Kent State will host the first Badar-Kauffman Conference on Contemporary Issues in Special Education this April.

The conference lasts from April 13 to 14 and will feature experts in special education from around the country, as well as workshop sessions.

Nathan Stevenson, assistant professor of lifespan, development and education sciences, played a major role in organizing the conference.

“This is an event we’re hoping is a source of debate and a place where people can ask some difficult questions,” Stevenson said. “It’s not just an event where you go to listen to people talk for hours.”

Thursday’s portion of the conference will take place in the Center for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, while Friday’s will take place in the Student Center Ballroom Balcony.

The cost for students is $25, although Stevenson said they’ve been receiving donations from people to sponsor a student’s attendance.

“We’re drawing speakers from around the country who have very close friends in educational research nationwide, so people who can’t attend can also pay for a students attendance on their behalf,” Stevenson said. “We’ve gotten donations from as far away as Arizona.”

The theme of the event is “Multi-Tiered Systems of Support,” and will include topics relating to learning disabilities and prevention services, as well as academic and behavioral needs for students with special needs.

“Hopefully this conference will be a source of debate, brainstorming and discussion,” Stevenson said.

Caelin Mills is the student politics reporter, contact her at [email protected].