Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling Peter L. Kozik & Gerald M. Mager School of Education Syracuse University The Higher Education Support Center for SystemsChange

Who are we? The Task Force is a consortium of: Over 60 colleges and universities Over 60 colleges and universities throughout New York State with throughout New York State with teacher preparation programs teacher preparation programs SETRCs SETRCs BOCES BOCES RSSCs RSSCs Teacher Centers Teacher Centers Parent and Advocacy Groups Parent and Advocacy Groups Transition Coordination Sites Transition Coordination Sites Early Direction Childhood Centers Early Direction Childhood Centers

Statewide Connections for SystemsChange Early, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education P-16 Vocational & Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities Institutions of Higher Education BOCES RSSCs Teacher Centers SEQA and SETRCs Transition Coordination Sites Parent and Advocacy Centers Early Childhood Direction Centers 180 Faculty & Researchers at 68 ihes

What are our purposes? Our Goals: To develop and sustain high quality inclusive teacher preparation programs To engage in and support the professional development efforts of selected schools and districts in the 7 regions of New York State

How do we work? Statewide Structure and Task Force Meetings Regional Liaison Structure and Regional Activities Funded Initiatives: Summer Action Grants for Effective Practices Symposia on Supports for the Academic and Behavioral Performances of LearnersSummer Action Grants for Effective Practices Symposia on Supports for the Academic and Behavioral Performances of Learners Building Partnerships Between SPDG-IdentifiedBuilding Partnerships Between SPDG-Identified High Need Schools and Teacher Preparation Institutions Regional Structure and Liaison SupportRegional Structure and Liaison Support Regional Network Partnership

Lower Hudson Valley Mid-West Eastern Western Mid-State Long Island 6 New York State Regions and New York City

What do we do? Facilitating IHE relationships with local school districts, BOCES units, various staff development networks, and the New York State Education Department Supporting the development of guidelines and models for partnerships between IHEs and schools Developing resources and materials for the support of quality inclusive teacher preparation and practice Supporting web site communication, forums, discussions, electronic media, resources, and research focused on inclusion and evolving general education practice

The Value of the HESC and Task Force Approach: SystemsChange -- Whole System Approach to Whole System Effect Connecting Teacher Preparation with the Challenge and Opportunity of High-Need Schools and Districts Capacity-building within the System on both the Statewide and Regional Levels Flexible and Timely Response to Changing Needs and Conditions Current Actions with Sustainable Outcomes

Where are we located? Where are we located? Syracuse University 030 Huntington Hall Syracuse, New York phone fax Located on the World Wide Web at