IECA Launches New Initiative to Reach Out to Learning Specialists
by Mark Sklarow, Executive Director, IECA
From the LDA Conference in Baltimore, MD
Led by IECA ‘s Learning Disabilities Committee, the Independent Educational Consultants Association has launched a new, sustained initiative to educate learning specialists, psychologists, parent advocates and state and regional LDA officials about the role IECA members play in advising on school and college search and selection for students with learning differences.
This week, IECA will maintain an information booth at the national Learning Disabilities Association conference in Baltimore. Staffing the booth are LD Committee Chairs Pam Tedeschi (MD) and Rachel Sobel (PA). Volunteers in the booth so far include associate member Nancy Black (RI), Rebecca Reynolds (MD), Deborah Shawen (MD) and Marcia Simon (MD). The goal is to speak with educators, educational testers, psychologists, learning specialists, and parents about IECA and the role of educational consultants. Early Wednesday there was a steady stream of visitors, many of whom knew of IECA and wanted to welcome us to the conference, as well as some LDA leaders who explored new areas for cooperation. Discussions began on a presentation at next year’s conference that would include several IECA members on the panel.
In preparation for the LDA conference, IECA created new educational and promotional materials. A new brochure, written by the LD Committee, explains how “Independent Educational Consultants Partner with Learning Specialists.” This brochure underscores how consultants can work as part of a team: helping to advise other professionals on placement alternatives when a local school is not the best provider of the services a student needs; or when a student is preparing to move on to their next level of education: junior high to high school or high school to college, for example. At the same time, the message notes the need of consultants to reach out to educators and professionals to conduct appropriate testing…all to find the best options for the student and the family.
Several months ago, the LD Committee sponsored its own tour of schools that emphasized the learning centers and services provided for students with learning differences. The Committee plans to meet soon to discuss next steps in this sustained outreach to professionals and families.
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IECA has now come full circle. Many years ago this organization was formed to help students find boarding school and boarding schools with support services. We have come a long way! Lynn Luckenbach
Paula Porter, an IECA member from Pennsylvania spent several hours volunteering at our booth during the conference.