The Conference of Educational Administrators of
Schools and Programs for the Deaf
(CEASD)

CEASD has enjoyed an extremely busy this year and has involved itself in a number of ongoing initiatives, culminating in the recent National Conference. We have worked with the American College of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACE-DHH) as cybermentors in the PT-3 Catalyst Grant and our executive director has served as a representative of CEASD on their Advisory Board. Barbara Raimondo, our legislative representative has worked diligently to keep our profession informed of proposed changes in IDEA and other legislation that may affect our professions and our schools. We have also served in an advisory capacity to the National Deaf Education Project, a communication based initiative for educational services. Information regarding these projects provided a focus for communication both in and out of sessions during the recent convention.

Nearly 150 leaders in the field of education programs for deaf children gathered at the annual CEASD conference in Fremont California to share information, renew old acquaintances and to reflect on the challenges that are currently facing. The conference focused on dual themes: safe schools and transitioning children to futures that are both safe and rewarding. Aptly named, the theme, Back to the Future, captured the notion that if we are to move ahead, we must examine the successes and failures of the past. Invited guests, keynote speakers, and session leaders helped us do just that.

One of the more exciting facets of this year's conference was the attendance of a number of retired school superintendents. The conference planning group made a concerted effort to track down and invite past school superintendents to attend and to share their views: personal, professional, current and historical. These 20 individuals added a depth of information and insight regarding our profession to which we seldom have access. They have first hand experience with the recent history of schools, policies, processes and laws and shared their experiences and their personal insights in a discussion held the final morning of the conference.

The early sessions focused on Transition to Post Secondary Options for Deaf Students and the first keynote speaker, Dr. Cheryl Davis reminded us that choices made by any young person are made in the context of balancing responsibility and freedom. This "balancing act" is in large part accomplished by the individual student's skills in the area of self determination, a crucial ingredient in successful transition planning. A second keynote address in this area was presented by Dr. Robert Davila who reminded us that there are indeed successful transition practices that we can and should implement. These practices can lead to the broadly ranging skills which can be taught and can facilitate student self determination.

The second day of the conference focused in the theme of school safety, a major concern for all schools. Dr. James McGee opened the sessions on school safety with his presentation on school violence. Dr. Jane Fernandes and Dr. Diane Morton, followed up on his theme by sharing their personal situations in crisis situations in schools including Gallaudet University.

Breakout sessions in both of these areas covered a broad range of topics and were presented by teachers, administrators, and individuals from a variety of settings. It was especially gratifying to hear from Dr. McCay Vernon out of retirement to make a major presentation with Patricia Sullivan on the topic of residential settings and the maltreatment of children.

The final day of the conference focused on an examination of the National Agenda for the Deaf. The Steering Committee for the National Agenda presented the closing conference session on Monday morning, April 29. A draft of the National Agenda has been posted on the www.deafed.net web site where the Steering Committee is now seeking input on this document. Everyone involved with the education of deaf and hard of hearing individuals is invited to provide their feedback to strengthen this document. To access the National Agenda, go to www.deafed.net and logon. If you have not yet registered, it is extremely simple: simply click on the log on button and you will be led through the process. On the home page, click on Collaborative Partners and upon reaching that page, scroll down until you see National Agenda. Please take time to review this important document and share your ideas with the Steering Committee. It is organized to allow you to provide feedback on small sections so you may address sections individually. This allows you to focus on the areas of your concern and to do your feedback in a manageable and timely fashion.

Congratulations to our new Board members and officers who were elected during the annual CEASD business meeting:

President-Elect ........ Claire Bugen (Texas)

Secretary ........ James Tucker (Maryland)

Treasurer ........ Mike Bello (Massachusetts)

Board Member ........ Ed Bosso (Delaware)

Board Member ........ Jane Mulholland (Oregon)

Board Member (re-elected) ........ Cynthia Ashby (Georgia)

Harold Mowl (Rochester) who has served as President-Elect for the past two years will assume the CEASD Presidency on July 1, 2002. Here he is pictured with outgoing President, Ed Corbett (Ohio) who will serve on the CEASD Board for the next two years as Past President.

The Edward Allen Fay Award

Dr. Mark Marschark was recognized as this year's recipient of the Edward Allen Fay Literary Award. Dr. Marschark, a researcher and author at NTID at RIT, has been an active, contributing member of our profession in research, publications, and public presentations for more than , earning respect from the diverse members of our profession and consumer groups. Recent noteworthy publications include Raising and Educating a Deaf Child (1997), and Educating Deaf Students: From Research to Practice (with John Albertini and Harry Lang (2002). Dr. Marschark also serves as the series editor for Counterpoints: Language, Cognition, and Memory, published by Oxford Press. In addition, he is the founding Editor of the Journal of Deaf Education. The Fay Literary Award is presented to an individual specifically for a significant publications related to deafness with priority given to more recent publications, but with the intent that publications for prior years with continuing recognized significance be given consideration.

Awards were also presented to retiring superintendents in recognition of their years of service. For more information on these individuals, see our summer newsletter!

For a schedule of future conferences, Click Here.