Calendar of Honoring Outstanding Owl Teachers (HOOT) Events

If you are seeking information about upcoming Honoring Outstanding Owl
Teachers (HOOT) colloquia, click here and select events indicated as HOOT.

Past Events

Semester/Date Event Event Description
Spring 2020:
Friday, January 31, 2020
Hoot Colloquium: Inherent stigma: A visual history of intellectual disability Abstract: The FAU Department of Special Education invites YOU to Inherent stigma: A visual history of intellectual disability. Our honors-in-the-major program, HOOT, hosts a dynamic telling of the unsettling journey people with intellectual disabilities have endured over the last century. View event flyer here. Register no later than Tuesday, Jan 28.
Spring 2020:
Friday, Feb 28, 2020
Hoot Colloquium: Threat assessment process in Palm Beach County Schools Abstract: In response to recent school shootings the Florida Legislature mandated that school districts develop a process for Threat Assessment and violence prevention for schools. This presentation will review Palm Beach County’s research-based approach from the work of Dr. Dewey Cornell of University of Virginia. View event flyer here. Register no later than Tuesday, Feb 25.
Fall 2019: September 13, 2019 630-8pm COE, Room 119 DESE Colloquia: HOOT Event Twitter, Conferences, Internet, FAU Searchwise….where do you go to enhance your professional knowledge? Abstract: Professionals and professionals in training alike are often told of the importance of continuing professional development during and after the higher education years. However, sometimes it is not clear just how, when, where or why ongoing professional development is needed. This discussion will provide valuable information on how to enhance your professional knowledge, including suggestions on why, where, and how to access and utilize resources to enhance professional knowledge. Come to this session and learn what it means to be a professional! Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, September 10.
Fall 2019: October 11, 2019 630-8pm COE, Room 119 DESE Colloquia: HOOT Event A Five Step Process to Modify a Social Emotional Curriculum for Students with Autism Abstract: Social-emotional learning (SEL) is promoted and sometimes mandated as required content to be taught in schools. There are many curricula (prepared content) available to teach SEL. However, often the content is not tailored for students with disabilities. This poses a challenge for special education teachers and others who are responsible for teaching students with disabilities, especially those with autism and have social-emotional deficits. These students too can benefit from learning social-emotional skills. This presentation will describe a five step process used to adapt a social-emotional curriculum to meet the needs of elementary age students with autism. Participants will solve the dilemma of what do you do when curricula content must be modified to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, October 8.
Fall 2019: November 15, 2019 630-8pm COE, Room 119 DESE Colloquia: HOOT Event Literacy Interventions for Adolescent Students with Disabilities Abstract: It is imperative that literacy is promoted for adolescents with disabilities. As there are unique considerations for promoting literacy development for this population within inclusive and self-contained settings, this session will introduce evidence-based literacy interventions that have been proven effective for adolescent students with disabilities. Participants will gain skills that will allow them to critique practices and how to implement best practices for improving the literacy skills of adolescent students with disabilities. Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, November 12.
Spring 2019: February 15 HOOT Colloquium: The Teacher, Looking Beyond the Classroom Abstract: Teachers have many roles and responsibilities beyond the classroom. Come learn in small group discussions, strategies for family collaboration and parent involvement. Presenters will also discuss ways to stay connected to professional development and leadership in your teaching profession. Learn about to whom and where you can turn to for support.
Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, February 12.
Spring 2019: April 5 HOOT Colloquium: Education for All Abstract: Students with severe cognitive disabilities have attended public schools for decades, but the policies designed to promote their education are riddled with inconsistencies making for a less than effective education. Yet, one of the pillars of public education in the United States (U.S.) is a belief in education for all. Does everyone deserve an education? In this presentation, several issues surrounding education for students with severe cognitive disabilities will be explored: (a) public education values in the United States, (b) knowledge and skills taught in public schools, (c) who is taught in public schools, and (d) viability of special education in public schools designed for students with severe cognitive disability.
Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, April 2.
Fall 2018: Sept. 14 HOOT Colloquium: Portraits of Disability in Cinema

Abstract: This discussion is designed to provoke questions, promote critical thinking, and enrich our perspectives on youth and adults with disabilities. Featuring brief thought-provoking movie clips portraying varied aspects of how disability impacts the human experience (i.e. employment, social behaviors, relationships, and health), this guided discussion will examine how disability is portrayed within the human experience.

Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Wednesday, Sept 12

Event is cancelled
Fall 2018:
Sept. 14
Event is cancelled
HOOT Colloquium:
Research with Children: Learning from Young Brains and Minds
Event is cancelled
Abstract: In this session, participants will learn about historical landmark experiments with children, how these experiments have created the foundation of knowledge on human perception, emotion, learning, and behavior, relevant findings and their implications for interventions in schools and other settings. Further, participants will learn how action research can serve as “mini-experiments” that support children’s success while contributing to our understanding of development and cognition.
Fall 2018:
Oct. 19
HOOT Colloquium:
Increased Screen Time: What are the implications?
Abstract: Does it seem like wherever you go people of all ages are “glued” to their screened devices? Ever wonder if there are long-term implications for such intense exposure to electronic devices with a screen, such as a tablet, computer, or phone? This session will present current research describing and short and long term implications for health and development associated with increased screen time use.
Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, Oct 16
Fall 2018:
Nov. 16
HOOT Colloquium:
Being Tested: The Adventures of Your Friendly Neighborhood School Psychologist
Abstract: Have you ever asked yourself, “What is a school psychologist and what do they do?” In this presentation, you will learn about the role school psychologists play in schools, their clients and how they assist teachers, parents, and students. You will also learn what psychoeducational testing can teach us about children. Further, you will have to opportunity to query a practicing school psychologist and learn about how to become how to become a school psychologist.
Review event Flyer and click here to RSVP by Tuesday, Nov 13
Spring 2018:
February 2, 2018
HOOT Colloquium:
Multi-Presenter Research Presentations
Abstract: This multi-presenter session will provide overview of three research studies conducted by DESE Doctoral candidates. The foci of these studies are (a) teaching safety skills to adults with developmental disabilities, (b) using Zumba to impact the health and fitness of adults with intellectual disabilities, and (c) using literacy based behavioral interventions with young children. In addition to the study overviews, presenters will host a brief Q & A session following. Audience participation is strongly encouraged.
Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by
Tuesday, January 31 (10pm)
Spring 2018:
March 16, 2018
HOOT Colloquium:
Research Poster Presentations
Abstract: Doctoral students and candidates in DESE will present overview of various research projects and presentations originating in the Department of Special Education (DESE). This research will be presented in research poster session format. Attendees will have the opportunity to inquire about various aspects of the research process, including, but not limited to selecting research question, participant selection, data collection method(s), data analysis and reporting.
Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by
Tuesday, March 13 (10pm)
Spring 2018:
April 13, 2018
HOOT Colloquium:
Early Identification in Preschool and School Age Students
Abstract: TBA Review event flyer and click here to RSVP by
Tuesday, April 10 (10pm)
Fall 2017:
Sept. 29, 2017
HOOT Colloquium:
Supporting Social Skills in the Home and Community
Abstract: Participants will learn about social impairments that prevent some children from making and keeping friends. In addition, strategies for supporting friendship building in common social situations outside the school day will be described. Finally, a host of recommendations will be shared for supporting social skill development.
Review event flyer and RSVP by Sept. 26.
Fall 2017:
Oct. 20, 2017
HOOT Colloquium:
Promoting an Effective Learning Environment through Behavioral Interventions for Students Pre K-Grade 12
Abstract: In this presentation, participants will learn strategies on how to create an effective learning environment, as well as, identify ways to further enhance student-teacher relationships through behavioral interventions.
Review event flyer and RSVP by Oct. 17.
Fall 2017:
Nov. 3, 2017
HOOT Colloquium:
Early Intervention: Identifying Red Flags and Implementing Strategies
Abstract: In this session, "red flag" behaviors that signal potential developmental delays in young children will be identified through individual and whole group activities. Effective strategies and resources will be shared that can help young children work towards or meet their developmental milestones. Review event flyer and RSVP by Oct 31.
Spring 2017 - 1/27/2016 HOOT Colloquium: Portraits of Disability in Cinema Abstract: In this session, representations of ‘disability’ will be presented through movie clips.   The intent is to encourage critical thinking and discussion about the disability experience and what popular media may or may not reveal about this experience.  Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event. 
Spring 2017 - 2/10/2017 HOOT Colloquium: Getting people with disabilities employed: Ten tips for educators Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to describe and discuss recommendations that educators can use in the classroom to: (a) assess student abilities, (b) teach employment skills, (c) promote generalization of employment skills across settings, and (d) monitor student progress. Finally, this session will include a discussion on creating, teaching, and generalizing skills related to a job task. Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event. 
Spring 2017 - 3/31/2017 HOOT Colloquium:
Cognitive Tools for the Classroom: Implementing Strategies for Students with Diverse Learning Needs
Abstract: This presentation features an overview of reading, writing, study, and organization strategies. Instructional models used to teach each strategy, including where, when and how students can use the strategies will be described. Finally, participants will learn how to apply the rules of strategy development. Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event.
