EducationTimes UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Magazine Fall-Winter 2006
Centennial Celebration 1906-2006 Hilton Bayfront Hotel November 2-4, 2006 College of Education St. Petersburg, Florida
Overview Marilyn Cochran- Smith Successful efforts for Closing the Achievement Gap require the collaboration of policy makers, educators, health care providers, families and community groups. Schools cannot close this gap alone. As we focus on the cognitive skills of literacy and numeracy, so too should we focus on non-cognitive issues surrounding the growth and education of children, such as Ronald health, housing, family and early-childhood Blocker preparation. In commemoration of its research, teaching and community outreach focused on children’s achievement, the College of Education announces this MaryEllen conference as the culminating event of Elia its year-long centennial celebration.
Participants Richard Educational policy makers and Rothstein administrators, teacher educators, educational researchers, economists, mental health care and social science professionals, educators, school James counselors and psychologists. McCalister
For more information visit www.doce-conferences.ufl.edu/gap
Etta Hollins
Heather Weiss up front
Centennial edition celebrates rich heritage, prompts pondering of future challenges
The long awaited Centennial edition of Education Times is finally out, and I think most readers will find it well worth waiting for. The inclusion of the “College of Education: Our First Century” insert is a wonderful guide to the rich array of accomplishments, achievements and highlights this college has experienced over the last 100 years. Even after serving as dean for four years now, I am still amazed to see the wealth of talent evident in all the faculty and student research projects and grants currently underway, the number of awards given, and significant honors received during the past year. Equally impressive is the generous support we have received from our alumni and former faculty, especially when this support is linked to advancing one key mission of the college to engage in scholarship that benefits the public good. The magnificent gift pledged by William and Robbie Hedges (see page 6) to support research on “slow learners” is an excel- lent example of the creative synergy that can be developed between a donor and the college, with mutual benefit to both. As a guest columnist, Dr. Hedges talks about his commitment to learning and how he hopes gifts like theirs can make a difference in the lives of students whose abilities are often overlooked. As we wind down this centennial year, the culminating event will be a national conference Nov. 2-4 in St. Petersburg. The theme of the conference is “Closing the Achievement Gap through Partnerships,” and it highlights the broad array of scholarship in our college, across campus, and by faculty and stu- dents at other state and national universities intended to address one of the most critical challenges facing this nation — ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to learn and achieve their best. This topic takes on added urgency given recent national data that show the income gap between those well-off and our poorest citizens is widening at an alarming rate, especially among our most diverse learners. In both urban and rural areas, parents and teachers struggle to find the resources to ensure these students have what they need to become successful learners. The College of Education is deeply committed to working closely with concerned citizens, families, schools, communities, business leaders and state legislators to create successful outcomes for these children, who will in turn emerge as the next generation of leaders. As the College begins its next century, this may be the most important legacy we leave behind.
Catherine Emihovich Dean nXjeËkcfe^X^fk_Xk;lmXc
New dean’s staff aims high as college reaches century mark P.K. Yonge chorus performs in Carnegie Hall Yonge P.K. Times/ Ed As the UF College of Education celebrates Emihovich, UF’s education dean since 2002, An invitation to perform in prestigious Carnegie Hall would thrill just about th its 100 year of preparing teachers, counselors, has been assembling a staff she thinks can help any well-known musician. Imagine the excitement to be asked to sing on the world- Special to school administrators and other educators for their the college develop nationally reputed academic renowned stage as a high school student from Gainesville, Fla. life’s work, several new academic leaders and top programs and attract eminent faculty and top This spring, members of instructor Sherwin Mackintosh’s vocal ensemble at administrators are on hand to help Dean Catherine students worldwide. Her new “cabinet” includes a P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School joined other choruses from through- Emihovich guide the college’s efforts to reach the new associate dean for research, two new academic out North America in the world premier of Paul Basler’s Missa brevis at New York’s top tier of American education schools. department chairs, and new directors for programs Carnegie Hall. P.K. Yonge is the laboratory school of the UF College of Education. The college, which held its first classes in 1906, in graduate studies and a novel university-schools The students traveled to New York City in early May to spend five days and four currently ranks 35th in the U.S. News and World alliance. nights rehearsing for the performance, which was conducted by Russell Robinson, Report rankings of the nation’s top graduate educa- Here are brief profiles of five new College of UF professor of music, and accompanied by the New England Symphonic Ensem- nd ble. The chorus worked on several fund-raising activities to help cover trip expenses. tion schools — 22 among public education schools Education leaders appointed during 2005-06: P.K. Yonge chorus members rehearsed long and hard of the elite Association of American Universities. for their triumphant gig last spring at Carnegie Hall.
New Associate Dean New Chairs New Academic Directors
Even the sky is no limit for PKY science students Third- through fifth-grade science classes at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research Paul Sindelar Linda Serra Hagedorn Mark Shermis Thomasenia Adams Bernard Oliver School, UF’s nearby labora- Professor and Associate Professor and Chair, Dept. of Associate Professor and Chair, Associate Professor and Director, Professor and Director, UF Alliance tory school, have a hotline to Dean for Research Educational Administration and Policy Dept. of Educational Psychology Office of Graduate Studies the national space agency that’s opening a new frontier of space Sindelar assumes the new post of as- Hagedorn is the former associate direc- Mark Shermis, professor in educational Adams, associate professor and former Oliver, a veteran university and public study for the students. sociate dean for research after five years tor of the Center for Higher Education and psychological studies and associate graduate coordinator in teaching and schools administrator and a scholar in The students are participat- as co-director of the Center on Personnel Policy Analysis at the Rossier School of dean of research at Florida Interna- learning, is the founding director of the urban and multicultural education, is the ing in a NASA-sponsored “Sky Studies in Special Education (COPSSE). Education at the University of South- tional University, is the newest appointee, new Office of Graduate Studies in educa- new head of the UF Alliance, a school-im- Calls” education program in He and his new Office of Education ern California, and also co-directed the becoming chair of UF’s Department of tion. She works closely with the associate provement partnership involving UF and which, once their parents sign Higher Education/Community College Research staff support college faculty in Educational Psychology this July. He is dean for research, department chairs, six under-resourced urban high schools a permission form, they receive Leadership concentration of the Ed.D. their efforts to obtain external funding for a licensed psychologist in several states, graduate coordinators, faculty and staff to across Florida. He most recently was as- a telephone reminder to go research and training initiatives. Sindelar program. She has written numerous including Florida. enhance the quality of graduate teaching sistant superintendent for high school edu- outside and look up whenever previously headed the college’s Center articles on community college student His research interests are in the and research in the college. She also assists cation in the Virginia Beach City Public something interesting in the for School Improvement for five years success, equity issues and college retention intersection of measurement and technol- in recruiting and mentoring strong gradu- Schools. Oliver also has held faculty and and was chair of special education from of underrepresented student groups, and ogy. He has been involved in studies on ate students as the college heightens its administrative posts at several universities, solar system is happening. Stu- 1988-1996. In his 17-year UF career, he is the vice president of the postsecondary automated essay scoring for the past eight emphasis on graduate education. including the Ewing Kauffman endowed dents conceivably could observe has brought into the College of Education education division of the American Edu- years and co-edited a book on that topic “One of my primary goals is to chair at the University of Missouri-Kansas anything from a meteor shower more than $11 million in external funding. cational Research Association (AERA). in 2003. Shermis is currently working on promote graduate education so we grow City, and dean and professor at Washing- or highly visible constellation to “Improving the research culture is a “Our department has changed its a textbook entitled Classroom and School with the overall university goal to increase ton State University. an earth-buzzing asteroid or a high priority,” Sindelar said, “and every- name to Educational Administration Assessment: Instruction, Curriculum, and Policy. graduate enrollment,” Adams said. “We lunar eclipse. one here understands the importance and Policy, so the new name and the He has a Ph.D. in educational psychology are looking to improve every facet of of bringing in external funding for the new chair will usher in many changes,” from the University of Michigan. graduate education in the college.” research. My job is to put the infrastruc- Hagedorn said. ture in place to move the college forward on both fronts.”
| Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | news New master’s program stresses Couple donates nearly $2 million to help marginal learners in school special-ed reading instruction By Larry Lansford By Chan Tran Throughout their teaching careers that began after The gift from the retired Gainesville couple was Student-intern writer World War II, William and Robbie Hedges noticed how made in the form of a charitable remainder trust that News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF With $800,000 in new funding from the Florida Department of Education, little help was available for normal but slightly slower- establishes The William D. and Robbie F. Hedges the UF College of Education is launching a program to help middle and high learning students at their schools. Now, the Hedges are Research Fund. The Hedgeses funded the trust through school teachers earn a master’s degree in special education and boost expertise in committing nearly $2 million to the UF College of Edu- the sale of family-owned real estate. The trust will sup- literacy instruction, especially for students with reading and learning disabilities. cation to help marginal students in modern-day schools port sorely needed studies to develop better teaching Project PRESS, Preparing Reading Endorsed Secondary Special Educa- get the extra attention they need. methods and curriculum materials for students who fall tors, will provide practicing middle and high school teachers the opportunity to Their $1.93 million contribution is the second largest behind, become discouraged and tend to drop out of pursue a master’s degree in special education with coursework that could lead ever made to the college. school before graduation. UF President Bernie Machen, left, and Education Dean Catherine Emihovich, right, pose with Robbie and to a reading endorsement by the state. Professor Mary Brownell and Assistant “We’ve seen a lot of federal dollars come down the William Hedges. Scholar Anne Bishop, both from the Department of Special Education, and pike for mentally challenged and gifted student pro- Associate Professor Zhihui Fang, of the college’s School of Teaching and Learn- grams, and the average students tend to get along just ing, are the principal investigators. fine. However, about one in seven are nice, normal kids, He soon complemented his bachelor’s degree The project will recruit secondary teachers mainly from the 13 school dis- but they are marginal learners. I call them invisible kids in electrical engineering from the University of tricts in Northeast Florida. Two groups of 20 teachers from culturally and lin- because they’ve fallen through the cracks and don’t get Oklahoma with master’s and doctorate degrees in guistically diverse backgrounds will participate on a two-year cycle. The teachers the attention they need to learn,” said William (Bill) education from Peabody College of Vanderbilt Uni- will complete 36 hours of course credits and related on-the-job experiences that Hedges, who spent the final 20 years of his half-century versity. He served as principal of three high schools lead to a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in reading. KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF teaching career on the UF education faculty until retir- and was a teacher-education adviser to South Korea “There has been a huge shortage of special education teachers for more than ing as professor emeritus in 1991. “We hope in some after the Korean War. He was a member of the 30 years, especially those with reading expertise,” Brownell said. small way to generate more attention and research that education faculties at the universities of Virginia and Project PRESS features evidence-based teaching methods in both special yields a more pleasant and productive experience for Missouri before serving as chairman of childhood education and reading education. It will help contribute to the supply of highly this frequently overlooked and neglected segment of education at UF from 1971-75. Except for a year as qualified middle and high school special education teachers and ensure that our school population.” a Fulbright Lecturer at Chungnam National Uni- teachers have the skills and knowledge to meet the academic literacy needs of For the Hedgeses, the trust guarantees them an im- versity in Taejon, South Korea in 1986-87, his final students with learning disabilities and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. mediate estate tax deduction and lifelong security with 15 years at UF were in the college’s department of “Many special education teachers are prepared broadly, and we found that an annual income for them and their two grown sons. education leadership. He authored more than 150 they were not sufficiently prepared to meet the literacy needs of their students,” After their deaths, the remainder of the trust will pass articles and three books. Brownell said. “We are tightening up the type of preparation teachers typically to the UF education college. Robbie Hedges received her bachelor’s in his- receive to create a heavier focus on literacy for adolescents.” “At each school we taught, Bill and I had some really tory in 1946 from Northeastern State College in fine young people in our classes who had fallen just a Tahlequah, Okla., and did graduate studies in edu- little behind the learning curve,” said Robbie Hedges, cation at Missouri and Virginia. She taught at high who gave up teaching to raise their two sons and work schools in Arkansas and Kansas and was a cultural as a volunteer for the Shands at UF medical center enrichment teacher for the St. Louis City Schools auxiliary after they moved to Gainesville in 1971 for her before moving to Florida. husband’s new UF faculty appointment. “In the smaller “This gift is a wonderful testament to the Hedges’ schools we could do a great deal of individual work belief that all children need specialized attention to with the students and help them. But our schools have their learning needs if they are to succeed in school kept getting larger and those marginal learners tend to
and society,” said Catherine Emihovich, dean of the News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF be overlooked.” College of Education. “Their contribution will fund Bill and Robbie Hedges are former high school research that can make a significant difference in teachers. Bill, a World War II veteran, taught math and these children’s lives. I also appreciate the Hedges’ science while Robbie taught history and business educa- strong commitment to helping the College of Edu- tion. They met and started dating in 1948 while both cation become nationally known for addressing the were teaching in North Arkansas. “We had nine dates needs of at-risk learners.” over two months and got married. We knew right away it was meant to be,” Bill said. Please see our Viewpoint column on page 16, where guest Donation by William and Robbie Hedges, above, was the second largest gift ever made columnist William Hedges shares his views on how the “No to the College of Education. Child Left Behind” legislation is affecting marginal learners. Teachers who complete UF’s new master’s program in special-ed reading instruction will have the skills and knowledge to meet the academic literacy | Fall-Winter 2006 needs of all schoolchildren. EducationTimes | news from 49 UF academic departments involved in Science For Science for Life Life. COE faculty also will be able to compete for at least Gov. Bush enlists UF Lastinger 25 HHMI term professorships (committed to mentoring Center for family literacy study College will play a leading role in UF’s Education Dean Catherine Emihovich, who will lead undergraduate students in research and science), each worth $4 million science education initiative a teaching mentorship program for postdoctoral research $10,000 over a two-year period. The team of literacy experts that Gov. Jeb Bush has as- fellows funded by the Hughes award, said the overarching Tom Dana, chair of the college’s School of Teaching and sembled for his initiative to help Florida children and their theme of Science For Life is to recruit and support future Learning, sits on the program’s campuswide faculty advisory parents improve their reading skills has a new player — the By Larry Lansford scientists, but it’s not the only objective. board. UF Lastinger Center for Learning. olstered by a $1.5 million grant from the Howard “Science For Life will strengthen the science base for Troy Sadler, assistant professor in teaching and learning, The Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative has enlisted the Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the College of society and the next generation of voters who will be will lead some of the science education initiatives and help Lastinger Center, part of the UF BEducation will team with nearly 50 UF academic determining pressing societal issues requiring a sound develop the curriculum aimed at effecting a fundamental College of Education, to evalu- departments in 10 colleges in an ambitious effort to close background in science and math, such as cloning and stem change in the teaching of the life sciences to