Where in the world did 2014 go? It seems like just yesterday we were writing to let you know about the first ever Special Needs focus sessions at KMEA. The response to those sessions last year was phenomenal and we are excited to announce this year's sessions. We hope everyone had a relaxing break with families and is ready to kick off KMEA 2015!

If you missed Scott Iseminger's two sessions last year, you missed some great information. Scott is back again this year for an encore presentation of "Make Awesome Happen: Special Learners in the Music Classroom." This session will give you tons to think about and great ideas for working with special learners in your classroom. This is not just for general music teachers. Choir, band, and orchestra teachers will definitely get great information from this session as well.

Scott's second session will cover behavior challenges in the music classroom, especially in the inclusive classroom. How can we as teachers set all students up for success in our classrooms? We have all faced behavior challenges at some point in our careers and this session will give you some strategies to better work through those situations. Look for the session "Behavior Challenges in the Music Classroom: Plan for Success" in your In-Service Workshop agenda.

Dr. Elaine Bernstorf from Wichita State, Dory Jones from Maize Middle School, and Gayla Kobilalka from Southwest Missouri State will tackle the topic of assessments in music for all levels of learners. Learn how to integrate literacy with the new core music standards. If "The Music and Literacy Connection" is a reference book on your bookshelf, then you will not want to miss this session, "Convergent, Parallel, and Layered: Designing Core Arts Assessments for Divergent Learners."

Do you have questions about working with special learners in your classroom? Your KMEA Special Needs co-chairs and guests will be hosting a roundtable session to answer your questions. Bring your questions and also bring your tips and what has worked for you to share with those in attendance. We want to hear about all the great work going on in Kansas classrooms!