Fall 2016 Friday, Nov. 14 HOOT Colloquium: Speech and language impairments in the classroom: Tips and tools for teachers Abstract: The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of typical speech and language deficits seen in the school-aged population and discuss strategies to support communication and academic success in the general education classroom. This session will present common speech and language disorders and tips and tools for participants to avoid common pitfalls that impact learning and derail successful interaction within the classroom. Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event.
Fall 2016 Friday, Nov. 4 HOOT Colloquium: From Benefactor to Contributor: Becoming an Active Member of Society Through Volunteering." Abstract: In this session, participants will learn how to teach individuals with disabilities how to identify appropriate volunteering activities and how these opportunities can help people with disabilities to grow and become active members of society. Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event.
Fall 2016 Monday, Oct. 24 HOOT Colloquium: Preparing students with developmental disabilities for post-secondary education Abstract: Attending this session will allow teachers and other personnel to learn about how to prepare students with developmental disabilities for post-secondary education as well as other post-high school options by promoting independence and self-determination in their curriculum. Click here to see the full flyer for this event and to obtain information on how to RSVP to attend this event.
Fall 2015
October 16, 2015
HOOT Colloquium: Individuals with disabilities & assistive technology: Impact beyond the classroom Abstract: The session focus on the IDEA 2004 requirement for Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams to consider AT for students with disabilities and the consideration of appropriate equipment and teacher training. Additionally, the ensuing discussion addressed the benefits and challenges of using AT for individuals with disabilities in society. This event was led by Kalynn Hall and held in Parliament Hall, FAU, Boca
Spring 2015
March 20, 2015
HOOT Colloquium: Myth Busters: Wacky Treatments in Special Education Abstract: This colloquium will featured a discussion of treatments used to ‘cure’ children and adults with disabilities. This event was led by Charles Dukes and held in Parliament Hall, FAU, Boca
Spring 2015
February 18, 2015
HOOT Colloquium: When can we trust what we hear? Separating the good from the bad in education. Abstract: This colloquium featured a discussion of techniques that can help separate the good from the bad claims in education. This event was led by Noelle Balsamo and held in College of Education, FAU, Boca
Fall 2014
November 14, 2014
HOOT Colloquium: Communication for Individuals with ASD Abstract: This colloquium featured brief clips from a thought-provoking documentary highlighting the debate about facilitated communication. Discussion was facilitated by the presenters. This event was led by Christine Honsberger and Jazarae McCormick and held in College of Education, FAU, Boca
Fall 2014
October 17, 2014
HOOT Colloquium: Portraits of Disability in Cinema Abstract: Featuring brief thought-provoking movie clips portraying varied aspects of how disability impacts the human experience, presenters promoted discussion and critical thinking based on these representations. This event was led by Charles Dukes and Sharon Darling and held in College of Education, FAU, Boca
Spring 2014
April 18, 2014
HOOT Colloquium: Nature and Needs of Students with Autism Abstract: Highlighting the newest findings in etiology, prevalence, characteristics, and supports/strategies, this colloquium conveyed the nature and needs of children with ASD. This event was led by Jennifer Sanderson and held in Parliament Hall, FAU, Boca
Spring 2014
February 7, 2014
HOOT Colloquium: Reading and Understanding Research Colloquium This presentation was intended to help undergraduate education majors who read journal articles and other types of primary research to understand and use the information. The presenters explored essential concepts, such as internal and external validity, reliability, fidelity of treatment, and generalizability and discuss the essential components of carefully designed studies. This event was led by Elisa Cruz-Torres and Elena McLaughlin and held in Parliament Hall, FAU, Boca
Fall 2013
(November 12, 2013)
Colloquium: Implementing the Core Curriculum for Students with Disabilities This colloquium will provide an overview and basic facts about the Common Core Curriculum Standards (CCCS), review of the current literature, and recommendations and considerations for implementation with students with different needs, including students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities. It will be led by Jessica Cadette and Jazarae McCormick, doctoral students in ESE. This event will take place in Boca on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, 5:30-7:00pm, location TBA
Fall 2013
(September 26, 2013)
Colloquium: Reading and Understanding Research This colloquium will introduce students to different research designs common to the educational field and offer practical strategies that can be used to judge the soundness of empirical studies. This will be led by Elisa Cruz-Torres, M.Ed., BCBA & Elena McLaughlin, M.Ed., Doctoral Students in the Department of ESE and will take place Thursday, September 26, 2013 on three campuses.
Spring 2013 Reading Circle: Voices From the Outside: Perspectives on Leadership from the Disability Civil Rights Movement. This Reading Circle, led by Drs. Dukes and Darling, was conducted over the course of Spring 2013 semester. It is intended to assist students in understanding the importance of political, social, and economic leadership through the lens of the disability rights movement.
Summer 2013 Portraits of Disability in Cinema