undergradu- ate two of the program’s most the critical gap in science education, starting with UF’s cell research,” Emihovich said. “More and more, biologi- ates at UF. He also will develop a new graduate level course effective family-literacy pro- own student body. cal discoveries are emerging from interactions with other in College Science Teaching and Mentoring, specifically grams. Holly Lane, UF associate With the university and other sources contributing more disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics and computer designed for students pursuing graduate degrees in the sci- professor in special education, than $2 million in matching funds, the total investment in the science, but undergraduate biology education is having a ences. The course will be taught by COE faculty from the and her doctoral student Tyran Science For Life initiative will approach nearly $4 million. hard time keeping up.” science education program and cross-listed in life sciences Wright, have been visiting the Plans call for creating a new interdisciplinary science teach- The university will use the grant money to create the programs. sites regularly over the past year, News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF ing laboratory, undergraduate opportunities for authentic HHMI Undergraduate Core Laboratory at UF’s Health A new science education minor program also will be making first-hand observations research experiences and several innovative new courses. Science Center. The 2,000-square-foot facility will be devot- developed to help resolve the critical shortage of qualified to pinpoint exactly what they “The HHMI award will bring together early under- ed to cross-disciplinary teaching and laboratory work. Fu- science teachers. are doing that makes them so graduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and ture plans call for building another core lab in the College “The science-ed minor program represents a new model effective. The knowledge they faculty members campuswide to teach and learn from of Education’s Norman Hall for the teaching component. for science teacher preparation at UF. We hope to promote gain will help them develop a each other in a way no other facility in the state does now,” UF hopes to fund 70 to 100 freshman research awards science teaching as a viable and exciting profession to some model for family literacy pro- said Randy Duran, the grant’s lead researcher and an as- annually. An extramural program will send more expe- of UF’s most talented students,” Sadler said. “Even students grams across the state based on sociate professor of chemistry in UF’s College of Liberal rienced undergraduates to Scripps Florida biomedical who choose not to become classroom teachers will become those best teaching practices. Arts and Sciences. “UF has a very talented freshman class, research institute in Jupiter and some of the outstanding better prepared to assume their de facto roles as science The two “best-practice” pilot The Family Literacy Initiative is one of several UF literacy education programs. and we want to make stimulating opportunities available to life science labs in Europe to further their education. educators.” sites for the study are in Above, a UF teaching student intern these students.” Education faculty will be among some 150 faculty Linda Behar-Horenstein and Luis Ponjuan, both COE Apopka, near Orlando, and reads with a first-grader at the P.K. Yonge faculty members in educational administration and policy, Immokalee in Collier County in K-12 laboratory school. Science-education Assistant Professor Troy Sadler, right, teaching in his class on integrating math and science, will evaluate the effectiveness of each HHMI program south Florida, considered two of will help promote science teaching as an exciting profession to some of UF’s most talented students. component and disseminate their findings at national and the most successful family literacy programs in the state. international conferences and in professional journals and “A key part of our involvement in Gov. Bush’s literacy digital libraries. initiative is our traditional focus on involving the family in the An outreach component, called Science For Life Alli- child’s learning experience,” said Don Pemberton, director of ance, reaches out into the high schools and middle schools to the Lastinger Center. “We all want to make literacy a family engage and prepare future science majors and to strengthen value in their communities.” science teaching through professional development activities Bush and a cadre of Florida literacy experts launched the with their teachers. The program builds on the College of Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative in 1999 to help parents
KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF Education’s existing partnerships — through its UF Alli- become better qualified to succeed in the workforce, while ance program — with underserved inner-city high schools helping their children become better prepared for school. in Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami and will include annual, More than half of the participants in the statewide program weeklong summer institutes for participating teachers. speak a language other than English as their primary lan- UF Science For Life faculty are working with the biotech guage, and only one in every four participating parents speak industry to update UF Alliance school science laboratories, English in their homes. and curricular materials developed by the partnering UF “The Lastinger Center brings credible experience to the Alliance teachers will be disseminated through the Florida literacy initiative in the special development of teachers,” said Association of Science Teachers and other meetings. Liza McFadden, president of the Tallahassee-based Volunteer The Howard Hughes Medical Institute — the nation’s Florida Foundation, which manages the Governor’s Family largest private supporter of science education — awarded Literacy Initiative. “We not only need to look at the best teach- grants to 50 universities totaling $86.4 million. UF is one of ing practices between teachers and children, but we need to six universities to receive the grant for the first time out of get our teachers talking to each other to improve the literacy 160 applications. of entire families.” | Fall-Winter 20062006 EducationTimes | news University recognizes state’s Sherry McIlwain, Lake County, has been a teacher, Congratulations to Class of 2006! dean, assistant principal and, for the past nine years, prin- distinguished educators cipal of Seminole Springs Elementary School. Hers is the only school in Lake County to earn a state grade of “A” for Centennial year graduates Five teachers, principals and administrators from public the past six years. are in class all their own school districts throughout the state were honored by the LuAnne F. Williams, Baker County, is principal University of Florida as Distinguished Educators at the of Macclenny Elementary School. After completing her Every graduating class forges its own College of Education’s spring 2006 commencement. undergraduate studies in early childhood education at UF, legacy, but the College of Education The five honorees were each chosen by their districts she taught kindergarten at Macclenny for 12 years before Class of 2006 holds a special place in to represent their counties for this twice-yearly award to promotions to assistant principal and her current post as the history of both the university and recognize outstanding building-level educators for their principal. the college. Photos by LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes commitment to the profession. Receiving the honor at UF’s fall 2005 commencement With the spring 2006 graduation cer- The 2006 Distinguished Educators are: program were: emonies, UF marked 100 years of com- Julia Burnett, Highlands County, is a literacy cur- mencements. This year, the College of Mindy Marie Myers, Collier County, a first-grade riculum resource teacher at Lake Placid Middle School. She Education also celebrates 100 years of teacher at Avalon Elementary School; was the 2005 Highlands County Teacher of the Year and preparing teachers, counselors, admin- Kelly Tyler, Citrus County, principal of Lecanto High was the first National Board Certified teacher at Lake Placid. istrators, college professors and school School; Lynn Carrier, Miami-Dade County Public Schools psychologists for roles in education. Rosemarie Shaeffer, Hernando County, a pro- Teacher of the Year for 2007, teaches in a third-grade inclu- It was May 30, 1906, when members gram staffing specialist for the Hernando County School sion classroom at Gulfstream Elementary School. She also is of UF’s first graduating class received District; New 2006 education graduates had plenty to smile about as members of the National Board Certified. their diplomas. Three students from the Jacquelyn H. Cornelius, Duval County, principal centennial year class. Marilyn Lentine, Escambia County, is a third- UF Normal School— the predecessor of of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts; grade teacher at Hellen Caro Elementary School. She is her the College of Education — were among the 14 gradu- Education Dean Catherine Emihovich presented Sarah Mott White, Indian River County, the district’s 2007 Teacher of the Year. She recently took part ates at that inaugural graduation ceremony. the education student and faculty awards, along with Project CHILD intermediate writing teacher at Glendale in a U.S. Department of Education roundtable discussion Nearly a century later, on May 7, 2006, some 328 Distinguished Educator Awards to five public-school Elementary School in Indian River County. She holds on Hurricane Katrina, which had a dramatic impact on education students joined those first 14 as UF alumni. teachers and administrators from around the state. bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education hundreds of Escambia County schoolchildren. About 200 donned cap and gown and “took the walk” Local community leader Portia Taylor, vice presi- from UF. across stage at UF’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center to dent for student affairs at Santa Fe Community Col- receive their diplomas. The college’s Centennial Class lege, received the College of Education alumni achieve- of 2006 included 139 bachelor’s degree recipients and ment award for her leadership, service and accomplish- 189 advanced-degree graduates, from all five College ments both professionally and in her community. of Education academic units. Among the outstanding student award winners was The graduates — plus some 1,000 family mem- Jessica Klahr, a senior in elementary education, who bers, friends, faculty members and dignitaries — were was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Times/University Photography, Inc. Photography, Times/University
treated to remarks by Cynthia Tucker, nationally syn- Fame for her many contributions and services to the Ed dicated op-ed columnist and the editorial page editor university and community.
of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Tucker acknowledged As Dean Emihovich reminded the new graduates Special to the key role many educators played in her family life, in closing the ceremony, “There will always be just one and emphasized the need to have high-quality teachers centennial class. Congratulations to members of the in our most challenged schools. College of Education Centennial Class of 2006.”
The 2006 UF Distinguished Educators are, from left: LuAnne Williams, Lynn Carrier, Sherry McIlwain, Julia Burnett and Marilyn Lentine. 10 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 11 centennial celebration
th Women at the College of Education Happy 100 to us! Women of distinction make their mark in College history
Times columnist David Brooks By Desiree Pena helps COE kick off 100th anniversary Student-intern writer During the yearlong celebration of UF’s 150th birth- • Ann Stuart received a bachelor’s degree in educa- New York Times op-ed columnist and best-sell- day in 2003-04, seven authors came together to write tion from UF in 1958. She eventually was appointed ing author David Brooks, a regular analyst and about the history of women at UF in the 284-page provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alma commentator on National Public Radio and PBS book, “Women at the University of Florida.” At least College in Michigan in 1990, becoming the highest- television’s NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, helped the Col- 16 College of Education alumnae and women faculty ranking woman at the college since it opened in 1887. lege of Education launch its yearlong Centennial are among those recognized for their accomplishments • Margretta Madden Styles graduated in 1958 Celebration, serving as featured speaker for a lec- since UF officially opened its doors to women in 1947. with a doctorate in education and in 1993 was elected ture and panel discussion Jan. 24 at UF’s Emerson The college’s list of lady luminaries includes a con- Photos by LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes president of the International Council of Nurses. She Alumni Hall. gresswoman, administrators, teachers and published also served as professor and dean at several nursing Brooks mixed humor and social commentary authors in specialties ranging from nursing to educa- schools. in his half-hour talk on “Education, Class and the tional research. • Hannelore Wass became a professor at the Col- Future of America.” More than 300 people packed The book’s seven authors — Mary Ann Burg, Kevin lege of Education in 1968. She is the founding editor of the room to hear Brooks expound on some of his McCarthy, Phyllis Meek, Constance Shehan, Anita Death Studies and published 10 books before retiring in recent Times columns in which he cited a growing Spring, Nina Stoyan-Rosenzweig, and Betty Taylor 1992. education gap linked to race, poverty and gender — had more than 190 years, combined, at UF. • Sue Legg completed her doctorate in educational differences. Following his talk, Brooks and a panel An appearance by NY Times columnist David Brooks Catherine Emihovich, who in 2002 became the Col- kicked off the college’s yearlong Centennial Celebration. research, measurement and evaluation in 1978. This of educators from the College of Education and lege of Education’s first woman dean, acknowledged same year she was asked by the Florida Department local public schools discussed possible solutions to the importance in recognizing the achievements of of Education to establish specifications for the State some of education’s most intractable problems. these women and the inspiration they provide. and director of the UF Alliance school-improve- Student Assessment Test II, which became the state’s The panel included: Victor Lopez, principal of “Because women were denied admission for so long ment program; Donald Pemberton, director of the standardized high school graduation test. Miami High School; Leanetta McNealy, principal to the state’s flagship school, it’s important to hear their UF Lastinger Center for Learning; Fran Vandiver, • Hattie Bessent, a professor of of Duval Elementary School in Gainesville; Ber- stories. They help complete the picture director of P.K. Yonge Developmental Research education, was one of the first UF Af- nard Oliver, professor of educational administration of what it means to create a more equi- School (UF’s lab school); and Barbara Woodhouse, rican American faculty members hired, table society,” Emihovich said. Because women were who occupies the UF David H. Levin Chair in “ in the early 1970s. Family Law and directs the Center on Children The following women of the College denied admission for • Therese “Terry” Dozier, of and Families at UF’s Levin College of Law. of Education are cited in the book: so long to the state’s Fairfax, Va., graduated in 1974 as UF’s Brooks has written two books: BoBos in Paradise: • In 1966, Johnnie Ruth Clarke flagship school, it’s Outstanding Scholar with a 4.0 grade The New Upper Class and How They Got There (pub- became the first African American to point average in social studies and sec- lished in 2000) was a New York Times best-seller; his earn her doctorate in educational ad- important to hear ondary education at UF. She went on most recent book, On Paradise Drive (2004), depicts ministration. She later became assistant their stories. to complete her master’s degree while suburban life in America. dean of academic affairs at St. Peters- teaching at Lincoln Middle School and Brooks’ appearance kicked off a yearlong cel- burg Junior College. — Catherine Emihovich in 1985 was selected as a Fulbright ebration commemorating the College of Edu- • In 1958, Rawlings Hall opened as scholar to work in China. She was cation’s 100th anniversary of its founding. Other a woman’s dormitory and sections of named the U.S. 1985 National Teacher college Centennial events this year have included the hall were named after significant of the Year and in 1986 was named Distinguished a three-part Fien Lecture Series, Back-to-College women in Florida’s history. Education Professor Kate Alumna of” the University of Florida. She served as Weekend events, a Gator basketball game half-time Vixon Wofford’s name graces third floor north. Wof- special adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Education from event and the Scholarship of Engagement Ban- ford was an expert in both elementary and rural educa- 1993-2001 and currently directs the Center for Teacher quet in April. Also planned later this year is a time tion. Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University. capsule burial, a national conference Nov. 2-4 in • Daphne Duval was a graduate of Florida A&M Six College of Education graduates were selected as St. Petersburg on “Closing the Achievement Gap University in the 1920s who became a teacher at UF Alumnae of Distinction in 1997: Through Partnerships,” and other festivities. Lincoln High School in Gainesville. She enrolled in the • Fran Stuart Carlton, who received her Associate College of Education in January 1959, becoming the of Arts degree in 1956, was a member of the Florida university’s first black female student. House of Representatives from 1976-88. She chaired the • Alice McCartha earned a doctorate in education Governor’s Task Force on Physical Fitness in 1975 and was in 1948 — the first doctorate ever awarded to a woman the first female president of the UF Alumni Association. at UF. 12 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 13 centennial celebration
