The time is fast approaching for the 48^th Annual PACEC Convention. This year, the convention will be held on November 1^st and 2^nd, 2007 at the Hershey-Harrisburg Holiday Inn in Grantville, PA. Our theme is "High Quality Learning: Keystones to Success". As you know, this special education event is a critical forum for keeping current on special education issues and practices. It is my hope that you, our stakeholders in special education and general education will gain valuable knowledge that will help to make you more effective in working with children with exceptional needs.

The wide variety of sessions include topics on assessment, literacy, highly qualified, early intervention, instructional strategies, assistive technology, behavior management, positive behavior supports, inclusion, differentiated instruction, co-teaching, and many more. Special strands have been included in this year’s program including: autism, transition, and response to intervention. There will also be a special panel discussion on special education law and practice led by Constance Lyttle, Esp. as a part of our featured Legal Strand. Also, Chris Tabakin, PACAN Coordinator will host a session updating you on the new policies in the field. Make an effort to attend this session to discover how you can be informed to influence the decision-makers in Pennsylvania.

All convention attendees will have the wonderful opportunity to hear our Keynote Speaker, Kim Peek, the Real Rain Man, on Thursday morning. After the release of Rain Man (a role made famous by Dustin Hoffman), Kim Peek became an instant celebrity. Kim and his father Fran, travel around the country to deliver Kim’s own mission statement: "Recognize and respect differences in others. Kim’s story is one of an extraordinary individual who has helped millions all over the world to appreciate the uniqueness of each human being. Through our association with individuals with disabilities, we learn more about ourselves and how we can better advocate for people with exceptional learning needs.

We will also have the pleasure of listening to another remarkable individual, Peter Riffle, a person with a learning disability. Peter has spent his entire career working with other people with disabilities. His book entitled, The Cloud Chaser, is an amazing journey through the life of a person with a learning disability. During his presentation on Friday, he will ask the audience to consider what a label means to a child and take a walk in the shoes of a child with a learning disability.

Our student board, led by PASCEC President Caitlan Siggins, has planned many wonderful sessions to address the needs of students attending the convention. Also planned is our annual Pre-Conference Day hosted, by PACASE.

This edition of the ACTION newsletter is devoted to the 48^th Annual PACEC Convention. The following is a list of special features of the 48^th Annual PACEC Convention:

• Pre-registration for sessions
• Pre-conference day sponsored by PACASE
• Keynote speaker: Kim Peek
• Featured speaker: Peter Riffle
• Student sessions throughout the conference
• Autism Strand
• Response to Intervention sessions
• Exhibits and exhibitors along with a door prize raffle
• Division luncheon meetings
• PACEC Annual Membership Meeting
• PASCEC Delegate Assembly
• Awards Ceremony and Past Presidents Reception
• Buffet dinner, DJ, dancing, karaoke and more PRIZES

And so much more!

I would like to extend my gratitude to my family for their patience and understanding during the planning of this convention. PACEC President, Laura Receveur and PACEC Past President, Darlene Perner for their tremendous support and to all of the convention committee members who make our conference successful each year. Enjoy the conference.

Cheryl McCarthy,

Convention Chair