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Ramapo College Hosts New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children Spring Conference; Dr. Joseph Travolta Offers Keynote Address

(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)March 24, 2016

MAHWAH, N.J. – Ramapo College of New Jersey welcomed more than 500 educators and students when it hosted the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children (NJCEC) Spring 2016 Conference on March 14 in Friends Hall in the Scott Student Center. The annual event is the premiere special education conference for the state of New Jersey.

The conference included more than 40 breakout sessions on topics including: Creative Thinking and Neuroplasticity: Building 21st Century Skills in the Inclusive Classroom; Understanding Cognitive Data: Translating Assessment Results into Successful Academic Planning for Children;  a variety of technology workshops from Apple; sessions for pre-school, PARCC testing, legal issues, etc.

Dr. Joseph Travolta, widely noted for his work with special education students in the field of filmmaking and creator of Inclusion Films, offered the keynote address. Travolta, a Bergen County native, has created camps that educate special needs students on film production and afford them the opportunity to explore their own creativity.

“I am truly pleased to be here at Ramapo College and honored that I am able to give back to so many who might not otherwise have an opportunity to explore career options,” said Dr. Travolta. “It’s all about the students. I am impressed with this conference and everyone who worked hard to organize the day’s event.”

As an added feature of this year’s conference, Travolta and his “crew” (former special needs students who are working in film production) met with high school teachers and students to discuss setting goals and how they can accomplish them as they prepare to leave the school setting.

Dr. Julie Norflus-Good, Director of the Masters of Arts in Special Education program at Ramapo College, serves as President of the NJCEC.

“This was an incredible opportunity for Ramapo College to be hosting this conference,” said Dr. Norflus-Good. “We were especially thrilled to have Dr. Travolta as the keynote speaker and to have him speak directly with students to share his expertise and to offer words of support and encouragement.”

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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