This daylong event will explore the issues raised in the recent CCJEF v. Rell ruling related to special education in Connecticut. Panel sessions will be held related to: the CCJEF v. Rell case and ruling; innovative and equitable service delivery models; and innovative and equitable funding methods for special education. The main objectives will be to initiate a dialogue about the key issues raised in the ruling and to identify possible solutions that benefit special education services in the state. This event has been made possible through the support of the Klebanoff Institute.

9-9:30 a.m.: Registration; Coffee and Light Breakfast

9:30-9:45 a.m.: Welcome Remarks

·         Dean Timothy Fisher – University of Connecticut School of Law

·         Dean Gladis Kersaint – University of Connecticut Neag School of Education

 

9:45-10 a.m.: Opening Remarks by Howard Klebanoff of the Klebanoff Institute

Introduction by Joseph Madaus, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Neag School of Education

 

10-11:30 a.m. — Panel No. 1: The CCJEF v. Rell Ruling and Its Implications for Special Education in Connecticut

Panel Moderator: Diane Orson, Host of WNPR’s Morning Edition

·         Margaret J. McLaughlin – Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, University of Maryland, College Park, College of Education; plaintiffs’ expert witness

·         Nathan Quesnel – Superintendent of Schools, East Hartford Public Schools; plaintiffs’ expert witness

·         Frances Rabinowitz – Former Interim Superintendent, Bridgeport Public Schools; plaintiffs’ expert witness

·         Robert Villanova – Director, Executive Leadership Program, University of Connecticut Neag School of Education; defendants’ expert witness

 

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Panel No. 2: Equitable Service Delivery for Students and Families: Solutions Going Forward

Panel Moderator: David DesRoches, Education Reporter, WNPR

·         Mary Beth Bruder – Professor and Director, University of Connecticut Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

·         Marisa Halm – Director, TeamChild Juvenile Justice Project, Center for Children’s Advocacy

·         Catherine Holahan – Senior Legal and Policy Advisor, EducationCounsel

·         Betty J. Sternberg – Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Program, Central Connecticut State University; and Connecticut Commissioner of Education Emeritus

 

1:45-2:45 p.m. — Panel No. 3: Ideas for Equitable Financing of Special Education

Panel Moderator: David DesRoches, Education Reporter, WNPR

·         Shaun Dougherty – Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut Neag School of Education and Center for Education Policy Analysis

·         Paul Freeman – Superintendent, Guilford Public Schools

·         Katie Roy – Director, Connecticut School Finance Project

·         Jay Vadiveloo – Professor, University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Director, Janet & Mark L. Goldenson Center for Actuarial Research

 

Register Now: Special Education Summit  Special Education in Connecticut: Issues and Solutions in the Wake of CCJEF v. Rell — a daylong summit dedicated to exploring special education issues raised in the wake of September’s landmark CCJEF v. Rell court ruling. Sponsored by the Klebanoff Institute and the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, the event will bring together professionals in special education, school finance, and law; expert witnesses; advocates of persons with disabilities; school administrators; and other experts from across the region for a series of insightful panel discussions. Date: Friday, May 12, 2017 Time: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Cost: Free with advance registration. Space is limited — Register online now. Location: UConn Law School campus, 45 Elizabeth Street, William F. Starr Hall, Hartford, Conn.   Panel Discussion Topics: CCJEF v. Rell: The Ruling and Its Implications for Special Education in Connecticut — Featuring panel moderator Diane Orson, Host of WNPR’s Morning Edition Equitable Service Delivery for Students and Families: Solutions Going Forward — Featuring panel moderator David DesRoches, Education Reporter for WNPR Ideas for Equitable Financing of Special Education — Featuring panel moderator David DesRoches Diane Orson, WNPR David DesRoches, WNPR   Find the full program agenda, panelist bios, parking details, and other information here.   Register Now