One of ACSA’s biggest professional learning opportunities is coming up fast. In this era of seeking to find ways to close the achievement gap between student subgroups, the Every Child Counts Symposium is a “don’t miss” event.

The symposium is collaboratively hosted by ACSA’s Student Services and Special Education Council, and the Equity, Achievement and Diversity for Success Committee. The theme for the January 14-16, 2009 event is “Every Child Counts…Be a Hero, Make a Hero.”

Victor Thompson, director of student support services for Los Angeles COE, knows exactly how invaluable this event is, having served on the planning committee for eight years and as conference co-chair the past two years. Thompson has served on both the Student Services and Special Education Council, and the Equity, Achievement and Diversity for Success Committee, so he’s well aware of the need to reach various student groups. He said the two ACSA bodies working together makes sense.

“Although some in our field may not agree, issues of equity and diversity cannot be separated from student services and special education,” Thompson said. “For example, when disciplining any student, we must take the opportunity to understand who they are and why they are reacting the way they are. Is it because of a cultural misunderstanding? Is there a disability not known to the school administrator? Is there poverty or homelessness? What strengths does the student possess that can be used to better his/her self and the school?

 “The symposium helps us to better understand each student’s unique and individual circumstances, and how to best connect with each one. Overcoming stereotypes of each student will help us as administrators to best serve each one. Many of our students are underrepresented in higher education. Knowing who they are helps us to better advocate for them.”

The ECC Symposium has plenty of terrific learning opportunities. For example, there’s “The Soup to Nuts of Special Education Law and Practice.” This all-day session is for attendees who are new to special education, as well as seasoned administrators who want to brush up on legal issues. Presented by attorneys from Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP, session speakers include Howard Fulfrost, partner; Jan Tomsky, partner; Laurie Reynolds, partner; and Jonathan Read, partner.

Even better, there is a daylong pre-conference geared toward new administrators that is free of charge to symposium attendees. Sessions will provide an update on ACSA’s Diversity Action Plan from the Equity, Achievement and Diversity for Success Committee; offer copies of the brand new Special Education Handbook for Administrators; inform on ACSA’s Student Discipline Guide; and introduce attendees to the California Association of Pupil Personnel Administrators.

In addition, there will be “Horizon Line,” performed by Encompass.

“‘Horizon Line’ is a powerful play that helps us learn to advocate for someone who is substantially different from ourselves,” Thompson said. “It’s produced by the Encompass/Compassion Plays organization, and is the keynote presentation on Wednesday.”

Such offerings are rife throughout the conference.

“Breakout sessions include topics such as foster care, safety for a diverse student body, cultural competence and closing achievement gaps, multicultural learning beyond holidays and food festivals, dream with your eyes open, and others,” Thompson said.

On Friday there will be a special webinar, “The Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Serving Students Under Section 504,” that will cover the new eligibility requirements for this key group of students.

 “Attendees will leave the conference with increased knowledge of how to support all students, and not overlook the nuances of equity and diversity which may be a barrier to learning,” Thompson said. “We cannot close the achievement gap unless we know everything about that gap. I am honored to have been associated with the symposium, and know that we can make heroes and be heroes, if we will just take a step back and find out why.”

For further information on the Every Child Counts Symposium, contact ACSA’s Sue Periera at speriera@acsa.org or Janis Rawlins at jrawlins@acsa.org, or call (800) 608-ACSA.