leadership program that develops social and emotional skills through engaging experiential activities and inspires children to go above and beyond for others. Ian will discuss the importance of social-emotional learning across the general population to enhance the experience for special education students.

Cost/Registration Information The member rate is $99 per person, and the program offers 4 Board Member Academy credits.

Registration of school board members and other district staff that have been reported to NJSBA through the completion of the district census form may be completed online, but only by the school business administrator, who must attach a scanned copy of the purchase order with the registration.

Additional non-member district staff may register online through Eventbrite using a credit card. (Please check with your business administrator about policy regarding reimbursement.)

For questions regarding this program, please email Marcia Lavigne, NJSBA manager, member training and professional development.