ATHENS, Ohio -- Scott Sparks, professor of teacher education in Ohio University's College of Education, has been named the first field-based program chair for the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) Annual Convention and Expo. In this capacity, Sparks will have the lead role in developing programming for some of the association's upcoming conventions.

"The significance of this position is that I will have direct and final say on the annual programs offered by CEC in New Orleans in 2004 and Baltimore in 2005," Sparks said. "Since CEC is the largest professional organization in special education in the world, having responsibility for its program content has far reaching consequences."

The CEC works to advance the educational success of students who are gifted and/or talented and those with disabilities. The organization also provides support to educators, administrators and support personnel who work with these students. The CEC, which is based in Arlington, Va., has 50,000 members worldwide.

Sparks, who teaches early childhood special education, technology and introductory classes at Ohio University, has been active in assisting students with special needs and their parents. He helped spearhead the organization of the Special Education Parent Advocacy Network and served as a consultant to the National Indian School Board Association. For the past several years, he has worked to develop special and general education programs in more than a dozen Native American tribal schools.