2004: 54TH CONFERENCE
ON EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

INVITATION

Message from Mary N. Watson, Directory Exceptional Children Division

Welcome!

The Exceptional Children Division is honored to welcome you to the 54th Conference on Exceptional Children. The conference is an event we look forward to each year. It represents 12 months of diligent and detailed work. We enjoy planning and hosting the conference, ansd we want you to consider it your conference.

Making the Promise a Reality is this year's conference theme. Many themes were considered. As we reflected on major events of this year, two events stood out: the 50th anniversary of Brown v Board of Education and the 30th anniversary of North Carolina's first comprehensive exceptional children legislation. Brown v Board of Education and the NC legislation gave promise and hope that have become the foundation for today's services for children with disabilities and children with academic and intellectual gifts. Together, we have come a long way. Although there is much to do, the future is bright. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to make certain that the promise is made a reality for all children and their families.

Enjoy the conference. Attend the many sessions. Renew old acquaintances. Make new friends. Browse the exhibits. Plan to return home with renewed vigor and fresh ideas. Let us know what you liked and didn't like, and make suggestions for the 55th Conference to be held in Greensboro on November 7-9, 2005.