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Featuring brief thought-provoking movie clips portraying varied aspects of how disability impacts the human experience (i.e. employment, social behaviors, relationships, and health), a guided discussion, led by Jennifer Agganis, M.S., BCBA, and Elena Webb, M.Ed, doctoral students in the department of ESE, examined how disability is portrayed within the human experience. This event was held Thursday, May 23, 2013, 6:30-8:00pm in room 119 COE/Boca.
Monday, March 18, 2013 Brown Bag: Topic Let's Talk About Research in Special Education: A Taste of Inquiry

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This colloquium was presented by Jazarae Kirchdorfer, M.S.Ed. and M.S., a doctoral student in the Department of Special Education (FAU). The event was held 12:45-2:00 p.m. on the Boca Campus; room 464 COE.
Thursday, January 31, 2013 Colloquium: Reaching Every Learner: Strategies to Make Content Accessible

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This colloquium was presented by Jessica Cadette, M.Ed., a doctoral student in the Department of Special Education (FAU). The event was held 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the Davie Campus. ES 119.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Colloquium: Issues that Impact Individuals with Disabilities And Community Supports Beyond the Classroom This colloquium featured presentations from representatives from community resource agencies for children and families with disabilities across the lifespan. The event was held 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the COE, Boca.
Spring 2012 (April 20, 2012) Serving the Next Generation of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Colloquium)

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This colloquium featured presentations from three doctoral students in the Department whose research foci are on education/ programming for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Fall 2011 Voices From the Outside: Perspectives on Leadership from the Disability Civil Rights Movement (Reading Circle) This Reading Circle, led by Drs. Dukes and Darling, conducted over the course of Fall 2011, was intended to assist students in understanding the importance of political, social, and economic leadership through the lens of the disability rights movement.