Announcing 2008 Dropout Prevention Summer Institute

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 108
POLICY CODE: GCI

TO: Superintendents of Schools, Principals, and Dropout Prevention
Committee Chairs, and Alternative Education Teachers

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner

DATE: June 13, 2008

RE: Announcing 2008 Dropout Prevention Summer Institute

Registration is open for the 2008 Dropout Prevention Summer Institute, featuring Ross Green author of the Explosive Child, and Director of the Collaborative Problem Solving Institute, Jim Artesani, and Ed.D. Institute for the Study of Students at Risk and Pender Makin, Director of the REAL school presenting on Response to Intervention. The Institute will be held July 28 and 29 at the University of Maine-Orono in Wells Hall. The Institute is a collaborative effort of the Maine Department of Education, The Institute for the Study of Students At Risk-University of Maine, and the Alternative Education Association of Maine.

Participants will gain an understanding of the Collaborative Problem Solving process as well as practical steps for implementing this approach within the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework. Collaborative Problem Solving is a strategy that addresses the issue that some children and adolescents lack important cognitive skills essential to handling frustration and mastering situations requiring flexibility and adaptability. The CPS model helps adults teach these skills and teaches caregivers and children to work toward mutually satisfactory solutions to the problems causing conflict. Response to Intervention is an emerging approach to serving the social and academic needs of students who are at risk for school failure.

The Institute registration fee is $175.00. On-campus accommodations are available. Registration includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 evening meal and workshop materials. CEUs will be available. Registration materials are located at

www.maine.gov/education/tdae/

For additional information and registration assistance contact Roxanne Lee: roxanne.lee@umit.maine.edu . or 207-581-2493.

I urge you to support the attendance of your staff. The Institute will offer an opportunity for educators to get current information, make connections and create solutions.