• Gail C. Culverhouse of New York, is a 1969 her work as a children’s advocate. From Vietnamese orphan to top U.S. educator, graduate and is the former president of the Tampa Bay UF celebrated 50 years of coed education in 1997 by Therese Dozier finds life’s purpose in teaching Buccaneers and owner of C&W Cattle Company. honoring 47 UF women of distinction, including seven • Catherine Cornelius of Avon Park, Fla., is a COE alumnae. A plaque located near the University By Desiree Pena 1978 graduate and is currently the president of South Auditorium commemorates their achievements. The Student-intern writer Florida Community College in Avon Park. education graduates recognized were: Catherine P. Few can fathom the tragic circumstances surrounding Distinguished Alumni of the University of Florida • Martha McCarthy graduated in 1975, and is Cornelius, Gay Culverhouse, Therese Dozier, Marta M. Therese Knecht Dozier’s (MEd, 1977) early childhood— Award. In 1997 she was named as one of UF’s 47 Wom- chancellor and professor of education at Indiana McCarthy, Margaretta Madden Styles, Karen Thurman and how she overcame them to become a nationally en of Distinction, which recognizes successful alumnae. University. and Julie Underwood-Young. recognized educator. “Much of my outlook on life is an outgrowth of my • Karen Loveland Thurman, a 1973 graduate, Present day leaders such as Dean Emihovich recognize Dozier was born in Saigon in 1952 to a Vietnamese education. So in a very real sense, becoming a teacher served as a U.S. congresswoman for Florida District 5 the affinity they share with these women. As she said, “I woman and German soldier who had once served Hitler was my way of repaying a debt to the society that has from 1993 to 2002. owe them a debt of gratitude because it’s much easier to during World War II. He escaped the German army and given me so much. And of all the wonderful things I • Julie Underwood-Young of Miami, Ohio, is a forge a path when you are following in the footsteps of fled to French Indochina under a false identity, where he have enjoyed as an American, it is my education that 1984 graduate and served as dean at Miami Univer- giants who walked before you.” married Therese’s mother. Before Dozier’s second birth- I prize the most,” said Dozier. sity’s school of education. She is nationally known for day, her mother died and her father sold Therese and her brother to a Chinese businessman. When authorities Born in Saigon and sold by her father as a toddler, Theresa Dozier (MEd ’77), found the children, they were placed in a French orphan- below, survived a tragic early childhood to earn her education master’s at UF age where U.S. Army advisor Lawrence Knecht and his and eventually be named the U.S. National Teacher of the Year. wife, Anne, adopted them in 1954. She describes this as the point at which her life “took a wonderful turn.” UF College of Education “I am very conscious that my life would be totally dif- ferent, in fact that I might not even be alive today, had I October 5calendar Centennial Education Career Night, 7 p.m., UF Reitz Union Ballroom not been adopted. So I believe I am here for a purpose, 6 UF Homecoming Parade and that I am fulfilling that purpose through my work in education,” Dozier said. 13 COE Alumni Gainesville Reception She and her brother were the first Vietnamese children 27 COE Alumni Jacksonville Princess Dinner Cruise adopted by U.S. citizens. Dozier’s turbulent past, though, has given her a chance to improve others’ lives rather 29 Norman Hall Halloween Haunted House, 7-11 p.m., Norman Hall than cloud her own. The Knechts brought the children to Florida, where November 2-4 COE Centennial Conference the young girl grew up as Therese “Terry” Knecht and Closing the Achievement Gap Through Partnerships graduated first in her class at Charlotte High School in St. Petersburg, Fla., 7-9 p.m., Register now! www.doce-conference.ufl.edu/gap Punta Gorda. 2 EduGator Gathering for alumni conference attendees In 1974, she received UF’s Outstanding Scholar Award with a 4.0 grade point average. Three years later, 14 Retired Faculty Reception she completed her master’s degree in education at UF 17 Grand Guard, UF 50-year Reunion and in 1985 she was named the U.S. National Teacher COE Grand Guard Luncheon of the Year. She also served as special advisor to U.S. UF Digital Worlds Institute at Norman Hall Education Secretary Richard Riley from 1993 to 2001. www.ufalumni.ufl.edu Dozier is currently the director of the Center for Teacher Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University. December 15 College hosts Florida Distinguished Educators “My two most significant achievements were to be named Teacher of the Year and my service as the first 16 Fall Commencement classroom teacher to advise a U.S. Secretary of Educa- 10 a.m., Stephen C. O’Connell Center tion. In that role I led the Clinton Administration’s efforts to elevate the importance of teachers and teaching, January 2007 8 Spring classes begin including passage of Title II of the 1998 Higher Educa- tion Act, which resulted in the largest federal investment For additional information please contact: Jodi Mount, Coordinator of Alumni Affairs and Events, College of in teacher education in almost 30 years,” she said. Education, at [email protected] or 352-392-0728, ext. 250; or visit the COE Alumni Affairs Web site at: Knecht has traveled extensively around the globe and taught in Singapore where she worked with students from
45 different countries. Her lifelong achievements were Dozier Times/Theresa www.education.ufl.edu/alumni Ed acknowledged by UF in 1986 when she received the
14 | Fall-Winter 2006 Special to EducationTimes | 15 viewpoint guest column Why ‘No Child Left Behind’ isn’t working
the students are, relatively speaking, homogenous in IQ. By William Hedges Homework is most effective when it is done at school Universities work with students in the top third of the under direct teacher supervision. An eight-hour school Study examines how parenting “No Child Left Behind” is a great slogan cleverly intellectual spectrum. Our public schools work with the day for 11 months of the year could yield a giant leap practices affect academic designed to garner support and votes. However, laying continuum. To expect such diverse students to learn at the in achievement. Parents would rejoice as their children on battery after battery of standardized tests — and the same rate and under the same conditions is absurd. receive professional supervision with their assignments success among black students wrong kind, at that — won’t improve student learning. In Second, we must induce many of our best teachers to rather than relying on the parents’ help. Evenings fact, a recent study by the Northwest Evaluation Associa- work with the students who are at risk. We do it with small should be a joyous time for parents to be with their By Chan Tran tion suggests that accountability tests actually increase the classes, adequate resources and, above all, with recogni- children. Student-intern writer learning gap between white and nonwhite students. tion, prestige and money — all powerful motivators. If teachers understand the longer school day would Cirecie West-Olatunji, assistant profes- Where is the money for essential research and remedial Third, we must lengthen the school day and the include time to complete their lesson plans and test sor of counselor education, has received programs to help the youngsters who fail these tests? school year. The short school day and year are carryovers grading, they should also support the longer school days. the Tutt-Jones Memorial Research Grant A tragic irony of this slogan is that more children than from agricultural times and no longer fit. Increasingly, we Just look around to see what the rest of the world is from the African American Success Foun- ever are being left behind and drop out. In Florida, more turn these kids out on the street at 2 to 3 p.m. and for 10 Hedges doing as our own youth in the United States fall further dation to investigate effective parenting than two out of five students don’t finish high school, -ac weeks every summer and then wonder why they don’t do behind. In Japan and Korea, over 90 percent of the stu- practices among African American parents cording to a 2005 report by the Manhattan Institute for as well as kids in other nations such as Japan or Korea. dents finish high school. When I served in South Korea of “at -risk” students. Policy Research. School also needs thorough restructuring to enable su- as an education adviser, they even attended school a Aided by the $2,000 grant, West- When the major emphasis in a school is on ever higher pervised tutoring of at-risk students, coupled with enrich- half-day on Saturdays. We can no longer afford such a Olatunji will survey approximately 400 test scores, what happens? First, the lower achieving stu- West-Olatunji ment activities for the more advanced students. waste of our youth with a graduation rate of less than parents of children who have demonstrat- dents immediately become less desirable. Many schools 60 percent. ed academic success. She will examine the strategies and teachers vie for the brighter students because that’s
Times Fourth, universities must work more closely with these parents use to provide emotional and psychological
where the prestige is — ironic, since it’s the slow learners Ed their colleges of education to develop more appropriate support to their children in ways that result in academic who are the greatest test of a teacher’s patience and skills. curricula for future teachers. All too often, teacher train- engagement, self-motivation and knowledge achievement
Subtle hints and pressures arise to cause the “dumb” kids Special to ing gets short shrift. Until university authorities recog- in schools. Following the survey portion, focus groups and to exit. nize that public schools are their feeder systems, we shall interviews will be conducted. Under such conditions, not only do students drop out, all continue to suffer. West-Olatunji hopes the research generates greater so do teachers. The most capable teachers tend to be Fifth, our government leaders must realize that the awareness of culture-centered parenting skills available creative and tailor their lessons to the individual needs of “I call them the greatest threat to freedom in this country derives not as a resource within the African American community. their students. When they must adhere to a canned, one- from terrorists, but from a poorly educated populace. Participants in the survey will be randomly selected from ‘invisible’children size-fits-all curriculum geared to the FCAT exam, they As Thomas Jefferson said, “A nation that expects to be a database made available from the School Board of head for private schools where they have more freedom because they tend both ignorant and free, expects what never was and Alachua County. or they leave the teaching profession altogether. to fall between never will be.” Since World War II, we have seen great strides in It has been my experience that teachers, and those the cracks.” research to help the mentally and physically handicapped. engaged in preparing future teachers, have always Clark is B.O. Smith — William Hedges Great strides also have been made in developing magnet believed in leaving no child behind. Rather than testing, schools to work with various types of gifted students. But testing, testing, I believe we can do better in providing Research Professor there is a segment of our schools that tends to be over- an appropriate school environment for all our children, Mary Ann Clark, associate professor in counselor looked: the more-or-less normal youngsters at the lower not just a select few. education, is this year’s recipient of the B.O. Smith end of the learning curve, just above the handicapped If you, the alumni and friends of the College of Edu- Research Professorship. Her research will focus on the and just below the average. They are often termed “mar- cation, agree with any of these suggestions, I encourage topic, “Male achievement in public education: Examin- ginal learners.” I call them the “invisible” children be- you to push for them. ing data and developing systemic interventions.” The cause they tend to fall between the cracks; they constitute research professorship, which focuses on associates seek- a generous chunk of this 41 percent that drops out. ing full professorships, has the potential for three years What can we do about it? William Hedges is a retired professor of education at UF. He and of funding, renewed year to year. Clark joins Maureen First, change how we use tests. The medical profes- his wife, Robbie, recently pledged $1.93 million to the UF College Conroy and Kristin Kemple, last year’s selections for the sion uses tests as a basis for identifying a problem and of Education to develop programs geared to help marginal learners. Smith professorship. ascertaining what can be done to improve the situation. (See story, page 6.) It really doesn’t help to label a student as a D or a school as an F, but that is what we do with this overemphasis on Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are strictly testing. That may be acceptable in college where what those of the author and are not intended to represent the views and opin- ions of the University of Florida and the College of Education. makes the difference is drive and perseverance because
16 | Fall-Winter 2006 EDUCATION EducationTIMESTimes | 17 research Researcher hopes to smooth road to higher education for blacks
Students who attended an all-black By Joy Rodgers “ ADHD Study: black kids, girls experiences of black students at predominately white high school most wanted to attend As a black teen, Michelle Thompson (PhD ’05) institutions, noting their difficulties adjusting socially a predominately white institution, are less likely than white boys attended a mostly white high school, where she says and academically. Studies also have been done on and those who attended a culturally she learned little about racial identity. When it came the experiences of black students at historically black to receive proper treatment diverse high school wanted to time to choose a college, school guidance counselors colleges, especially those who were first-generation By Chan Tran extended only modest help. college students or from disadvantaged backgrounds. attend a historically black college. Student-intern writer That early educational experience planted the seed And, there have been limited studies on why some for Thompson’s later work in education, eventually black students choose college while others don’t. — Michelle Thompson Research has shown that African American children bearing fruit in her doctoral dissertation on racial “All of the studies have regarded black students as a and girls of any race with attention deficit/hyperactivity identity development and the college choice process. monolithic group,” Thompson says. disorder (ADHD) are less likely than white boys to get “I noticed that in high school, the guidance coun- But black students are not a monolithic group. proper medical attention for their problem, but the rea- were for perceived quality of education and” financial sons why are poorly understood. UF researchers, though, selors did not assume that I would go to a four-year They are at varying degrees of racial identity develop- Thompson assistance,” Thompson says. ment, says Thompson, who used a mixed-methods are finding answers in a $2.6 million federal study. institution and never once was a historically black col- Thompson also learned that students who chose to approach in her data gathering. Mirka Koro-Ljungberg, assistant professor of educa- lege or university mentioned,” says Thompson, who attend a historically black college did so at the recom- For her statistical research, she asked 50 freshman tion psychology at the College of Education, and Regina graduated last August with a Ph.D. from the Depart- mendations of friends and family members who told students from a historically black college and 50 fresh- Bussing, professor of psychiatry at the College of Medi- ment of Educational Administration and Policy at the them about the institution. Most of them had gone to man students from a predominately white institution cine, are in the second year of a five-year grant funded UF College of Education. culturally diverse high schools and wanted to attend a to take the Racial Identity Attitude Scale for Black by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Now continuing her research and teaching at college that would allow them to study the contribu- Populations (RIAS). Before administering the RIAS, After researchers screened a community sample of Bethune-Cookman College, a small, historically black tions blacks have made and to be in an environment she asked the freshmen to complete a background over 1,600 families, parents of 266 students at high risk college in Daytona Beach, Thompson relates to her with other blacks. inventory to obtain demographic information. For her for ADHD subsequently participated in diagnostic inter- students because her study findings are fairly consis- “I found it interesting that students who attended qualitative research, she randomly selected 12 students views and focus groups and provided detailed accounts tent with her own experiences. an all-black high school most wanted to attend a pre- for interviews on what influenced their decisions to at- of help-seeking activities since they first became con- Thompson’s interest in black identity grew through dominately white institution, and those who attended tend historically black colleges or predominately white cerned about their children. Data collection will continue her undergraduate years, heightening even more in a culturally diverse high school wanted to attend a institutions. for three additional waves and include a community graduate school, where she recalls feeling invisible. historically black college,” Thompson says. “I found the two most common reasons that black survey of treatment-intervention responses. “Not once did I have a class with an instructor who This finding is significant for college recruitment looked like me,” says Thompson, recently promoted to students chose to attend a mostly white institution The researchers so far have focused on the parents officers, many of whom ignore their target audiences, with elementary school children at high risk for ADHD. dean of freshmen at BCC. Thompson says. Traditionally, recruiters from histori- “Although blacks They discovered that parents’ perceptions of their child’s cally black colleges seek out students from all-black ADHD-related behavior may be influenced by their aspire to a college high schools. And recruiters from predominately white education, something child’s gender and race. For example, black girls were of- institutions interview students from large majority- ten perceived as “misbehaving,” so they were disciplined, often happens once they white schools. arrive on campus. They rather than given professional help, according to Koro- “Those aren’t the students who want to attend their Ljungberg. Black boys, on the other hand, were consid- don’t persist,” she says. schools,” says Thompson, explaining that college and Thompson hopes her ered “endangered” and parents took measures to protect university recruitment officers should make better use them by using restrictions and behavioral modifications. research into racial iden- of high school guidance counselors. “(Guidance coun- tity development and Reeves, Bethune Cookman Times/John The researchers also found that many children, espe- Ed selors) serve as gatekeepers for black students, allowing cially girls, stop taking their medication treatments soon its influence on black or preventing them from considering certain types of students’ college choice after starting therapy. Special to institutions.” decisions will help The researchers are continuing data collection and Based on her research, the strongest recommenda- ultimately will assess various professional guidelines and university administrators tion Thompson says she has for university administra- better understand the options for improving treatments for girls and African tors is to examine the college choice process for black American youth with ADHD. needs of black students students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. and that not all black “Unfortunately, a model does not exist for black students regard being students,” Thompson says. “The discussion to date black in the same way. has been limited and has not gone beyond why black Current studies Michelle Thompson (PhD ’05) discusses a college literature assignment with her students students chose to attend college in the first place.” have focused on the at Bethune Cookman College. 18 | Fall-Winter 2006 EDUCATIONEducationTIMESTimes | 19 research Gender study tackles pressing concern: Community colleges: Where have all the leaders gone? Why are boys falling behind girls in school?
