New York

Policy Challenges Conferences

Policy Challenges Conferences: Bridging Research and Practice hosts regular events with targeted audiences around the Northeast and Islands Region to bring evidence to practitioners, from Institute of Education Sciences Practice Guides published by panels of experts to key findings from REL-NEI’s research staff. Table talks, Q&A with expert speakers, and breakout sessions all serve to advance the conversation and connect research to practice.

View the Event Archives

	Identifying Learning Disabilities for English Language Learners: Data, Assessments, and Case Studies (February 2011) This conference provided more than 150 education practitioners and administrators in eastern New York with the opportunity to explore research, data, assessments, and case studies to inform their work with English language learners (ELLs). Participants at two sites, connected via videoconferencing technology, heard from keynote speaker Dr. Samuel Ortiz of St. John’s University about research on the language, cognitive, and academic development of ELLs. Participants also explored three case studies of instructional support for students who are ELLs and identified as struggling in school. Video files available.
	Planning Quality Response to Intervention (RTI) Programs for English Language Learners (January 2011) This conference brought together more than 100 practitioners from across New York City to share relevant, research-based information about implementing response to intervention (RTI) with students who are English language learners (ELLs). Keynote speaker Dr. Janette Klingner of the University of Colorado discussed research on the issue from a national, state, and local perspective, and participants had opportunities to reflect on the application of the research to their own practice.
	Identifying Learning Disabilities in English Language Learners: Lessons From Three New York Districts (May 2010) This conference co-hosted with the Mid-Hudson Bilingual/ESL Technical Assistance Center (BETAC) and Mid-Hudson Regional Special Education Technical Assistance Center (RSE-TASC) brought together about 80 practitioners from the Mid-Hudson Region of New York with national and REL-NEI researchers to share relevant, research-based information about identifying learning disabilities in students who are English language learners (ELLs). Dr. Janette Klingner of the University of Colorado at Boulder provided a national perspective on the issue and challenges involved in identification.