The Australian Association of Special Education 2005 National Conference: Des English Memorial Lecture Special Education, Evidence-Based Practices and Policies: Re-think? Re-butt? Re-make? Re-value? Respond

Abstract

It is an honour to be invited to present the Des English Memorial Lecture at the 30th Annual National Conference of the Australian Association of Special Education (AASE) in 2005. Des English was the first President of this Association. Much of what he stood for was embedded in a respect for the abilities of students with special needs and his desire to ensure that these students had the best opportunities to learn. He was deeply committed to the belief that a professional organization such as the Australian Association of Special Education was needed to develop teachers and administrators who were knowledgeable and skilled, and he worked tirelessly to establish this Association, continuing to work with energy towards the goal of enhancing the education of students with special needs through the professional development of their teachers until his death in 1977.