By Larry Lansford By Joy Rodgers Community colleges could face a critical leadership Community College Journal. The Chronicle of Higher Education Thirty years ago, boys, not girls, were the high per- Heather Adams and Erin KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF gap as administrators born during the early baby boom also has covered his findings. formers in schools. Today, test scores, grades and dropout Oakley — the two UF era retire over the next five years, according to Univer- Campbell said opportunities and programs for career rates show boys are achieving at levels far below girls, and students working with Clark sity of Florida education researchers. exploration and training for those interested in pursuing a UF-led international study is yielding insights that may — have a personal interest in explain why. the topic. Adams said she is “Opportunities and Dale F. Campbell, director of the community college administrative and professional positions at the commu- leadership consortium at the UF College of Education, nity college level are lacking. In the United States, girls capture more academic intrigued by the differences programs for said a recent survey of community college presidents “Applicant pools for community college registrar honors, outscore boys in reading and writing, and score in the male and female brains career exploration predicts that, between now and 2010, there will be a positions, for example, tend to be limited to experienced about as well on math at the fourth- , eighth- and 12th- and their development, as shortage of staff members available for work in depart- classified support staff without academic credentials or grade levels as tested by the National Assessment for well as in the socialization of and training for those ments of academic, student and business affairs. younger professionals without the specialized experi- Educational Progress exam. Internationally, fourth-grade males and females in society. interested in pursuing “Community colleges could be highly vulnerable and ence required in the field,” he said. girls significantly outperformed boys in the eight leading administrative and experience major fiscal impact if we do not act now to In his report, titled “The New Leadership Gap,” industrialized nations that took part in the 2001 Progress develop programs to meet this need,” said Campbell, Campbell advises college presidents to identify and in International Literacy Study. And 15-year-old boys professional positions a UF professor in educational administration and policy. train current staff members who have the potential have been surpassed by 15-year-old girls among the 28 at the community More than a third of the nation’s to move into these positions. countries involved in the 2000 Program for International college level are lacking.” 965 public community college He also recommended that Student Assessment. LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes presidents listed in the 2005 Higher university leadership pro- According to a UF College of Education researcher Associate Professor Mary — Dale Campbell Education Directory participated in grams develop partnerships engaged in a joint project examining male underachieve- Ann Clark, center, teamed Campbell’s survey. Eleven com- with colleges and professional ment in public education across cultures, there are many with doctoral students Health munity college leaders from seven organizations to provide ac- factors involved in why boys are falling behind. Adams (left) and Erin Oakley
states then met with Campbell at LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes cessible graduate master’s and “Brain research has shown differences in male and (right) in the gender-gap study. a forum in Jacksonville, Fla., to certificate programs in critical female brains that can affect preferred learning styles explore new strategies to resolve the shortage areas. and communication,” said Mary Ann Clark, associate Oakley says that through her clinical work at the looming leadership gap. The college “Top college administra- professor of counselor education. “It has been suggested Gainesville Wilderness Institute, a Florida Department of registrar, identified in the survey as tors must be made aware of that public school curriculum may not be teaching ‘to the Juvenile Justice program for young offenders, she has seen one of the positions most critical to the new leadership gap of boys’ and that teaching styles are more suitable for girls.” firsthand that teaching and counseling styles that work the future of their institutions, was administrative and professional To examine the factors that lead to male under- with girls don’t necessarily work for boys. singled out for special study. positions, and colleges should achievement and the measures needed to raise the “We need approaches that address boys’ special needs Campbell’s survey findings and begin exploring new strate- achievement of boys, Clark and two doctoral students and that meet them where they are, rather than expect- conclusions reached at the leaders’ gies for effectively managing from the College of Education at UF have teamed with ing them to fit some predetermined mold of what ‘good’ forum are the basis of his recent job recruitment and the hiring other teacher education and school counselor faculty students should be,” Oakley said. research report published in the process,” Campbell said. and students from universities in England and Australia Clark said one major issue has become clear: the need Campbell on an “Internationalizing the Curriculum” project. The for awareness of the special needs of students with regard research is supported by the International Center at UF. to gender. Many “school success skills” such as compli- The study entails focus groups, interviews and da- ance and organization seem to be more easily applied UF honors 2 education faculty as Research Foundation Professors tabase analyses. Undergraduate and graduate students to girls, said Clark, adding that teachers, administrators, in the colleges of education at Nottingham University school counselors and even parents should be trained in Two College of Education faculty members have one-time $3,000 research grant. in England and Wollongong University in Australia are strategies for providing a positive view of learning and received the prestigious UF Research Foundation Wood’s research centers on public policy issues comparing findings across their schools and discovering studying that targets all students. (UFRF) Professorship over the past year. of funding education. He currently is analyzing the themes or factors “Curricular materials, particularly reading, may need Associate Professor Zhihui Fang from the School equity and adequacy of state financial aid distribution that may contribute to the gender achievement gap. to be more inclusive with regard to male interests. The of Teaching and Learning received the campuswide formulas. “It is our hope that preservice educators will use use of physical space and need for movement should be honor for 2005-2007 and Professor Craig Wood from Fang’s studies focus on three fronts: children’s lan- their findings to develop some interventions to use with taken into consideration,” Clark said. “We also need to Educational Administration and Policy is the 2006- guage development during the transition from emer- their students in schools that will help in their work as recognize that developmental stages differ between males 2008 recipient. gent to conventional literacy; the language demands of teachers and counselors,” Clark said of the university and females, with females maturing earlier, cognitively as The three-year professorships are awarded to rec- content area reading/writing; and preparation of read- students’ work. well as physically.” ognize recent contributions in research. The appoint- ing teachers as knowledgeable, reflective professionals. ment carries a $5,000 annual salary supplement and a
20 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 21 research
Teacher says ‘underwear,’ students say ‘yuck’ “In special education, professional collaboration is The researchers identified five personal characteris- viewed as a powerful tool for helping teachers serve tics that influenced teachers’ willingness to adopt new UF study: Effective teacher collaboration students with disabilities. Teachers learning and work- teaching innovations: Another cause-and-effect example, and her lesson ing together to improve their instructional practices is • Sarah Edmonds and the requires different strokes for different folks Most knowledgeable. continues on, the enthralled students hanging on every considered a central element of major school reform two other teachers classified as “high adopters” of new sentence. efforts,” said Mary Brownell, professor in special methods were consistently the most knowledgeable By Larry Lansford UF College of Education researchers view Edmonds’ education and the lead investigator in the UF study. teachers. They quickly grasped how new ideas present- “Underwear.” lesson strategy — making a potentially boring and “But there is little in-depth information about why ed could fit within their curriculum and demonstrated By uttering that single evocative word, Jacksonville complex topic relevant and interesting to children — as some teachers readily adapt and adopt new, research- the most effective instructional technique. (Three of elementary school teacher Sarah Edmonds hooks every characteristic of a knowledgeable teacher who is willing based innovations that can change their instructional the eight teachers were judged “moderate adopters” student in her third-grade class and reels them into her to adopt better teaching strategies and incorporate them practices in important ways, while others teachers are who used certain classroom practices and ignored lesson on cause-and-effect, a key principle of reading into her instruction. less inclined to do so.” others. The two “low adopters,” while supportive of comprehension. Edmonds’ real name isn’t divulged, nor is the name Brownell’s co-investigators in the the learning-cohort group, were less “Yuck.” of her school, because she was one of eight teachers at study were UF education research- inclined to try new strategies or did so Brownell The young students respond in unison, just as Ed- two high-poverty Jacksonville elementary schools partici- ers Alyson Adams, Paul Sindelar In special education, only after realizing the methods in use monds predicted they would, letting her demonstrate pating anonymously in a federally funded study so their and Nancy Waldron, and Stephanie “ weren’t working well.) professional collaboration how her one-word monologue was a cause and the experiences could be freely and openly reported. UF spe- vanHover from the University of • Teach positive behavior. Well- students’ “yucky” response was an effect. Because the cial-education researchers were examining how teachers Virginia. The team included spe- is viewed as a powerful designed instruction goes a long way students also find her example humorous, they give the who readily adopt instructional innovations acquired in cialists in both special and general tool for helping teachers towards eliminating behavior prob- veteran teacher their full attention. teacher study groups, professional development schools education and school psychology. lems in the classroom, or so the high Edmonds (not her real name) then switches off the and other collaborative arrangements differ from those Their research report appeared serve students with adopters believe. They also considered lights in the classroom, and the students buzz, “ohhh.” who don’t. in a recent edition (Winter 2006, disabilities. teaching positive behavior to be as im- Vol. 72, Issue 2) of Exceptional portant as teaching academics, while Children, the quarterly special- — Mary Brownell other teachers often failed to recognize education journal of the Council the importance of actively teaching for Exceptional Children. students more appropriate behavior. Times Ed Their investigation is part of a larger, federally • Student-focused” . Teachers most likely to adopt funded study designed to use collaborative teacher new teaching innovations had the strongest student- learning — in a school-based group called Teacher centered views of instruction, considering both the aca- Learning Cohort — to promote better teaching of demic and behavioral needs of the class and individual struggling learners and students with disabilities. students. Low adopters were more teacher-focused, “We wanted to know what personal qualities en- shunning opportunities for children to work together in
Illustration by JUAWON SCOTT/ Illustration by JUAWON able some teachers to benefit more than others from order to maintain behavioral control in the classroom. professional collaboration,” Brownell said. “This • Reflect on students’ learning. High adopters could influence how professional development pro- were the most reflective about their instructional prac- grams and teacher collaboration arrangements should tices and classroom management. They were more be structured and tailored so everyone benefits.” likely to consider the needs of the entire class as well as Over the past three school years, UF researchers individual students. observed the eight teachers instructing in their class- • More adaptive. Researchers said high adopt- rooms and regularly met with them to provide ers were “sponges” for information, reading or using feedback, examine their personal teaching practices information independently to adjust their teaching and beliefs and discuss research-proven practices practices in order to meet their students’ needs. they might want to incorporate into their classroom “Our findings demonstrate how teaching knowledge, teaching for helping disabled students and high- beliefs, skills and reflective ability work together to risk learners. influence a teacher’s benefit from collaborative profes- “We didn’t expect that teachers would differ so sional development efforts,” Brownell said. “Aware- strongly in their ability to use classroom strategies ness of these personal teacher qualities can be useful acquired in their collaborative learning groups,” in structuring or tailoring professional development Brownell said. activities so all participants benefit.”
22 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 23 research education technology
Times Study aims to help teachers master math instruction Grants boost distance-learning Ed
UF education technology instructor Richard Ferdig be- By Chan Tran lieves earning an education degree shouldn’t be confined Special to Student-Intern Writer “With mathematics content instruction decreasing in teacher preparation programs, students’ math achieve- to the College of Education’s classrooms at Norman Hall. A UF education researcher is exploring ways to help Associate Professor Ferdig and the college are working to ment levels are bound to be affected,” said Adams, who is elementary school teachers lead their mathematics also the director of graduate studies for the college. “I saw provide more online education courses at the high school, classes as effectively as they do the other subjects they undergraduate and graduate levels. a need to help teachers, especially at the elementary level, teach their young children. to become better prepared mathematically and to think Ferdig, a faculty member in the college’s School of Thomasenia Adams, an associate professor who “With mathematics Teaching and Learning, has received two technology- about teaching mathematics in non-traditional ways.” heads the mathematics education program at the UF The researchers are assessing not only professional content instruction related grants totaling nearly $100,000 that the college College of Education, says mastering mathematics can will use to increase its development and use of virtual development for teachers, but also its impact on student decreasing in be a challenge considering the limited preparation that achievement –a step Adams said is often lacking in typical schooling. elementary school teachers-in-training typically receive teacher preparation The College of Education has ambitious plans to ex- professional development programs. With a grant worth more than $76,000 from the in math. pand its evolving virtual school nationwide and to other She said more innovative professional development programs, students’ North Central Regional Educational Library, Ferdig will Adams is principal investigator of a new $160,000 countries, according to Ferdig. opportunities can help teachers improve their mathemat- evaluate the effectiveness of virtual high school lessons grant awarded to the College of Education to develop math achievement taught online. The college launched its first online master’s degree ics knowledge. Professional development programs should professional development experiences that help practic- levels are bound Ferdig program for teachers in 2004 in instruction and curricu- include exploring different teaching methods and ways to “We want to be able to provide educational oppor- ing teachers increase their mathematical knowledge lum, with an emphasis on “teaching, learning and facili- represent mathematical ideas for students with different to be affected.” tunities to people who might otherwise not have access and ultimately, help students improve their mathemat- to these courses, whether it’s a ninth grader in need of a tating educational change with technology.” Additional learning styles and strengths, she said. ics skills. — Thomasenia remedial class, advanced chemistry students in rural areas online graduate-degree programs are now available in The project was being conducted this school year at The UF study is part of the Multi-University Adams teacher leadership for school improvement, and in media two Gainesville schools — W.A. Metcalf Elementary and or home-schooled students. The point is not to replace Reading, Math and Science Initiative (MURMSI), a education. Prairie View Academy (K-5) — each with a high percent- traditional schooling, but provide a reliable online curricu- $1.5 million research program funded by the federal Some education professionals and parents of school- age of students at risk of low mathematics achievement. lum for students with those needs,” he said. Department of Education and coordinated through aged children believe virtual schooling is not so virtuous, It received initial support from the Lastinger Center for UF education technology researchers are partnering Florida State University. but Ferdig says online courses offer advantages for certain Learning, a College of Education school-improvement in the study with two Wisconsin high schools to gauge Adams’ co-researchers include UF education gradu- students both at the high school and university levels. program for high-poverty elementary schools in Florida, whether students learn as effectively online as they do in a ate students Emily Perterik, Kristin Spencer, Fatma “These classes meet a need for some students with and from the School Board of Alachua County. live classroom setting. Aslan-Tutak and Joanne LaFramenta. Ferdig also received a $21,000 grant from the U.S. particular needs, so there’s a definite niche for online Adams said she hopes this new approach to profes- Department of Education to expand distance-learning education,” Ferdig said. “Whether the student is a full- sional development will opportunities in pre-service (internship) teacher education. time employee or a high school student, it’s our job to help teachers truly know Ferdig is developing programs to prepare teachers in lead- provide these diverse learning opportunities and research the mathematics content ing classes online using existing virtual high school models. their effectiveness.” they are teaching children and understand that math can be understood by all COE technology researcher joins NIH-funded autism study children at some level.
LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes “Mathematics is the A UF education technology researcher is involved in Autism is a developmental disability that typically ap- primary language of a four-year, $1.1 million study designed to help fathers pears during the first three years of life and is character- communication in today’s communicate more effectively with their autistic children. ized by problems interacting and communicating with technological and global Richard Ferdig, associate professor in the School of others. A previous study by Elder found that teaching fa- society, from the creation Teaching and Learning, is developing a Web site that thers how to talk to and play with their autistic children of computer passwords will be used to broadcast training sessions to a group of in a home setting improved communication, increased and business program fathers participating in the study, which is being funded the number of intelligible words the youngsters spoke languages to programs for by the National Institute of Nursing Research, a part by more than 50 percent and helped fathers get more lifting the space shuttle off of the National Institutes of Health, and headed by involved in their care. the ground,” Adams said. Jennifer Elder of the UF College of Nursing. Ferdig’s Web site will feature training “booster” “Perhaps we should think Ferdig is exploring ways to combine educational sessions that fathers can view and then hear comments of it as the fourth element theory with new technology. “I don’t believe the field of on how they can improve upon their play sessions with because it affects how we educational technology spends enough time researching their children. Ferdig will get nearly $45,600 over the interact with the world learning in informal learning environments,” he says. “I next four years to develop the site, which will include an we live in — earth, wind, thought this would be a great way to examine how we investigator feedback system. fire…and mathematics.” could get parents involved through the use of technology.” Thomasenia Adams, above, seeks to help teachers become better prepared mathematically. 24 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 25 public scholarship College honors educators, students Since retiring in 1999 as Miami Herald publisher, David Although Newberry Elementary has been graded Lawrence Jr. has worked to strengthen the nation’s com- WILD ABOUT WRITING as an “A” school, it continues to work on improving its for scholarly outreach activities mitment to early childhood development so all children will academic programs, especially in the writing area. The UF College of Education recently honored educa- arrive at school prepared for success. UF student-teachers help schoolchildren Teachers and student interns set different goals tors and students from UF and the local Alachua County • Jen Jacobs, UF doctoral student in teaching and develop, improve their writing skills each month, such as having students write every day, school district whose scholarly outreach learning write longer and with greater focus, and learn how to activities contribute to improved schools Graduate Student Scholarship of Engagement Award edit their copy and improve on quality of writing. The By Chan Tran and student learning or address important Jacobs developed a “coaching-for-equity” model with a set Student intern-writer first strategy they have successfully applied is the daily social and community issues. of tools that encourage prospective and practicing teachers practice of writing. When Rodney, now 9, was in second grade at The honors are based on the “publicly to reflect on and demonstrate equitable teaching practices. “Writing is like playing instruments or sports,” Fu Newberry Elementary, he hated school. He was a year engaged scholarship” philosophy, or en- • Carolyn Tucker, UF psychology professor said. “We need to practice every day from early age behind his classmates and reading below his grade level. on in order to write well, and there is no end to its
LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes gaged scholarship done for the public good. University Scholarship of Engagement Award Writing proved particularly frustrating. Instead of work- The research-intensive concept is a bur- practice and development.” Tucker has developed a partnership model that takes the ing at it, he misbehaved or cried. When he had to write, geoning movement in higher education that Newberry is among 10 Alachua County elemen- best scholarship a research university like UF can offer and he just scribbled. UF education Dean Catherine Emihovich tary schools involved with the College of Education’s connects it with the needs of those who aspire to achieve But UF education student-intern Tiffany Molynue, Faculty SOE Award recipient Diane is infusing as a core principle of a faculty- professional development communities (PDC) pro- Yendol-Hoppey shares a happy to their highest potential, particularly black children and whose academic focus is in literacy instruction, never led transformation of the college’s research, gram. UF partners with the PDC schools to form moment with husband David Hoppey, adolescents in high-poverty schools. gave up on Rodney and continually worked with him to teaching and public service programs. a network of school- and university-based teacher a 2005 SOE Award recipient. • Diane Yendol-Hoppey, associate professor, improve his reading. He started a self-monitoring check- The Scholarship of Engagement Ban- educators committed to “inclusive” education—pre- UF School of Teaching and Learning sheet and she encouraged him to write on topics that quet, held at UF’s Emerson Alumni Hall, also was a forum paring the next generation of elementary teachers to College of Education Faculty Scholarship of Engagement Award interested him, such as friends and basketball. for recognizing this year’s College of Education student teach diverse learners—while pursuing ongoing school Yendol-Hoppey forged the college’s current partnership “He became one of the best students, a real leader in scholarship recipients and the donors who funded their en- improvement. with 10 — soon to be 12 — local elementary schools, creat- the classroom,” Molynue said. “I was so proud of him, dowed scholarships. It’s a rare occasion where scholarship Other PDC schools are P.K. Yonge Developmental ing a network of “professional development community” and it was great to see that he was proud of himself.” donors get to meet the students who benefit from their phi- Research School (UF’s lab school), Alachua Elemen- (PDC) schools committed to preparing the next generation College of Education professors and 13 prospective lanthropy. UF Provost Janie Fouke was the keynote speaker. tary, High Springs Community School and, in Gaines- of educators to teach diverse learners and pursue ongoing teachers, including Molynue, teamed up with the New- The College of Education recognized several local teach- ville: Williams Elementary, Littlewood Elementary, school improvement. berry school faculty over the past year to implement a ers, principals, school district administrators, university Stephen Foster Elementary, Norton Elementary, One school-wide writing program for nearly 550 students in faculty and UF education students whose scholarly activi- “Many people talk about taking action for change, Room School House and Terwilliger Elementary. kindergarten through fifth grade. The initiative helps ties are yielding an immediate positive impact on teaching but very few can document how they made a difference students develop better writing skills and learning in the classroom or on the community. as these outstanding recipients have done. This commit- and strategies. At the same time, the UF Those receiving Scholarship of Engagement Awards ment illustrates professional education at its best,” Dean student-teachers get to work alongside were: Emihovich said. their mentor teachers and gain the real- • Jim Brandenburg, principal of Alachua life classroom experience they can’t get Elementary School from their college textbooks and classes. School District Scholarship of Engagement Award Professor Danling Fu of the educa- Brandenburg led his school’s effort to forge a partnership tion college’s School of Teaching and with the College of Education that fosters school-based Learning was invited by Principal Lacy KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF teacher education for UF teaching students and in-school Redd to work with the teachers to apply
professional development opportunities for his own teachers. LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes the program, called “Wild about Writ- • Jill Cox, Margie Donnelly and Julie Johnson, ing,” in the hopes that it would help the kindergarten teaching team at P.K. Yonge raise the school’s FCAT writing scores Developmental Research School and improve the development of the P.K. Yonge School Faculty Scholarship of Engagement Award students’ writing competency and skills. Since 2004, this teaching trio has transformed P.K. Fu works with a group of Newberry Yonge’s kindergarten program into a model demonstration Elementary teachers on a writing com- site for a statewide, voluntary pre-kindergarten reform ef- mittee to discuss and explore ideas in Gator mascots Albert and Alberta, in bronze statue form, mug fort, with an emphasis on early literacy instruction. writing instruction. for the camera with school psychology doctoral student Eric • David Lawrence Jr., president of the Rossen, left, and Hannelore Wass and Harry Sisler outside UF’s “Writing develops and demonstrates Early Childhood Initiative Foundation in Miami Emerson Alumni Hall, scene of the Scholarship of Engagement all the language skills: reading, writing, Community Scholarship of Engageement Award Banquet. Wass and Sisler, who are married, established the Dr. speaking, listening and thinking,” UF student-teacher Ting Tseng, right, works with Newberry Elementary fifth-graders on a “Wild About Hannelore Wass Endowed Scholarship awarded to Rossner. Fu said. Writing” assignment as Professor Danling Fu, left, observes.
26 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 27 public scholarship BellSouth answers UF’s call
Funding boost helps UF expand support network for new teachers
By Joy Rodgers and Larry Lansford Lastrapes directs the effort with the aid of an expe- ship Institute for teachers and administrators from its teaching strategies at challenging urban high schools, A University of Florida project launched to reverse rienced teacher-facilitator at each school. Teachers in six member schools. The University of Florida also we can improve the educational opportunities for the critical teacher shortage and attrition rates of three their first three years of urban-school teaching receive awards five $12,500 scholarships each year to top stu- at-risk students and help them become leaders in their inner-city Florida high schools is showing signs of support and advice on effective teaching strategies dents from Alliance schools who choose to attend UF. schools, communities and their chosen professions,” success and moving into a new phase that will involve from trained mentor teachers at regular meetings at “By raising student achievement through effective Lastrapes says. additional schools. each school and at UF Alliance-sponsored retreats, Supported by a $90,000 grant from BellSouth Tele- where they can share their experiences with others communications, BellSouth Foundation and BellSouth teaching under similar circumstances. Pioneers, UF’s urban teacher induction and retention Grant monies are used in part for professional project provides a support network of novice and expe- development retreats for participating teachers at all schools. Alliance faculty are collaborating with the Times rienced mentor teachers within and across the inner- $600,000 grant funds study Ed school districts of the network schools in helping teach- Lastrapes city schools in Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami to help ers begin the process of attaining certification as men- to strengthen online learning
raise the schools’ retention rates of those teachers. Special to “The teacher shortage is especially critical in urban tor teachers from the National Board for Professional The BellSouth Foundation has awarded a $600,000 high schools in Florida. Annual teacher turnover at Teaching Standards. New initiatives this year entail grant to the UF College of Education to develop a com- struggling inner-city schools can exceed 40 percent, expansion of a Web site to include a forum for online prehensive strategy for measuring and assessing the out- and about 15 percent of beginning teachers leave the discussions for all novice teachers at the six Alliance comes of the BellSouth 20/20 Vision for Education initiative, profession after their first year,” says Wanda Lastrapes, partner schools. which focuses on strengthening state-led virtual schools a UF education lecturer and UF Alliance project coor- The BellSouth grant also covers the cost of sub- and supporting e-learning in the communities BellSouth dinator. “Under-resourced urban schools typically have stitute teachers so novice and mentor teachers can serves. difficulty supporting new teachers. We are creating a regularly observe each other during the school day. The $20 million initiative commemorates the founda- professional development model that encourages and BellSouth’s Florida company-employee volunteer tion’s 20th anniversary and is designed to bring engag- prepares classroom teachers to remain in challenging organization, the BellSouth Pioneers, is providing sup- ing, rigorous, online instruction to students throughout urban schools.” port to the novice and mentor teachers in the network the Southeast — particularly low-income and minority The participating schools — Jean Ribault High in schools and exploring ways to become more engaged students — to address the growing achievement gap and Jacksonville, Maynard Evans High in Orlando and Mi- in classroom activities. improve graduation rates. The UF Alliance sponsors field trips to campus and Under the BellSouth grant, UF education technology researchers will develop new ami Carol City High — are members of the UF Alli- Under the five-year grant, UF researchers headed by evaluation tools to determine the best teaching practices and strategies for online several recruitment activities for students interested ance partnership program, which links the university’s associate professor Richard Ferdig will develop standard- instruction, particularly to students of diverse backgrounds. College of Education with six under-resourced urban in teaching careers, as well as a Summer Leader- ized methods for evaluating the effectiveness of online high schools. There currently are 57 novice teachers, education for students. In collaboration with BellSouth’s toral students Erik Black and Meredith DiPietro. or those with three or fewer years of teaching experi- virtual high school partners in nine southeastern states, The centerpiece of the evaluation plan for BellSouth Times
ence, and 15 mentor teachers taking part in the project Ed the researchers will then use the new evaluation tools 20/20 Vision for Education will include drawing on existing at the three participating schools. Last year, 65 percent to determine the best teaching practices and strategies research and current virtual school practice to create a
of novice teachers and 95 percent of mentor teach- Special to for online instruction, particularly to students of diverse database of metrics useful for school improvement. The ers involved in the project returned to their respective backgrounds. online database will provide multiple reporting mecha- schools to teach in the 2005-06 academic year. “Studies have already proven that learning through nisms with implications for funding, policy, and practice. Building on a successful pilot project during the online schooling is effective,” said Ferdig. “Our study It will also be used by the virtual schools to provide timely, 2003-04 academic year at Ribault High, Lastrapes will move beyond the question of whether virtual school- continuous feedback for data-driven decision making and and school leaders have developed a support network ing works, focusing instead on when and how online evaluation of existing policies and practice. of novice and experienced mentor teachers within instruction works most effectively. Our aim is to provide UF researchers also will test evaluation instruments to and across the three inner-city schools. In 2005-06, a comprehensive set of tools for regional virtual schools improve student performance and increase the quality of project leaders expanded the network of “professional to improve the quality of online instruction and student online instruction. learning communities” to the other three UF Alliance performance.” “The University of Florida has a national reputation member schools — Jones High School in Orlando, Ferdig’s co-researchers at UF are Tom Dana, profes- for innovative education research and this grant recognizes William M. Raines High School in Jacksonville and sor of education and director of the college’s School their expertise in virtual learning,” said Marshall Criser III, Miami High School. of Teaching and Learning, and education technology doc- state president of Florida-BellSouth. UF researchers are developing a professional development model that prepares classroom teachers to remain in challenging urban schools. 28 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 29 public scholarship More high-poverty schools join Florida network Teachers Teaching Teachers Lastinger Center receives to keep good teachers, boost student learning School-improvement showcase schools-partnership award draws 300 Florida educators The UF Lastinger Center for Learning at the By Larry Lansford College of Education recently received the Florida A $750,000 grant from the Wachovia Foundation to Corporation, one of the nation’s largest financial services More than 300 teachers and administrators from Education Foundation and the Florida Department the University of Florida has allowed a statewide school- providers. 14 school districts in North Central Florida converged of Education Commissioner’s 2006 Business Recogni- improvement partnership between UF and high-poverty The Lastinger Center was one of 23 grant recipients upon P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in tion Award. elementary schools to add five more schools from south in 11 states and one of only nine to receive the maxi- Gainesville in late April for the second annual Teach- The UF center was central Florida. mum amount of $750,000, awarded recently as part of ing, Inquiry and Innovation Showcase, staged by the recognized for helping the The Florida Flagship Schools network already worked the Wachovia Teachers and Teaching Initiative. Center for School Improvement at the UF College of Education Foundation of with 14 at-risk schools in Jacksonville, Gainesville, and A team of 11 UF education professors is leading the Education. Collier County develop a Miami-Dade County to improve student learning and Florida Flagship Schools venture in collaboration with 19 The program theme was “Improving Schools from new master’s degree pro- teacher retention. principals and 400 teachers from participating schools. Within.” Co-sponsors were P.K. Yonge (UF’s labora- gram in the high-needs The five new Florida Flagship schools, located in The professors embed themselves in the classrooms at tory school) and the North East Florida Educational community of Immokalee Consortium. Pemberton the rural town of Immokalee in Collier County, are participating schools for first-hand observation and dem- in South Florida. Pinecrest, Lake Trafford, Village Oaks, and Highlands onstration of experimental teaching methods. Nearly Instead of traditional professional development The award cites organi- News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF elementary schools, and The Learning Center for pre- 11,500 students attend the network’s 19 schools, with relying on outside “experts,” this pioneering showcase zation-school district part- kindergarten children. Immokalee has a sizable number more than 93 percent enrolled in the free and reduced- features an emerging “inquiry-oriented” approach in nerships that demonstrate of low-income, migrant farm workers whose children lunch program for children in low-income families. which practicing educators and UF education students noteworthy commitment, attend those schools. Other Flagship School participants include adminis- collaboratively assess their own teaching practices creativity and innovation in Expansion of the partnership was made possible trators from the involved school districts, state and na- and share new knowledge with each other. Education producing positive change through a three-year grant awarded by the Wachovia tional government agencies, and faculty from other UF research suggests this collective networking approach in local education. Foundation to the Lastinger Center for Learning at the units, including the College of Business Administration. generates more meaningful change and improvement The Lastinger Center UF College of Education. UF education faculty coordi- Teachers and principals from Flagship schools each have in teaching and learning in classrooms — and allows also received a plaque from nate the professional development and networking activi- their own networking groups — the Florida Teacher Fel- schools to improve from within. the Collier County School ties for teachers and principals at participating schools. lowship and the Florida Academy of Principals — that The Inquiry Showcase featured more than 70 Board for outstanding com- The latest grant makes the Wachovia Foundation a meet regularly throughout the year. breakout discussions and student poster presentations munity involvement. Lastinger Center Professor Dorene Ross million-dollar supporter of the Florida Flagship Schools The Lastinger Center sponsors summer institutes scheduled over five half-hour sessions, plus a closing helps a student with her assignment. network. A $250,000 grant last year enabled the Last- for network educators, coordinates joint research projects presentation by UF Center for School Improvement inger Center to add six schools from the Miami-Dade and serves as a central clearinghouse for sharing the Director Nancy Dana, the showcase organizer. school district to the original eight-member network. The most effective, research-driven teaching strategies and foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Wachovia innovations.
