Each year, school psychologists gather at our Fall Conference to confer, converse, and otherwise hob-nob with our colleagues, and to earn renewal units for participating in continuing professional development crucial to our profession.
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2011 MASP Fall Conference: October 19-21
An
Educational Perspective —
Assessment & Intervention in the Areas
of
Emotional Disorders and Mathematics Disorders
Conference Features
As schools continue to develop strong student assistance teams, school-wide RtI plans, and manage student centered interventions both in academic and behavioral/emotional areas this conference will provide up-to-date and valuable information for school psychologists, teachers, and school staff.
MASP is pleased to have Dr. Steven Feifer as the presenter for the 2011 Fall Conference.
Day 1 — Emotional Disorders
This workshop will explore the neural architecture of emotional behavior by examining various brain structures laying the foundation for
higher level social skill functioning. Specific biological factors related to the development of social competence and emotional self-regulation will be explored. There will be a detailed discussion on bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, and depression from a brain-based educational perspective, including cutting edge interventions. Schools can enhance emotional wellness in children through early prevention efforts, appropriate assessment strategies, and an improved school climate to foster emotional growth for all children. The specific learning objectives include:
- Discuss the neural architecture of emotion by detailing key brain regions responsible for the development of empathy and emotional regulation.
- Discuss the pitfalls of over-relying upon behavior management plans or psychopharmacology to address mental health conditions in children.
- Explore the neurobiological correlates and treatment options for bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders in children.
In keeping with the theme of the 2012 National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Annual Conference “Advocating for the Emotional Well-being of our Nation’s Youth” we felt that this was a timely topic for schools in our state.
Day 2 — Understanding Math Disorders
This workshop will explore how young children learn and acquire basic mathematical skills from a brain-based educational perspective. There will be a discussion on three primary ways in which numbers are formatted in the brain, as well as the central role of language to expand upon conceptually ordered number sets. In addition, cultural stereotypes regarding gender differences in mathematics will be explored, as well as the relationship between anxiety and mathematical performance during classroom learning situations. Two critical constructs often overlooked; namely working memory and executive functioning, will also be featured. The expected learner outcomes will be to introduce more efficient ways to diagnose and remediate math disorders in children. The following objectives will be covered:
- Introduce a brain-based educational model of math by identifying three basic neural codes which format numbers in the brain.
- Discuss the international trends in mathematics, and reasons why the United States lags behind most industrialized nations in math and science.
- Explore the role of three primary neurocognitive processes: working memory, visual-spatial functioning, and executive functioning, with respect to math problem solving ability.
- Explore the role of anxiety as it relates to gender differences in math aptitude.
- Introduce the 90-minute assessment model of mathematics and interventions
You can attend the full conference or you can zero in on the topic of greater interest to you by attending a single day.
About the Presenter
Dr. Steven G. Feifer, D. Ed., NCSP, ABSNP, a nationally renowned speaker and author in the field of learning disabilities and emotional disorders, has conducted nearly 200 professional seminars for educators and psychologists. He is dually trained as both a Nationally Certified School Psychologist from James Madison University, and diplomat in school neuropsychology. Dr. Feifer, a licensed practitioner in the state of Maryland, has co-authored ten books on learning and emotional disorders in children. He currently works in private practice, consultant to nearby school
districts, and is also an adjunct professor at George Washington University. He has spent his career bringing awareness of the role of
cognitive functioning in childhood learning and emotional disabilities. He has developed and implemented assessment tools based
on his studies of neuropsychology. Dr. Feifer recently presented at the School Neuropsychology 2011 Summer Institute.
Dr. Feifer was recognized by his peers as the Maryland School Psychologist of the Year in 2008, and awarded the 2009 National School Psychologist of the Year by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Location
Hilton Garden Inn
3720 N. Reserve Street, Missoula, MT 59718
406-532-5300
Located off I-90 at the Reserve Street Exit
Schedule
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
| 6:30—9:30 pm |
MASP Executive Board Meeting (Board Members only) |
| 7:00—8:30 pm |
Registration and Connecting |
Thursday, October 20, 2011
| 8:30–11:30 am |
Welcome
Presentation Begins "Emotional Disorders: An Educational Perspective" |
| 11:30–1:00 pm |
Buffet Luncheon (included in fees; guests $10)
School Psychologist of the year
Other regional business |
| 1:00–4:00 pm |
Presentation continues |
| 7:00–?? |
Special Event! Join us for a social gathering with peers, past school psychologists and current UM School Psychology students. Catch up and also enjoy poster presentations showcasing current issues in the field of school psychology. ALL are Welcome!! |
Friday, October 21, 2011
| 7:00–8:00 am |
General Business Meeting — All MASP members and potential members are welcome
|
| 8:00–11:15 am |
Presentation Begins "Mathematics Disorders" |
| 11:15–12:30 pm |
Lunch break (on your own) |
| 12:30–3:30 pm |
Presentation continues |
| 3:30 pm |
Evaluation, questions, and wrap-up
Conference ends |
Recertification and NCSP
Office of Public Instruction recertification credit is available. You must attend all sessions Thursday & Friday to be eligible for recertification credit. 12 OPI Renewal Units available.
NCSP renewal CPD will be available!!
Accommodations
Special room rates are available for conference attendees. Please call the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel at 406-532-5300 before October 1, 2011. Rooms are being held under the block name of “MASP”.
(Note that this date is earlier than the pre-registration date) It is very important that you reserve your room by the deadline.
Room rates: $119.00 + tax single/double
Additional accommodation choices that are nearby include:
Questions?
For more information, call Ron Weaver at 449-7565 (home) or Rhonda Remsen at 771-1871 (home) or 268-6873 (work).
Reminders
Join us for a special evening to catch up with each other and view UM graduate student work on Thursday evening.
MASP is now an approved NASP provider and you can earn CPD credits for renewing your NCSP by attending this conference.
Conference Fees
Register online
* As always, MASP Membership renewal of $60 is required for MASP Members and those seeking membership discounts.
Full Conference Fees
- MASP members* preregistration — $100 — On-site registration will be $120
- University full time student — $50 — Verification of student status may be requested
- Non-member preregistration — $120 — On-site registration for non-members will be $150
Single-Day Fees
- MASP members* preregistration — $60 — On-site registration will be $70
- University full time student — $25 — Verification of student status may be requested
- Non-member single day — $75 — all registration types
Registration fees include conference packet, buffet lunch on Thursday, and daily snacks.
Cancellation requests must be made in writing and postmarked no later than October 14, 2011. A $15.00 processing charge will be deducted per person canceling. No refunds will be made for requests received after the deadline, but you may designate a substitute to take your place at the conference.
Please advise us at least two weeks before the workshop if you desire special accommodations for a disability.
Remembering the Past
2010 Fall Conference
The 2010 MASP Fall Conference in Bozeman last October 20-22 was a huge success. Two attorneys who have a practice focused on the area of school law plus a representative of the Montana Office of Public Instruction addressed the topic of Legal and Ethical Issues for Montana School Psychologists.
- Mary E. (“Marilee”) Duncan, an attorney with Felt, Martin, Frazier & Weldon, P.C.
- Elizabeth Kaleva, an attorney with Kaleva Law Offices
- Ann Verploegen, a School Psychologist for Big Sky Special Needs Cooperative and part time Instructional Coordinator for OPI
Many thanks to the presenters and to everyone who attended, especially to the hard-working volunteers who made it a success.
