Webcast Details

A successful predictor for improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities includes collaborative relationships between school, home, and community partners (Test et al., 2009).  Intergroup dialogue (IGD) is an educational approach that engages participants from two or more social identity groups in learning about social identities, social inequalities, and social change through in-depth conversations over a sustained period of time (Gurin et al., 2013).  This webcast will provide an overview of the process and effective strategies to elevate professional dialogues to increase collaboration and successful post-school outcomes. 

Attendees will:  

• Understand the definition and role of Intergroup Dialogue (IGD)  
• Learn about the Four Stages of the Intergroup Dialogue process 
• Learn about dialogic listening and speaking techniques
• Plan practical ways to embed (IGD) principles within collaborative discussions about transition  

Presenter(s) bio:
 
Stephanie Lau is a Transition Training associate with over 10 years of experience in vocational rehabilitation and transition for students with disabilities. She received her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and also holds a Bachelors from The College of William and Mary, and a Master in Arts and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. In 2021, she became a trained Intergroup Dialogue facilitator through VCU’s School of Education.

Tonya Gokita is a Secondary Transition Associate who is passionate about career development and school-to-work transition.  She received her Master’s degree in Special Education from the College of William and Mary and has taught secondary students with disabilities in both Virginia and Japan.  With over 15 years of experience, Tonya has served as a classroom teacher, department chair, and most recently as district transition specialist.  She enjoys empowering students, their families, and the educators and community partners who work so hard to support them.