Share YOUR news ______and photos! Full Name Maiden Name Degree(s) / Class Year / Major Lastinger Center gets $100,000 Please tell us about your personal and ______professional accomplishments and Preferred Address grant to aid Jacksonville schools latest news. Attach a separate page if needed. Don’t forget to send photos! ______The Lastinger Center for Learning has City State Zip received a $100,000 grant from the Jim Moran For news of a death, printed notice is Foundation to support the design and implemen- required, such as a newspaper Check here if address change ______tation of a research-based professional develop- obituary or funeral notice. Home Phone E-mail Address (optional) ment model to improve student achievement and News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF Mail form to: Education Times, UF ______educator practice at two elementary schools in College of Education, PO Box 117044, Employment (company and title or position) Jacksonville. The schools are part of the Lastinger Gainesville, FL 32611-7044. Or e-mail Center’s Florida Flagship Schools Network — a your information with a high-quality Your Class Note: ______partnership of under-resourced schools that are digital image to [email protected]. working collaboratively to enhance child develop- You can also submit your information ______“Professor-in-residence” Buffy Bondy, pictured (middle back) observing ment and school performance. from the college’s alumni Web site: a fifth-grade class at Duval Elementary School in Gainesville, and other http://education.ufl.edu/alumni. ______UF Lastinger Center faculty professors work with teachers and school administrators to study and improve teaching and learning at high- Your Class Note may be edited for STORY IDEAS: What education or UF topics would you like to read about in Ed Times? poverty elementary schools throughout Florida. length, format and clarity. 30 | Fall-Winter 2006 ______EducationTimes | 31 students Another Hall of Famer 32 teacher ed students Counselor Ed student receives Doctoral student Jessica Klahr, a May bachelor’s graduate in elemen- win minority scholarships Holmes Scholarship for minorities writes “best essay” tary education, was recently inducted into the Uni- UF College of Education gradu- Fenty, Tyran Wright versity of Florida Hall of Fame — the second straight The following 32 College of on library history Education students will receive $2,000 ate student Sophie Maxis has been and Jyrece McClendon. year that a COE student has entered the Hall. Don Boyd, a doctoral Minority Teacher Education Scholar- reappointed as a Holmes Scholar, a The Holmes Schol- Klahr received the college’s Outstanding Under- education student in social ships for the spring 2006 semester from designation that recognizes advanced- ars are a select group graduate Leadership Award at spring graduation. She foundations (School of Teaching the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers: degree students of color in education of graduate students Klahr was named UF’s Most Involved First-Year Student in and Learning), won the 2005 Melissa Anderson; Denisa Avila; for their character, academic standing who are enrolled at one 2002 and UF’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student Justin Winsor Prize for the Melody Budgett; Judith Calixtro; and career goals in education. of 96 universities in- in 2005. She served as president of the Hispanic Stu- best essay on library history, Verlinda Colding; Sheri Cox; To qualify for the award, students volved with the Holmes dent Association, one of UF’s largest student groups, awarded by the American Nicole Drewery; Mary Dukes; must be working toward advanced Partnership, a program Maxis and was programming director for Hispanic Heritage Library Association. He Myra Garcia; Jacqueline Gonzalez; degrees for careers in the education that provides support for Month. She also found time to maintain a 3.91 GPA. received the award for, “The Carlos Gutierrez; Tanya Heard; professorate and in professional devel- underrepresented students in university Katie Fredericks, a 2005 M.A.E. ProTeach gradu- Book Women of Kentucky: Jennifer Hipp; Rebecca Hooks; opment schools. leadership programs. Full scholar- ate in elementary education, was inducted last year. The WPA Pack Horse Library Brandy Hughes; Derrick Johnson; Maxis, of Sarasota, Fla., is a doc- ship recipients at UF each receive a Project, 1935-1943,” an essay Jessica Klahr; Karla Lacayo; toral student in counselor education. part-time assistantship in the College, he researched and wrote as Danielle Lafontant; Juary Lopez; She obtained her Ed.S. and M.Ed. mentoring and opportunities to make Fredericks an independent study under Adriane McGnee; Patti Milikin; at UF in school counseling with an presentations at the National Holmes the supervision of Assistant COE student council is No. 1 Jolande Morgan; Felicia Naidu; emphasis in mental health. She com- Conference each year. pleted her undergraduate studies at The scholars program directors and Professor Sevan Terzian. UF’s Education College Council won the Best Diana Petit-Fond; Ivette Podetti; Oakwood College in Alabama, where the Holmes Partnership organization Boyd’s award is particularly Council of the Year Award for 2005-06 from the UF Loubert Senatus; Marianne Spoto; she received a bachelor’s degree in help Holmes Scholar graduates obtain noteworthy since the Student Government Board of College Councils. Andrew Stirling; Jameka Thomas; mathematics education. positions as faculty members, K-12 competition drew entries The ECC is the umbrella organization for all Kutura Watson; and Stephanie Whitehurst The College of Education also ap- administrators or with education policy from both graduate students College of Education student organizations. ECC pointed three other doctoral students organizations. The Holmes Scholar and faculty. president for the award-winning group was Megan as Holmes Scholars who will receive program is administered at UF by the Connaughton. Theresa Vernetson, assistant dean for financial support to travel to the college’s Center for School Improve- student affairs, is the council’s faculty adviser. National Holmes Partnership annual ment, directed by Nancy Dana. New ECC officers for 2006-07 are: Sarah Ryals, EAP doctoral students conference. These scholars are Nicole president and technology chair; Meredith Serneels, vice president; Stephanie Heart, treasurer; Dannielle receive honors Smith, secretary; Teala May, historian; and Kelly A doctoral student in the Department of Educa- Rachel Manes Anne Hage, professional development. tional Administration and Policy was awarded the an-
Times Who’s Who? Reitz Scholar Rachel Manes, that’s who
nual L.V. Koos Scholarship, and two others received Ed honorable mentions. Rachel Manes, a recent bache- Breaks and Floridance. Her lead- The higher education administration students re- lor’s degree graduate in elementary ership roles include serving as a cently received their awards at the Florida Association education, has been recognized by Preview staff member, group fitness of Community Colleges annual convention in Tampa. Who’s Who Among Students in Ameri- instructor, College of Education LARRY LANSFORD/ Karen Bakuzonis won the scholarship based on can Colleges and Universities for 2005. ambassador and Unified Elemen-
LARRY LANSFORD/EdTimes her dissertation proposal, which involves analyzing Manes is one of the 20 UF students tary ProTeach student representa- the impact of the Florida community-college system’s selected for this long-standing na- tive. She is also a recipient of the performance-based budgeting initiatives on instruc- tional honors program. President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s tional and administrative efficiency and effectiveness. She also is one of 31 UF students List at UF. Tom Robertson received honorable mention for awarded the prestigious J. Wayne She capped off her senior year his dissertation proposal on the leadership gap among Reitz Scholarship for 2005-06 for by receiving the College of Educa- student affairs professionals in community colleges. leadership, service and academic tion’s Outstanding Undergraduate Honorable mention winner Carole Luby proposed a excellence. The honor includes a Research Award at spring gradu- study of psychological empowerment among employ- $2,500 scholarship, renewable an- ation. Manes, of Davie, Fla., is ees in a community college. nually for up to three years. working toward a master’s degree in Assistant Dean Theresa Vernetson, third from right, meets with officers of UF’s Manes is a member of Florida elementary education, specializing Education College Council, voted UF’s Best Council of the Year. Cicerones, Florida Alternative in children’s literature.
32 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 33 faculty honors For science-educator Rose Pringle, it’s all about the learning Ed Psych instructor Koro-Ljungberg urges students to think critically Undergraduate Teacher of the Year Graduate Teacher of the Year
By Joy Rodgers “My method is more philosophical and involves what Mirka Koro-Ljungberg, associate professor in developed two new courses in hen it comes to science education, the works at that point in time. I do not think I have ever Educational Psychology, views herself as more than a research methods that have at- College of Education’s 2006 Undergradu- taught the same class in the same way twice.” teacher and mentor. The 2006 College of Education tracted a campuswide following, Wate Teacher of the Year says she strives to Still, Pringle says she tries not to lose sight of the Graduate Teacher of the Year also sees herself as a with more than 200 students model the ideals she hopes to instill in future teach- needs of the prospective teachers and their lack of facilitator, urging her students to think critically and to enrolling. In 2002, Koro-Ljung- ers. Rose Pringle, associate professor in the School of confidence in their ability to teach science. As the learn from each other. berg organized a qualitative Teaching and Learning, encourages her students to semester develops, she works to “gently” tear down “I favor group work, as well as lively, critical discus- support group for faculty to become involved in the teaching process, guiding them the scaffolds to help students become more indepen- sions that are as often student-led as teacher-led,” discuss theoretical and method- “My method is News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF past the preconceived barrier that science is difficult dent in their thinking. Koro-Ljungberg said. ological issues related to quali- more philosophical and helping them build confidence in themselves as Pringle joined the college faculty in the fall of 2000, Koro-Ljungberg joined the UF College of Educa- tative research. Recently, she and involves what well as in their teaching abilities. after earning her doctorate in science education from tion in 2001 after earning her Ph.D. in education from extended that support group to Florida State University. But Pringle was not new to a the University of Helsinki. Her knowledge of theo- students to help them identify works at that “As a teacher-researcher, my interests in science teacher education are promoted as I learn from and classroom. She had spent 18 years teaching high school retical frameworks and corresponding methodologies possibilities for presenting and point in time.” about my students. My deliberations, therefore, in- and college level students in Jamaica, where she received quickly put her in great demand among novice quali- publishing their research. several awards for her contribution to science education. tative researchers who seek her out for their doctoral Believing that students need — Rose Pringle clude the modeling of a variety of teaching strategies to build confidence, develop positive attitudes toward Pringle encourages her students to reflect on the committees. to find their voices and identi- science and provide images of science learning for concepts and strategies she brings to her courses, and In this role, Koro-Ljungberg is known to be gener- ties as researchers, Koro-Ljung- classrooms,” Pringle says. to explore other models. ous with her time and committed to excellence. She berg challenges them to move Koro-Ljungberg, left, counsels a graduate student. Pringle also received the undergraduate teaching “I’ve had students complain that I ‘spoil their GPA,’ provides detailed feedback and healthy doses of outside their comfort zones. award for 2002. and I understand they want a good grade. But I try to encouragement to her students. “My classroom is a place in When asked if she has developed a “Rose Pringle focus their attention on what they have learned from In her first semester in the college, Koro-Ljungberg which a community of learners meets,” she said. model for teaching,” she laughs. the class, to understand why we’re here,” Pringle says. “I wonder what that would look like?” she says. “It’s all about the learning.” School psychology group Teacher-learning researcher honors Oakland receives early career honor Thomas Oakland has a new distinction to add to Diane Yendol-Hoppey, associate professor in the his long list of honors. The UF Research Foundation School of Teaching and Learning at the College of Professor of Educational Psychology recently was pre- Education, received the 2006 Kappa Delta Pi/AERA sented with the Willard Nelson Lifetime Achievement Early Career Award recently at the American Educa- Award by the Florida Association of School Psycholo- tional Research Association’s national meeting in gists (FASP). San Francisco. KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF Named for a former Florida school psychologist In her studies, Yendol-Hoppey challenges the belief who was instrumental in establishing FASP, the award that teaching can be standardized and, instead, rec- acknowledges school psychologists who have made a ognizes the complexity of teaching and the process of significant impact on school psychology practice across learning how to teach. Yendol-Hoppey the state and nation. Yendol-Hoppey’s studies explored how different Oakland was chosen in part for recognition of his learning contexts and the diverse needs of students numerous other awards, including the Distinguished — along with such factors as demographic differences Service Award from the American Psychological in schools — can affect teacher learning and teacher Association’s division of school psychology and the leadership related to instructional decision-making International School Psychology Association, and and school improvement. the Legend Award from the National Association of Yendol-Hoppey now is investigating how teachers School Psychology. learn about the complexity of teaching and how to at- In 2004, Oakland received UF’s Senior Faculty tend to the needs of diverse students within alternative Distinguished International Educator Award. pathways to teaching including alternative certifica- tion, online programs and professional development schools. 34 | Fall-Winter 2006 Pringle, center, helps two of her science education students with their experiment. EducationTimes| 35 faculty honors CSI director cited Distance education course cited Middle schools league names award for Professor Paul George
for staff development Associate Professor Colleen Swain, of the School The Florida League of Middle Schools has estab- education issues. He recently has been investigating the of Teaching and Learning, was part of an award-win- The Florida Association for Staff Development lished an annual lifetime achievement award in honor change from middle school (grades 6-8) to K-8 schools ning distance education project titled Roadmap to (FASD) has honored Nancy Dana, professor and of a UF education professor considered by many to be in a dozen of America’s largest school districts. Effective Distance Education Instructional Design. director of the college’s Center for School Improve- the nation’s leading expert on middle school education. George also has other research interests, ranging The online course won a 2005 American Distance ment, for her contributions to outstanding staff devel- The 200-school league named the award for Dis- from Japanese education to the social organization of Education Consortium (ADEC) Excellence in College opment practices. tinguished Professor Paul S. George of the College of schools, and even the application of corporate organi- and University Distance Education Award. Swain col- Dana directs the center’s teacher-inquiry programs Education’s School of Teaching and Learning. zational strategies to improving public education. He laborated with UF faculty members from the College and workshops, which involve a collective networking The yearly award will go to an educator selected for is one of the college’s most popular instructors and of Agricultural and Life Sciences and from five other approach to professional development for teachers. “leadership and service for the advancement of middle mentors for doctoral students in teacher preparation, universities. She created the curriculum dealing with Earlier this year, 26 teachers and 13 principals from school education” in Florida. The first recipient of the having supervised some 35 doctoral dissertations. the teaching aspects of distance teaching and learning. schools in the Northeast Florida Educational Con- Paul S. George Award was Orange County middle Leadership in middle school education, though, is Funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture higher sortium (NEFEC) met regularly for four months to school educator Shirley Fox, who received her doctor- his legacy. education grant, the online course develops effec- exchange ideas, experiences and teaching strategies. ate in special education from UF in 1993. “This honor recognizes the important contribu- Dana tive materials and innovative approaches in distance Participants focused on areas of teaching they George has published 10 textbooks on middle school tions Paul George has made to middle level education George education at universities with agricultural academic sought improvement in, such as curriculum devel- education and other topics that have been adopted for through over 30 years of extensive, carefully crafted programs. opment, student achievement, content knowledge use by dozens of universities and school districts. The scholarship,” said Tom Dana, chairman of the School or teaching techniques. UF education faculty and Middle School Journal described three of his books in of Teaching and Learning. “No one else in the world graduate students served as mentors and coaches for one article as “classics in the field.” The journal also has had the impact he has had on policy and practice the teachers. In April, the teachers presented their Science teaching journal identified George as “the number one ranking scholar” in quality middle schools.” findings at the NEFEC- and CSI-sponsored Teach- honors STL’s Sadler in middle school education, based on a survey of 241 ing, Inquiry and Innovation Showcase in Gainesville. American university professors and deans. Troy Sadler, assistant professor in the School of More than 300 teachers and school administrators The American Association of School Administra- Teaching and Learning, has been chosen by the Na- from 14 school districts in Northeast Florida attended tors has referred to George as “the foremost expert Professor cited for tional Association for Research in Science Teaching the showcase, which Dana coordinated and led. on middle schools in the country,” and he previously (NARST) to receive the 2006 Journal of Research in Sci- received the National Middle School Association’s dissertation mentoring ence Teaching (JRST) Award for “Patterns of informal Lounsbury Award for lifetime achievement in middle Linda Behar-Horenstein, professor in Educa- Special educaton scholar reasoning in the context of socio-scientific decision school education. tional Administration and Policy, is one of five making,” an article he wrote with Dana Zeidler. The George has helped the UF College of Educa- UF faculty members to receive the UF Graduate garners national award selection committee gave the article the highest rating tion maintain its reputation as the nation’s hub of School’s 2005-2006 Doctoral Dissertation Advisor/ of all the articles published in volume 42. middle-school education research and leadership. UF Mentoring Award. UF special education researcher Anne G. Bishop education professors were instrumental in advancing In nominating her, Behar-Horenstein’s graduate has received the Council for Exceptional Children’s the middle school concept in the mid-1960s. They students cited her care of their well-being, extensive Early Career Publication Award for her landmark Jones, Ferdig receive first proposed middle schools in 1963 as a preferred, feedback and her accessibility at both her office journal article outlining the most efficient and ac- transitional setting to the departmentalized junior-se- and home. curate timeframe and measures for early identifica- UF international honors nior high school system for handling a child’s formative “Dr. Behar-Horenstein assists her students in tion of kindergarten children who may struggle in Two education professors in the college’s School years. The college hosted a year-long institute in 1966 the development of ideas for their dissertations and learning to read. of Teaching and Learning have been recognized as to study the middle school concept, involving 36 school other publications,” said Linda Serra Hagedorn, Bishop is an assistant scholar at the College of Ed- International Distinguished Educators for their work teachers and administrators from around the South. department chair and professor of Educational Behar-Horenstein ucation and the project coordinator for the college’s Bishop in advancing the globalization of the University of Two years later, three UF professors co-authored what Administration and Policy. “Several students said Center on Personnel Studies in Special Education, Florida campus and curriculum through teaching, became the primary textbook on the emergent middle they have learned more by working with Dr. Behar- which generates and disseminates research-based research and service. school at many universities. Horenstein in a one-on-one atmosphere than they’ve information on special education workforce issues. The college’s senior faculty honor went to Associ- George arrived in 1972 as the first professor hired learned in all of their coursework.” The award recognizes outstanding research in ate Professor Linda Cronin-Jones for her contributions for the college’s new middle-school teacher education Her students also cited her passion and commit- special education conducted and published within to research on environmental education in Africa program. By 1977, there were more than 5,000 middle ment to helping them develop the habits of scholars five years of completing the doctorate degree. Her and Latin America and to teaching both at UF and schools nationwide. He has continued to carry the and demonstrate critical thinking while conducting article, entitled “Prediction of First-grade Reading abroad. Richard Ferdig, associate professor, received gauntlet for middle schools into the 21st century, serv- research on salient educational issues. Achievement: A Comparison of Fall and Winter the junior faculty award for his efforts in building ing as an international consultant and publishing more She has chaired or co-chaired 22 doctoral com- Kindergarten Screenings,” appeared in the summer intercultural educational technology competence in than 150 books, journal reports, textbook chapters mittees and served on 14 more in other UF colleges. 2003 edition of Learning Disabilities Quarterly. doctoral researchers. and multimedia presentations, many on middle school She also co-authored 10 articles with students.
