First, let me say what an absolute pleasure it was to meet so many of you at the 2016 DEC Conference in Louisville Kentucky! I want to extend a special note of gratitude to our three keynote speakers, Dr. Vicki Stayton, Dr. Jennifer Grisham-Brown, and Dr. Phillip Strain. These DEC leaders remind us to be proud of our DEC history and challenge us to commit to our future with renewed passion! There was an energy and excitement at the conference that was contagious! Our challenge is to keep the “passionate buzz” alive until we meet in Portland for DEC 2017!
There are many exciting things happening this fall at DEC. I would like to highlight just a few:
- The DEC Position Statement on Child Maltreatment was completed and officially approved by the DEC Executive Board in September of 2016. The position statement was presented to membership at the DEC conference. Our gratitude goes to Dr. Catherine Corr, Dr. Carol Trivette, and the development team for their commitment to this critical work. Please review the full statement here.
- It is time to make your voice heard! Executive Board Elections for 2016-17 are open. Visit this page to review candidate profiles and cast your vote. Remember your DEC member number is the same as your CEC member number.
- The DEC Recommended Practices Monograph Series No. 2: Environment is now available! Thank you to Tricia Catalino and Lori Meyer for taking the lead on this powerful contribution towards the promotion of meaningful access, participation, and inclusion!
- Please consider submission of a resource for endorsement by the Panel of Excellence. This panel reviews and if appropriate, endorses products related to the DEC Recommended Practices that meet the rigorous standards expected of DEC. Find out more here.
These are just a few of the amazing activities that are underway at DEC. Please be sure to check out the activities of the various Councils and the SIGS for opportunities for you to be involved in the work of DEC. Be sure to check the website often for updates from DEC at http://www.dec-sped.org/.
