Harris returns to China to deliver keynote address
COE’s Kymberly Harris, Ph.D. pictured with Meng Deng, Ph.D., professor at Beijing Normal University and director for the Research Center for Inclusive Education.
On July 2-7, College of Education associate professor Kymberly Harris, Ph.D. delivered a keynote address to special education professionals in Beijing, China.
This is Harris’ second trip to China this year. She traveled to Xiamen in January to present to over 500 special education teachers and administrators.
On her most recent trip to China, Harris spoke at the 2017 Haidian International Conference on Inclusive Education. Her keynote address discussed on the principles of differentiated instruction in successful inclusion of diverse learners. The conference was co-hosted by the Haiden Institute for Special Education and the Research Center for Inclusive Education of Beijing Normal University.
“It was a great experience presenting to special education teachers,” said Harris. “The teachers I met are dedicated advocates for their students and promote equity in educational experiences for students with disabilities.”
While in Beijing, Harris met with the University of Sydney clinical instructor Cathy Little, Ph.D. to discuss the Georgia Department of Education’s initiative of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a proactive approach to establishing the behavior supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success.
“Dr. Little and I discussed the implications of PBIS on the educational system of China for further comparative research,” explained Harris. “This is one of my primary research interests.”
Harris added that since having been to China a total of three times now, she is forming relationships with many local educators and researchers.
“I consider many of the faculty and students there to be colleagues and friends,” she said. “I look forward to the interesting research and collaborative projects that will arise from my opportunities to visit and speak in China.”
Harris has already collaborated on research projects with colleague and professor at Beijing Normal University, Meng Deng, Ph.D. Deng also serves as the Director for the Research Center for Inclusive Education.
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