7th Annual Northeast U.S. Conference on Character Education

March 17-18, 2006

Breakout Sessions Schedule

The 7th Northeast United States Conference on Character Education will take place Friday, March 17th and Saturday the 18th on the Troy campus of The Sage Colleges. This is being held in concert with the NYS Service Learning Leadership Institute and the Eastern NY Student Support Services.

Hundreds of involved educators and concerned citizens are anticipated to attend what has become recognized as the region’s premiere educational resource for innovative strategies that help raise academic performance while decreasing violence, bullying and anti-social behavior.

The Academy’s program promises to surpass past conferences in both quality, depth and breadth. The conference features national award winning character education authorities as keynote speakers. In addition, it hosts the Regional Institute on Character Development. There will also be a number of “Best Practice” breakout sessions to choose from. Presenter applications for these sessions are now being accepted. Find below details on the conference nationally acclaimed speakers and an overview of the Institute on Character Development.

Keynote Speakers

Three nationally recognized leaders will be featured:


	Dr. Philip Fitch Vincent is director of the Character Development Group in Greensboro, NC, and is considered America’s most dynamic character education presenter. He is a leading author and expert for linking character development with academic standards and violence prevention programs.
	Dr. Lonise Bias is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker who has dedicated her life to positive character development and anti-violence. Her message of hope arises from tragedy. Both her sons died in drug-violence related incidents. Her eldest, Len, an All American basketball player, died shortly after being drafted by the Boston Celtics.
	Dr. Matthew Davidson is co-author, with Dr. Tom Lickona, of the 2004 ground breaking research based Study “Smart and Good Schools.” Based on findings from site visits to 24 award winning schools across the nation, Matt provides insights and strategies focusing on fifty promising practices which fuse character development with excellence.

Conference Speakers and The Institute on Character Development Overview

Promising Practices: Making A Difference For Building Character, Academic Excellence and a Fulfilling Life

Featuring: Nationally acclaimed motivational speakers:

Dr Lonise Bias:

“The Best Is Yet To Come -Reversing Learned Helplessness”
The mother of drug victims preaches an inspirational message of hope and how to develop self respect in our youth

Dr Philip Fitch Vincent:

“Should Our Character Education Program Go Community Wide?”
The nation’s most dynamic character education speaker addresses one of the most neglected questions facing educators and communities.

Dr Matthew Davidson:

“Character Is The Pathway To Quality & Excellence”
Keynoter at the 2005 National Character Education Convention will present rubrics and concrete strategies to build positive classroom and school wide climate.

Dr Steven Birchak:

“The Secrets For Building a Child’s Character.”
The hilarious Dr “Bird” builds upon the fortitude and resilience developed as a very slight of height champion wrestler .

Featuring: The Institute on Character Development

Friday Part 1 Dr. Matthew Davidson 2 contact hours

Smart and Good Schools: Research Based Practices for Integrating Success in Work, School and Beyond

Saturday Part 2 Dr. Philip Fitch Vincent 2 contact hours

The Quest for Civility: Best Practices That Work To Develop Core Virtues Within Youth, Make a Difference in your classroom academics, transform your hallway climate and reinvigorate your school

Plus “Best Practice” Breakout Sessions