18th Annual DuBard Symposium Brings in Renowned Experts to Discuss Dyslexia, Related Disorders

Keynote addresses by renowned experts and interactive breakout sessions will highlight the 18^th Annual DuBard Symposium: “Dyslexia and Related Disorders” set for Sept. 17-18 at the Thad Cochran Center on The University of Southern Mississippi's Hattiesburg campus.

Each year, educators, administrators, speech-language pathologists, dyslexia therapists, psychologists, social workers and parents from across the Southeast gather for the DuBard Symposium to gain information, review products and services, and network with peers. All of these factors combined make the DuBard Symposium a key element in assisting them in supporting and serving children with dyslexia and related disorders.

The two keynote speakers, Dr. Louisa C. Moats and Dr. Christopher Kaufman, have made major strides in understanding and educating others on the topics of dyslexia and related disorders.

Dr. Louisa Moats

• President of Moats Associates Consulting, Inc.
• Primary author of LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) (2010)
• Served as contributing writer of the Common Core State Standards for the National Governors' Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers
• Served as vice-president on the board of directors for the International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
  
  • Developed IDA's Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading
  • Served as de facto Editor of Perspectives on Language and Literacy,
• Served as professional advisory board member for the Academic Language Therapy Association
• SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATION: “Understanding Dyslexia: Myths and Realities of Assessment and Instruction”

Dr. Christopher Kaufman

• Owner of Kaufman Psychological Services, P.C.
• Author of Executive Function in the Classroom: Practical Strategies for Improving Performance and Enhancing Skills for All Students (2010)
• Spoke at the National Dyslexia Foundation Conference at Harvard Medical School
• Spoke at the European Brain-Based Learning Conference in Madrid, Spain
• Spoke at the Learning and the Brain Conference in Washington, D.C.
• SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATION: “Moving the Frontal Lobe to the Front of Class: The Teacher's Guide to Executive Function”

In addition to these two notable speakers, the symposium will also host 10 other breakout sessions for participants to select from to best fit their educational needs.

The symposium is sponsored by the DuBard School for Language Disorders, the International Association Method Task Force and the Mississippi Department of Education, in partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi Office of Professional Development and Educational Outreach.

Continuing education units are available. For more information and to register online visit http://www.usm.edu/dubard or call 601.266.4186.