Volume 20, Issue 2

April/June 2006

1090 Longfellow Drive, Suite B

Beaumont, TX 77706

The Parent Advocate Quarterly

To contact us:

Phone: 409-898-4684

Toll Free:  800-866-4726

Fax: 409-898-4869

Email: partnersresource@sbcglobal.net

Website:  www.PartnersTx.org

Parent Leadership Institute Models
Parent/Professional Collaboration

     Partners Resource Network (PRN) will conduct its annual Parent Leadership Institute in Houston, Texas on June 22-24, 2006.  The event will offer parents of children with disabilities an opportunity to participate in training sessions, network with their peers, and be part of a unique parent/professional partnership between PRN and the Texas Council for Exceptional Children (TCEC). The Parent Leadership Institute begins with a one-day pre-conference session designated for parents, followed by two days of a series of general and breakout sessions for parents and educators.  This event is the third year of the PRN/TCEC partnership which was initiated to help promote positive relationships between educators and parents in the State of Texas.

     The title of the 2006 PRN Parent Leadership Institute is: One person CAN make a difference.  The one-day pre-conference session on June 22, hosted by PRN, will focus on the experiences and advice of parents of children with disabilities who have grown from “just a parent” to positions of leadership in their schools, communities, state and nation.  The keynote address on June 22 will be given by Stephanie Smith Lee, former Director of the Office of Special Education in Washington, DC and currently the Governmental Affairs Representative of the National Down Syndrome Society.  Ms. Lee will describe her journey from “just a parent” to her significant roles on the national level.  Afterwards, a panel of Texas parents will discuss their experiences in becoming leaders in their communities and the State.  The session will end with a small group activity in which participants will: 1) write a goal statement for their personal leadership plans, 2) identify a “buddy” from the group with whom to periodically share reports on their progress, and 3) assemble a Leadership “Tool Kit” of resources and materials to assist them in reaching their goals.  A registration form and a detailed agenda for June 22 can be viewed at www.partnerstx.org.

     A welcoming reception will be hosted by TCEC on June 22.  Sessions on June 23 and 24 will be hosted by TCEC and titled Texas Hug ‘Em: Making the Connection, Building on Strengths, and Expanding Relationships for All Children.  The agenda will consist of a series of keynote and breakout sessions presented by state and national leaders in the field of education.  Some of the sessions will be of special interest to parents.  PRN will host a  hospitality suite on the evening of June 23 for parents and educators to meet and network.  A registration form and a detailed agenda for the TCEC portion can be viewed at www.tcecweb.org.

     A limited number of stipends will be available to parents of children with developmental disabilities to help with the expenses to attend the conference.  The stipend will pay registration, hotel, and a travel allowance.  Parents interested in applying for a stipend can fill out the stipend application at www.partnerstx.org or call Gwen at 1-800-866-4726.  In addition, parents can contact the Parent Involvement Specialist at their Regional Education Service Center and ask if funds are available to pay their expenses.               

    The Parent Advocate Quarterly is published by Partners Resource Network, Inc., a private non-profit organization.  Contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  Information contained in the Parent Advocate Quarterly does not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Education nor does it imply endorsement of any product or service.                                                

Partners Resource Network’s

Empowering Parents Through Education