The Special Education program in the Teacher Education Division is convening a symposium on issues that address a sense of school belonging increases student socio-emotional well-being and preparedness for academic growth. However, belonging can be tenuous in today's urban schools. This symposium addresses the questions of who belongs in school, how belonging can be created for diverse students, and why belonging can address educational inequity.

The event is on Thursday, April 14, 2016 and starts in the afternoon with a symposium to be held in the College of Education, room 10 (Lower Level) from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. with an immediate reception following from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. The evening panel discussion will take place on the main campus of Wayne State University in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 W. Palmer, Detroit, from on 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The panelist for this symposium include international scholars:

Assessment approaches that build and support belonging

Dr. Missy Morton, Professor and Head of School, Educational Studies and Leadership University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand

Who belongs? The use of narrative assessment to recognize all students as learners

Dr. Annie Guerin, Lecturer, School of Educational Studies and Leadership University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand

Achieving equity for Maori secondary school students in New Zealand

Dr. Mere Berryman, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education University Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,www.kep.org.nz.

Wayne State University College of Education Faculty Dr. Christina DeNicolo, Dr. Min Yu, and Dr. Chris Crowley who will share their research about school belonging for urban immigrant and refugee students. Dr. Susan Gabel, WSU College of Education, will conclude with remarks about the implications of this research for urban educational practice and policy.

This forum is an excellent opportunity for parents, educators, WSU faculty and students, and community member to provide information about urban education and the areas of school belonging for students with disabilities.

The symposium is free and open to the general public. Parking is available in Structure #1 at the corner of Cass and Palmer for $7.00. Form more information about this event, contact Michele Kaseta at (313) 577-5241 or michele.kaseta@wayne.edu. Local educators, WSU faculty and students, and other community members are encouraged to attend.