36 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes| 37 faculty appointments Ferdig garners Loesch named ACA fellow Doud will help update national national appointments Counselor Education Professor standards for school leaders Larry Loesch was named a fel- Associate Professor Richard Ferdig is the new low of the American Counseling A UF professor in educational administration and associate editor of the Journal of Technology and Association at its recent annual policy has been named to a national panel of experts Teacher Education, the official journal of the Society convention in Atlanta. This honor that will help revise licensure and certification standards for Information Technology and Teacher Educa- recognizes ACA professional for school leaders across the United States. tion. Ferdig, an associate professor, has also been members for their significant con- James Doud will represent the National Association elected into the International Digital Media and tributions in professional practice, of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) on the steer- Arts Association (iDMAa). scientific achievement and gover- ing committee formed by the National Policy Board for nance, or teaching and training. Loesch Educational Administration to review interstate school leaders licensure consortium standards. The newly formed panel is expected to make recommendations for Doud DOE advisory board the modification or elimination of current standards and appoints ed-tech expert Assistant dean propose new standards. re-elected to state posts Doud has 44 years of professional experience, Kara Dawson, a UF specialist in the uses of tech- including 26 years as an elementary school principal. nology in teacher education, has been named to a Theresa Vernetson, assistant He also was chairman of the Department of Education- state advisory board on instructional technology to dean for student affairs, was al Administration and Policy at UF from 1999 to 2005. the Florida Department of Education. re-elected as board member of He is a past president of NAESP and was recognized Dawson, an associate professor of education the Florida Association for Staff by the group in 2003 as an Honorary National Distin- technology at the College of Education’s School of Development and as treasurer of Daniels guished Principal — the only former principal to receive Teaching and Learning, is one of the first university- the Florida Association of Colleges this distinction. level experts in education technology to join the for Teacher Education. board, which advises the state’s office of instruc- Daniels appointed She will serve another three Dawson tional technology on educational technology matters years for FASD, which promotes Torres Rivera elected relating to Florida school districts, schools and the to revise standards professional development, leader- Vernerson CSJ president classroom. Harry Daniels, professor and chairman of coun- ship and support for educational She joins newly appointed board members from selor education, was appointed to the board of direc- professionals, and two years for FACTE, which strives Edil Torres Rivera, associate professor in counselor the universities of South Florida, North Florida tors of the national Committee for the Accreditation to improve the performance quality of Florida col- education, was elected president-elect of the national and Central Florida, and the Florida Center for of Counseling and Related Education Programs leges and universities. Counselors for Social Justice organization. Torres Rive- Interactive Media. (CACREP). He is one of six counselor educators who ra will hold the CSJ presidency in 2006 to 2007 and will Kate Kemker, Florida’s new director of instruc- will evaluate and update the existing accreditation serve as a CSJ executive board member through 2008. tional technology, was instrumental in adding univer- standards of the profession. The new standards will Dean takes leadership role sity educators to the panel and expanding its focus apply from 2007 to 2012. from K-12 to K-20 grade levels. in Holmes research panel Torres Rivera, center, is equally passionate about teaching, as pictured, “Collaboration between the public schools and and advancing social justice. Catherine Emihovich, dean of UF’s College of state university educators can improve the uses of Counseling group Education, has been appointed vice president of technology in Florida schools and in our teacher research for the Holmes Partnership, a national preparation programs. The partnership ultimately elects West-Olatunji consortium of 96 universities that provides support fosters a higher level of student learning,“ Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, assis- for underrepresented students in university leader- Dawson said. tant professor in counselor educa- ship programs. At UF, Dawson heads the education technology tion, has been voted president-elect Her role will be to collect and disseminate re- program and is co-coordinator of the advanced of the Association for Multicul- search evidence on the impact of Holmes-affiliated Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and master’s online turalism Counseling and Develop- school-university partnerships on student achieve- programs in education technology. ment, which is a division of the ment and school improvement, particularly in high- American Counseling Association poverty schools. (ACA). She began her term in July The College of Education supports three full- and is in line to assume the one- time Holmes Scholarships to recognize advanced- West-Olatunji year presidency in July 2007. degree students of color for their character, academ- ic standing and career goals in university leadership.
38 | Fall-Winter 2006 News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF EducationTimes| 39 passages in memoriam
The Edugator Family suffered several notable losses in recent months, from beloved alumni and professors, to some of the most influential faculty members of the mid-1900s. They are all greatly missed. Longtime UF, P.K. Yonge educator and crusader for school desegregation Alumni Hal G. Lewis Sr., a Distinguished Service first southern groups to work for Professor Emeritus in the College of Education’s desegregation. He also founded Donald D. Bishop (BSE’49, MEd’50) died ‘Father of Community College System’ formative years and a crusader for desegregation of the Gainesville Council on Hu- Sept. 21, 2004 at age 81. (Info received since last Florida schools and college campuses, died Aug. 7, man Relations and served for 10 issue published.) James Wattenbarger, the COE alumnus and 2005. He was 97. years on the Florida Advisory former professor known as the “father of Florida’s Lewis, who lived in Gainesville, also was the prin- Committee to the U.S. Civil community college system,” died Aug. 14 at the age Former Faculty cipal of P.K. Yonge Laboratory School from 1944- Rights Commission. Behind the of 84. 48. He was a professor of educational foundations at efforts of Lewis, J.B. White (dean Robert A. “Bob” Blume, professor emeritus Wattenbarger started his higher education career the college for 42 years, spanning 1936 through his of education from 1949-64) and in curriculum and instruction, died May 31, at Palm Beach Junior College retirement in 1979. others, UF enrolled its first black 2005, at age 78. He lived in Ormond Beach. He — one of only a handful of There were only six College of Education faculty student in 1958, into the College of Law. The Col- was a staunch humanist and advocated im- public community colleges in when Lewis arrived — more than a decade before lege of Education soon followed suit. provements in public education throughout his Florida at the time. He used UF became coeducational. His ties with P.K. Yonge “Dr. Lewis’s desegregation activism occurred at a life. He was a past president of the Humanists junior college as a springboard lasted for more than 60 years — as a teacher, princi- time in North Florida when such behavior entailed of Florida and of the Association for Humanis- to undergraduate and graduate pal, parent and College of Education professor. For serious risks,” said Richard Renner, a College of Ed- tic Education. The American Humanist Associ- school at UF. In his doctoral several years starting in the late 1940s, he served as ucation faculty member from 1965-2003. “His long ation awarded him the Humanist Fellow Award dissertation at COE, Watten- chair and sole faculty member of UF’s newly formed life contributed much to improve race relations.” in 1978. He worked at the National Teacher barger outlined his vision for a Department of Foundations of Education. Professor Rod Webb, an education faculty mem- Education Center in the Somali Republic, modernized community college During the tumultuous period of desegregation ber since 1971, said of Lewis: “He dedicated the Africa, during the 1960s. Author and co-author system, in which higher education was open to ev- in the 1950s and 1960s, Lewis focused his efforts college and the P.K. Yonge school to innovation and of several articles and books, he finished his eryone, regardless of age, social class, or location. on preparing teachers to work with children of a to anticipating the problems that schools would face most recent book, “The Continuing American That document became the blueprint for a different race. He served two terms as president of in the near future.” Revolution,” in 2004. (Info received since last issue complete overhaul of Florida’s community colleges. the Florida Council on Human Relations, one of the published.) Wattenbarger oversaw much of that overhaul during his 11-year tenure as head of the Division of Com- Frances Pauline Hilliard, professor emeritus munity Colleges. in elementary education and curriculum and “He created a community college system that has former chair of elementary education (1960- become a model for the rest of the country,” said Outspoken critic of education and society 68), died Dec. 20, 2005, of natural causes. She Linda Serra-Hagedorn, chair of COE’s Department Robert Primack, who taught in the college’s Primack edited the book “Issues in Social Founda- was 96. She also chaired the board of editors of Educational Administration and Policy. “Florida Social Foundations of Education program for 30 tions of Education” and for many years published a for the journal Childhood Education and authored has one of the most successful systems in the U.S., years, died Aug. 12, 2006. He was 84. monthly newsletter on issues in the field. After retire- two professional books and numerous articles. and this is largely due to his influence.” Students knew Primack as a no-nonsense critic ment, he became a frequent contributor of editorial She retired from UF in 1979. Wattenbarger served as chair of COE’s Depart- of the educational system letters to The Gainesville Sun and other newspapers, James W. Longstreth, a retired faculty ment of Educational Administration and founding who urged future teachers including The New York Times. member in educational administration and director of the Institute of Higher Education. The to approach their work as His last letter to the Sun ran in the Aug. 18 edition Wattenbarger Building at Santa Fe Community Col- policy, died of cancer April 23, 2006. During “architects” rather than “car- of the paper — six days after his death — alongside lege in Gainesville is named in his honor. four decades working in Florida education, he penters.” Gainesville residents an editorial-page memorial by Richard Scher, a In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for dona- perhaps was best known as the first appointed knew him as outspoken critic professor of political science at UF. tions to the James L. Wattenbarger Fellowship Fund, superintendent of Alachua County’s public of current trends in politics “(Primack) was every bit the populist…willing which is for graduate students in higher educa- schools. He also was a 12-year School Board and the media. to rail publicly against anyone or anything which tion administration at UF’s College of Education. member (1982-94). In 1975, “Dr. Jim” was Raised in Chicago and New smacked of discrimination, elitism, unfairness or Contributions can be made online at www.educa- named School Administrator of the Year by the York, Primack moved to rural stupidity,” Scher wrote. tion.ufl.edu/wattenbarger. You can also donate by American School Counselors Association. Later New Jersey at age 19 to raise poultry. He prospered A scholarship fund is being set up in Primack’s check to: University of Florida Foundation, PO Box as a UF professor, he mentored future school as a farmer, but grew restless in the business — so he name. Contributions to the fund can be sent to the 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604. On the memo line, administrators, many of whom hold posts in sold his farms and embarked on an academic career, UF Foundation at P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, FL write “Wattenbarger Endowed Fellowship (Fund Florida’s school districts today. He was also an triple-majoring in English, education and history at 32604-2425, with “Primack Scholarship” in the #11967).” advocate for early childhood education, one of Monmouth College and going later to Rutgers for a memo line. the priorities in today’s education system. doctorate in history and philosophy of education.
40 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationEducationTimesTimes | 41 alumni class notes (EdS ’76/PhD ’87) is director of psychological services at Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center. His awards and recognitions include: Distinguished EDUGATOR NEWS Psychologist (by the Florida Psychological Association) – 2002; FPA’s Spellman Award for ethical contributions charter school in Arkansas. to psychology – 2003; FPA’s Psychologist of the Year ‘30s Robert (Bob) Shaffer – 2004; and FPA president – 2005. Randi M. (Premer) Thomas E. Smith (BAE ‘34/MAE ‘58) is retired. He is (BAE ’58/MEd ’64/DEd Garlitz (BAE ’79) has completed six years at Williams a life member of the Acme Masonic Lodge and has been ’66) is the principal at Elementary School (Gainesville) as a primary reading president and lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Club. Trinity Lutheran School in teacher, tutor and coach. She received her National Orlando. John R. Lamb Board Certification in literacy (early/middle childhood (MEd ’59) retired as a reading, language arts) in 2004. Barbara A. Henry ‘40s Photos by LARRY LANSFORD school administrator and (BAE ’79) is a behavior research specialist and assistant Willa (Foxworth) Land (BAE ’48/MEd ‘59) is retired was reelected to a second principal at Charles W. Duval Elementary School, a fine since 1979 after teaching for 30 years in Santa Rosa term on the Hillsborough arts magnet school in Gainesville. She earned her PhD in From left, Sandra Autore, Bonnie Jernigan (BAE ’66/MEd ’72), and Mary County public schools. She was a leader in the formation County School Board. He recently was elected president educational leadership in 2004 from Florida A&M. (BAE ’71/MEd ’72) and Jim Brandenburg (BAE ’75/MEd ’81) party at the of the SRC teacher’s union in 1968. Charles H. Homecoming Parade alumni gathering. of the Florida School Board Association. Hamblen (MAE ’48) has been retired since 1981. His ‘80s recognitions include the Basketball Hall of Fame and specialist. Meribah A. (Harter) LaBranche (BAE the Basketball Team of the Century at Carson-Newman ‘60s Lilya Wagner (EdD ’80) recently became vice ’96) teaches at Mills Elementary School in Manatee College (Tenn.), regional representative of the U.S. Office James M. Eikeland (MEd ’62) recently retired from president for philanthropy at Counterpart International County, Fla. and is National Board Certified. Kelly J. of Education in New York, vice president of Central Leon County Schools after 10 years as a guidance in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for 14 Brennan (BAE ’97/MEd ’98) is an eighth-grade history Florida Community College, and the Academy of Senior counselor. He previously retired from the Florida years at Indiana University’s Center on teacher and social studies department head at Burnett Professionals at Eckerd College from 1991-98. Department of Education after serving for 22 years as Philanthropy as associate director for Middle School. She was named Teacher of the Year and William A. Bell (BS ’49/MEd ’55) has retired after a school psychology consultant. He has received several public service and director of the Women’s Hillsborough County (Fla.) Social Studies Teacher of the teaching 36 years in high schools and junior colleges of state and national awards in his field and served on Philanthropy Institute. She has published Year. Adam J. Auerbach (BAE ’98), currently a third- Florida. Henry (Hank) W. Bishop, Jr. (BSPE ’49/ NCATE from 1980-1990. William H. Stuart (MEd numerous articles and book chapters on grade teacher, served as assistant principal at Weddington MEd ’53) has retired after teaching 20 years at P.K. Yonge ’62) a minister in the United Church of Christ, is also philanthropy and fundraising, and her Hills Elementary in Concord, N.C., in 2005-06. He is Laboratory School in Gainesville and 15 years in Naval a professor emeritus at Oakland (Mich.) Community book, “Careers in Fundraising (2001),” finishing his master’s degree in school administration Intelligence at the Pentagon. College. David DeRuzzo (MEd ’66/EdD ’72) is a was the winner of the 2002 Skystone Ryan Research at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Amy retired school superintendent with 43 years in education, Prize. She also was vice president for institutional E. (Turner) Bonds (BAE ’99) a fifth-grade teacher at ‘50s most recently as school superintendent in St. Lucie advancement at Union College in Lincoln, Neb. She has Vass-Lakeview Elementary School in Vass, N.C., was County, Fla. He has been recognized by the National taught at the university, college and high school levels. She recently named Teacher of the Year at her school. She Janet S. (Steward) Craig (BA ’50) is now retired. Association of Principals and serves on the UF College of also has master’s degrees in journalism and music. Nancy has also submitted her National Board portfolio for Carey T. Southall (MAE ’50/EdD ’55) is a professor Education Alumni Council Board of Directors. Vader-McCormick (PhD ’85) is an associate professor middle child generalist. Angelisa (Carter) Bromley emeritus of education at the University of Missouri- in speech communication at Delta College (Mich.). She (BAE ’99/MEd ’01) is a documentation specialist Columbia. Mary Ellen was awarded the Barstow-Frevel Award in April 2005 (educational technology consultant) at Anystream, Inc., (O’Quinn) Johnson (BA ‘70s for scholarly achievement and for her contributions to in Sterling, Va. ’52), formerly a first-grade Christine R. L. (Levring) Bowman (BAE ’71) the fields of speech communication, teacher who became an has retired. Glenda (Green) Kelley (BAE ’71) is a organizational development and the ‘00s automobile dealer 28 years retired teacher after 20 years, most of them in Alachua fine arts. Mark W. Morgan (EdD ’87) ago, is now president of County schools. She is currently writing a screenplay is the director of institutional research Kathryn Golden (BAE ’01/MEd ’02) is a fourth Johnson Chrysler, Inc. in and children’s books. Beckie D. (Reidling) Preston at Seminole Community College in grade teacher at Pasadena Lakes Elementary School in Fort Pierce, Fla. Martin W. (BAE ’75/MAE ’02) is working as the assistant university Sanford, Fla. ASQ Press recently Broward County. Robert Smith (PhD ’03) recently left Schoppmeyer (MEd ’55/ registrar at the University of Florida. She received the published Morgan’s third book in the medical faculty at the University of South Florida to EdD ’62) is the University Davis Productivity Award in 2005. March entitled “The Path to Profitable become a health scientist administrator at the National Professor Emeritus of Robert T. Bleck, (MEd’75/PhD’77) Measures: 10 Steps to Feedback that Fuels Performance.” Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. Theodore Education Administration at is the founder and director of the Sofianos (PhD ’05) is an account executive for the the University of Arkansas Source Completion Therapy Center in ‘90s Center for Business and Industry at Daytona Beach Fayetteville. He and his wife Plainview, NY. He wrote a book called Community College. He is responsible for attracting new Dave DeRuzzo (MEd ’66/EdD ’72) mugs with Margaret Marilyn (BSE ’51/MEd ’58) “Give Back the Pain” that addresses Jamie L. (Resczenski) Poole (BAE ’93) was named businesses to the center. He has been in education for Gaylord, then the college’s development director, at last are currently helping their the symptoms that Source Completion UF Alumni Association Leader of the Year in 2003. 14 years. His doctorate is in administrative leadership in fall’s Homecoming Parade alumni gathering. son with the only secondary Therapy identifies. Larry C. Kubiak Carmelo J. Sigona (MEd ’95) works as a library media higher education. 42 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationEducationTimesTimes | 43 Times alumni Ed 2 of America’s best teachers Alumnus is National
