|
featuring Keynote Speaker
DR. CHERYL JORGENSEN
Pioneering Researcher, Author,
Inclusive Education Expert & Consultant
The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress is proud to host nationally renowned Author, Researcher and Inclusive Education Consultant, Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen, as this year's Keynote Speaker at the 9th Annual Educator's Forum.
Dr. Jorgensen has worked with public school teachers, parents, and administrators to increase their commitment to and capacity for including students with Down syndrome in general education classes and to restructure schools to welcome all students. In 2008, she won the National Down Syndrome Congress' Annual Education Award for her leadership and pioneering research in support of the successful inclusion of students with Down syndrome.
Dr. Jorgensen's area of expertise is perfectly aligned with the theme of this year's conference - "Designing Classrooms and Programs to Bridge Access to the Common Core Curriculum."
Her keynote speech, which answers the question, "The Common Core and Students with Down Syndrome? You Bet!" is sure to inspire teachers who are supporting students with Down syndrome, as well as the many varied learners in any classroom. In her presentation, Dr. Jorgensen will propose five reasons why the Common Core is appropriate for every student and why the general education class is the best place for students with Down syndrome to learn.
She is also presenting a workshop titled "A Process for Planning Instruction Based on Common Core Standards," which will describe an instructional planning process grounded in Universal Design for Learning and the Common Core State Standards. Specific supports for students with Down syndrome will be described and examples provided for elementary, middle, and high school. This practical, informative breakout session will equip teachers with the tools to enter their classroom and plan instruction that will bridge access to the curriculum for all students.
 | |
Cheryl Jorgensen - Presuming Competence Every Day in the Classroom:
Inclusive Supports for Students with Down Syndrome (NDSS Webinar)
|
| 
"I am very honored to have received this award, especially because it comes from an organization founded by parents. Meeting and hearing from parents during the conference reminded me of what Margaret Mead said: 'Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' When you see parents with their infants and then young adults with Down Syndrome who are advocating for themselves, going to college, falling in love and getting married, you realize that having a disability does not diminish anyone's potential for a full life."
