Throughout their lives, all people, including those with special needs (and their families) have to go through a number of transitions. A number of these are centred on schooling:

• Pre-school to Primary to Secondary to post-school options
• Others face transitions between schools and between states and systems

How can we, as educators, best help in these (and other) transitions? What is proven practice? What has been successful? What has not been successful? What else needs to be done? What will need to be included in a National Curriculum to assist in transitions for students with special needs?

All of this and so much more is encapsulated in the conference theme: transitions: Facilitating Change for Students with Special Needs.

The Australian Joint Council of Professional Teaching Associations and the Department of Science, Education and Training are providing an additional stream to the conference with the incorporation of Values Education. The programme will provide specific information on numeracy, mathematics in special education, programs for students with autism, quality curriculum for students with diverse learning needs, as well as values education.

This is a perfect time to look at the practical experience and research expertise that surrounds us, both locally and globally, and to engage in a dynamic and stimulating conversation regarding the “commonality of difference”, and the needs of all students in our classrooms.