Alumni receive Presidential Award for LARRY LANSFORD/ Distinguished Principal excellence in math, science teaching Patrick Galatowitsch (EdS 1995), a UF alum- nus in the Department of Educational Admin- Two College of Education alumni were among 100 airplanes fly, why the sky is blue, how cameras work, istration and Policy, was recently selected as middle and high school teachers honored this spring and how electricity is used in a television,” he said. “If Florida’s National Distinguished Principal by the with the 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in students are encouraged to use math and science tools Florida Association of Elementary and Middle Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s high- in their everyday lives outside the classroom, lessons School Principals. The award, co-sponsored by est honor for teaching in these fields. become more than just meaningful. Students will look the U.S. Department of Education and the Na- Kristen Springfield(EdD ’99), a UF doctoral gradu- forward to math and science.” tional Association of Elementary School Princi- ate in educational leadership, and Luther Davis III pals (NAESP), recognizes principals’ accomplish- (MEd ‘99), a ProTeach master’s graduate in science Kristen Springfield, math teacher, ments and reinforces their leadership in teaching education, recently represented the state as Florida’s children. Galatowitsch has been principal of top math and science teachers, respectively. President Seminole County Rolling Hills Elementary for the past nine years. Bush recognized all 100 awardees at the White House For Springfield, teaching math is more than just Seven years ago, Rolling Hills was a critically low in May for their outstanding work inside and outside Mount teaching basic concepts. performing school, but today, it’s an “A” school. the classroom. One math and one science teacher “I recognize that if all I do is give my students the from every state were honored. information, they will not internalize their learn- New alumni affairs coordinator named Award recipients each received a $10,000 stipend ing,” said Springfield, who teaches at Sanford Middle Jodi Mount has joined the college as alumni affairs coordinator, ’03 Ed.S. grad in inaugural from the National Science Foundation, the indepen- School. “Instead, I help them discover the big ideas providing support in event planning and development. dent federal agency that administers the Presidential in math rather than just memorizing the individual Mount is a 1998 UF graduate and holds accreditation in event class of UF Outstanding Awards program, which was established by Congress skills.” and meeting planning. She most recently was public relations coordi- in 1983. She tries to guide her students to see the patterns nator for Haven Hospice in Gainesville, where she managed external Young Alumni and relationships between the math topics they study. fund-raising events. She previously was special events coordinator David Shelnutt, a member of the college’s She also builds on what her and assistant director of recreation for the city of Hapeville, Ga. Education Alumni Council since 2001, is one of Luther Davis III, science teacher, students are learning and Mount’s office is in Norman Hall 148. She may be reached by 40 charter members of the UF Alumni Associa- Seminole County incorporates technology e-mail at [email protected] and by phone at 352-392-0728, ext. 250. tion’s inaugural class of 2006 Outstanding Young whenever possible. She replaces Robin Frey, who left to become events coordinator for Alumni. The new Outstanding Young Alumni Learning physics from the football announcer? “Eventually, my students UF President Bernie Machen. Award recognizes UF graduates who have That is just one way that Lake Mary High School end up being able to interpret graduated within the past 10 years and who have physics teacher Luther Davis III educates not only his real-time graphs or write their distinguished themselves in their profession and students, but the parents and community members of Longtime alumni supporter tapped own real-time stories when community. Shelnutt, an assistant principal for this small town near Orlando. During football season, given a graph,” she contin- curriculum at Gainesville Buchholz High School, Davis brings “Football Physics” to the stands, enlight- as Hispanic Woman of the Year ued. “I think this is a favorite received his M.Ed. in social studies education ening the crowd on topics such as projectile motion, Springfield UF education alumna Adrienne Garcia (MEd of my students because they from the col- conservation of momentum, the sound waves of band ’70, EdS ’71, EdD ‘78) has been honored over the get to learn through discovery, use technology on a lege in 1998 instruments and the effects of gravity on cheerleading. past year as the Tampa community’s Hispanic regular basis, and learn in an active way.” and an Ed.S. Davis III Davis said his students respect his passion for Woman of the Year. Springfield earned her Ed.D. degree at UF in in educa- physics and his desire to make the best of every given Garcia was chosen for the honor by Tampa His- the college’s ECPD (East Coast Professional Devel- tional leader- opportunity. panic Heritage, a non-profit organization dedicat- opment) program, an off-campus doctoral cohort ship in 2003. “I believe physics is a wonderful science, giving ed to advancing and celebrating the local Hispanic program delivered in the Orlando area by UF Educa- He was the students the opportunity to understand basic concepts culture. Her family comes from Spain and Mexico. tional Administration and Policy faculty. 2004 Ala- of how our world operates,” he said. “I offer thrilling She is a charter member of the College of Edu- “A good day for me,” she said, “is any day that Dana chua County examples and have students conduct exciting activities cation Development Board, formed in 2002, and I hear my students in the hall or at lunch talking to Teacher of developing these concepts.” served as president of the UF Alumni Association in 1996. their friends about the really cool thing they got to do the Year. Davis wants his students to see physics in their lives. in math that day.” She has been the executive director of the Hillsborough Com- “For example, students can explore notions of how munity College Foundation since 2002. Garcia’s experience, edu- cation, leadership skills and continued service to the Tampa Bay community have earned her many awards throughout her career. Her doctorate degree is in foundations of education. Shelnutt 44 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 45 alumni development ‘02 ProTeach master’s graduate is Broward County Teacher of Year A BOOST for early child education By Anwen Norman UF creates $1.5 million endowed professorship in early childhood education, Student-intern writer At UF, Dassler earned a bachelor’s degree in named after former Miami Herald publisher David Lawrence Jr. Brian Dassler (MEd ’02), a UF ProTeach alumnus, English in 2001 and a master’s in English education is Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the in 2002. While attending the College of Education, By Larry Lansford “About a third of all children begin kindergarten Year for 2007. he was named the 2001 Florida College Student of already behind,” UF College of Education Dean Since graduating from UF, Dassler, 27, has taught the Year by Florida Leader magazine. Since retiring in 1999, former Miami Herald publisher David Lawrence Jr. has worked to Catherine Emihovich said. “There is a growing English for the past three years at Fort Lauderdale’s “When I compare my first-year teaching with recognition of the need for collaborative, policy- Stranahan High School. He de- those of other new educators, I realize how well pre- strengthen the nation’s commitment to early child- “When I compare hood development so all children will arrive at oriented approaches to fully address the complex scribes his teaching philosophy as pared I was, thanks to ProTeach,” Dassler said. “From needs of children from before birth to age 5. This my first-year “an unequivocal focus on student classroom management to instructional design and school prepared for success. Lawrence now has a lasting legacy for his efforts, professorship will help to bridge the existing re- teaching with achievement, a sincere role for delivery, ProTeach prepared me in a way that I didn’t search gap in early child development.” families in the education process, fully realize until I had a classroom all to myself my and it promises to further strengthen the “school- those of other new readiness” movement that is his passion and new Emihovich said tapping into the collective exper- and classroom interaction and first year.” tise of university experts in numerous disciplines educators, I realize life’s work. dialogue as a way of developing His former education faculty adviser, Associate — including education, law, medicine, psychology how well prepared and refining communication and Professor Emeritus Robert Wright, has Dassler pegged Lawrence’s alma mater, the University of Flor- ida, has received more than $1 million in private and sociology — is vital to addressing the compre- critical thinking skills.” Dassler as a future leader in public education, saying, “My I was, thanks to gifts from more than 80 individuals and children’s hensive needs of infants and young children. Dassler leads by example in guess is that Brian will probably move on into admin- Recent statistics show that Florida, the nation’s ProTeach.” advocacy groups to create a new endowed faculty Recent statistics encouraging students to take on leadership responsi- istration and will be a principal or even a superinten- fourth largest state, still ranks in the bottom third bilities and give back to others in the form of com- dent of schools somewhere, probably in the not too position in the College of Education. The post will show that Florida, — Brian Dassler of states in a number of key indicators — in low- munity service. distant future.” be called the David Lawrence Jr. Endowed Profes- sorship in Early Childhood Studies. birthweight babies, in the number of high school the nation’s fourth The state will contribute $500,000 under Flori- dropouts and in child poverty. largest state, still Some of Lawrence’s efforts have helped da’s matching gifts program to create a $1.5 million ranks in the bot- ‘94 grad is Florida’s top elementary school counselor faculty post. Earnings from the endowment fund will Florida become a national leader in the movement finance a world-class scholar’s teaching and research for school readiness and high-quality early develop- tom third of states ment, care and education. He is president of By Chan Tran activities. The College of Education will conduct a in a number of key Student-intern writer search for a nationally recognized practitioner and the Early Childhood Initiative Foundation in Miami, and in 2002 led the successful campaign indicators. Karen Pearson (EdS ’94) began her counseling ca- scholar in early childhood education. for The Children’s Trust, which provides early reer as an intern at Stephen Foster Elementary School “Naming this professorship after David Lawrence intervention and prevention funding for children in Gainesville, but now she’s the school’s guidance honors the contributions of one of the University in Miami-Dade. counselor with a top state honor to her credit. of Florida’s most accomplished graduates and a Named by Gov. Jeb Bush to the Florida Pearson, a UF education alumna with a special- prominent national advocate for the early child- Partnership for School Readiness, he chaired that ist degree in counselor education, has been named hood school-readiness movement,” UF President Florida’s elementary school counselor of the year by Bernie Machen said. “The world-class scholar who the Florida School Counselors Association. is chosen for this professorship will provide the lead- Pearson has worked at Stephen Foster since 1996, ership to pursue cross-disciplinary projects aimed at providing guidance counseling for individual students improving the services and policies affecting infants, and faculty, small groups and classrooms. She works young children and their families.” with parents, teachers and the community to allow her Advancing early child development and educa- students to have off-campus experiences such as field Pearson tion is a state and nationwide concern. Recent trips, which included scoring tickets for UF sporting or counseling students during all three lunch periods federal statistics show a growing number of chil-
events and taking third-graders to see “A Christmas on a wide range of issues including personal or family dren face extreme obstacles to learning before they News Bureau KRISTEN BARTLETT/UF Carol” at the Hippodrome State Theatre. crises, behavioral management, peer issues and self- enter school. Eighteen percent of children under Pearson tries to do something different for her control. age 6 live in poverty. Children under 5 represent 85 students every day, such as providing a weekly puppet “Children and families are her focus,” said Norton percent of child abuse and neglect victims and more presentation for kindergartners on needed social skills Elementary School counselor Jennifer Taylor. than 30 percent of all children in foster care. Seven- teen percent of young children have developmental disabilities and 2.5 million children 5 or younger do not have health insurance coverage. From left, Dean Emihovich, Lawrence and President Machen. 46 | Fall-Winter 2006 EducationTimes | 47 development Chances are (Continued) oversight board for two terms. Lawrence, a you’ve met many 1963 UF journalism graduate, was a key fig- ure in the passage of the statewide constitu- tional amendment that provides high-quality, Gators in your life. pre-kindergarten availability for all 4-year- olds beginning the current school year. Lawrence joined the UF faculty in 2001 as the University Scholar for Early Child- hood Development and Readiness, and he is Chances are you a board member of the Lastinger Center for Learning at the UF College of Education. “I am deeply grateful to those who con- remember them. tributed to the chair because they believe in the cause as well as in me,” Lawrence said. “The University of Florida can become one of this country’s principal higher education As Gators, a unique experience defines us. We lead and know how to follow. resources for energizing the national move- We speak and know when to listen. We run Fortune 500 companies and cure diseases. ment for school readiness, and this chair can We influence every field of business and science with unique perspectives be an important part of that.” and inspired collaboration. We come together to form an Emihovich said early childhood education is one of the College of Education’s core unbreakable bond that produces some exceedingly memorable Gators. priorities. The college’s Lastinger Center is We are The Gator Nation. involved with Lawrence’s Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and also works with a W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded program called SPARK — Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids — in Miami-Dade County to ensure children’s healthy devel- opment and early success in school. The Lastinger Center recently received funding www.ufl.edu to conduct a statewide evaluation of the Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative, a pro- gram designed to encourage parents to read to young children. “We also plan to utilize Baby Gator, UF’s campuswide childcare center, as a pre-school child development and research center and collaborate with other units on campus such as nursing, pediatrics, law, the UF McKnight Brain Institute and our P.K. Yonge K-12 laboratory school to promote the optimal development of young children and their families on a statewide and national level,” Emihovich said. “The Lawrence endowed professorship will draw national and inter- national visibility to the university’s current initiatives and enable us to seek additional support to help young children reach their full potential in school and in their lives.”
48 | Fall-Winter 2006 Hilton Bayfront Hotel November 2-4, 2006 College of Education St. Petersburg, Florida This is not your mother’s College of Education Anymore!
Overview Marilyn Cochran- Smith Successful efforts for Closing the Achievement Gap require the collaboration of policy makers, educators, health care providers, families and community groups. Schools cannot close this gap alone. As we focus on the cognitive skills of literacy and numeracy, so too should we focus on non-cognitive issues surrounding the growth and education of children, such as Ronald health, housing, family and early-childhood Blocker preparation. In commemoration of its research, teaching and community outreach focused on children’s achievement, the College of Education announces this MaryEllen conference as the culminating event of Elia its year-long centennial celebration.
Participants Richard Educational policy makers and Rothstein administrators, teacher educators, educational researchers, economists, mental health care and social science professionals, educators, school James counselors and psychologists. McCalister
For more information visit www.doce-conferences.ufl.edu/gap
Etta Hollins
Heather Weiss PO Box 117044 Gainesville, FL 32611-7044
College of Education www.coe.ufl.edu • 352.392.0728