Category Archives: Special Education

Lurie College Innovations Podcast: Episode 1

SJSU Lurie College of Education Innovations Podcast Lisa Simpson David Whitenack Mark Felton

On this episode, host and Faculty Associate Dean for Research, Mark Felton, sits down at a microphone for the first time to discuss one of the newest and most exciting research ventures happening at the SJSU Connie L. Lurie College of Education – The Teacher Residency Project.  Led by David Whitenack and Dena Sexton from the Department Of Teacher Education and Lisa Simpson from the Department of Special Education, the group discusses their research and implementation, and how their project is closing the growing gap in highly-qualified, credentialed teachers here in the South Bay.  This episode is also available for listening on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Connect with Lurie College at https://linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life!  Audio recorded by Brian Cheung Dooley and recorded and edited by Sydney Torrens.  Music by Joey Pecoraro.

Attend the Lurie College Future of Learning Summit!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Future of Learning Summit

Thought-leaders across Silicon Valley; SJSU students and faculty; policymakers, K-12 educators, and community members; and several nationally-recognized keynote speakers will convene at this event to engage in a dialogue around the central question: “What is the future of learning?”

We are delighted to announce the following Summit keynote speakers:

Congratulations to the winning SJSU Voices speakers who represent our SJSU community and will be on stage sharing their learning journeys and vision for the future of learning:

  • Irene Castillon – Assistant Principal/History Teacher, Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School (SJSU alum)
  • Sabrina Dao – 7th Grade, Ocala STEAM Academy (aspiring SJSU student)
  • Ellen Middaugh – Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development (SJSU faculty)
  • Shar Naidu – Master’s Degree Candidate, Occupational Therapy (current SJSU graduate student)
  • Vivian Vu – B.S. Degree Candidate, Business Administration Management Information Systems (current SJSU undergraduate student)

To learn more about this event and register to attend, visit 2019-future-of-learning-summit.eventbrite.com

Meet the Lurie College Faculty | Lisa Simpson

Lisa A. Simpson, Ed.D., teaches courses in the Education Specialist credential and Master’s degree programs.  Her research interests are focused on the use of peer-mediated interventions to improve academic and social outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorders in inclusive settings.  She is also examining preparation practices of preservice teachers through cross-credential collaborations, co-teaching, and residency models to ensure candidates are fully prepared to meet the needs of diverse learners in PK-12 classrooms.  Read more below and listen to Lisa’s personality playlist on the Lurie College Spotify account!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Faculty Lisa Simpson

EDUCATION

  • Ed.D., Learning and Instruction (Concentration in Special Education), University of San Francisco
  • M.Ed., Special Education / Emotional Disturbances, Texas Tech University
  • B.S., Elementary Education / Special Education, Texas Tech University

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

  • Simpson, L. A., Maffini, C. S., & Schuck, R. K. (2019). Examining use of school personnel in CBT interventions for anxiety in students with ASD. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 54, 301-312.
  • Golloher, A., Whitenack, D., Simpson, L.A., & Sacco, D. (2018). From the ground up: Providing support to emergent bilinguals to distinguish language difference from disability. Insights Into Learning Disabilities,15, 127-147.
  • Simpson, L.A. & Bui, Y. N. (2017). Reading Buddies: A strategy to increase peer interaction in students with autism. Intervention in School and Clinic, 53, 44-49.
  • Simpson, L. A. & Bui, Y.N. (2016). Effects of a peer-mediated intervention on social interactions of students with low-functioning autism and perceptions of typical peers. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 51(2), 162-178.

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

  • Simpson, L. A., Golloher, A., & Love, M. (2019). Identifying best practices in preservice preparation for high leverage practice: Collaboration. Accepted Presentation for Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference. New Orleans, LA.
  • Golloher, A., & Simpson, L.A. (2018) Bridging the departmental divide to develop collaboration skills in general and special education preservice candidates. Presentation for the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children Conference. Las Vegas, NV.
  • Simpson, L. A. (2018). What’s in the Paraeducator’s Toolbox? Educational accommodations for students with autism spectrum disorders. Poster Presentation for Council for Exceptional International Conference. Tampa, FL.

NOTEWORTHY GRANTS AND AWARDS

  • CTC Teacher Residency Grant: SJSU and Franklin McKinley School District – Education Specialist Lead

AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST

  • Autism and anxiety
  • Autism and social interactions
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Peer-mediated interventions
  • Teacher preparation

Early Childhood Institute Speaker Series: Fred Ferrer

SJSU Lurie College of Education Early Childhood Institute Speaker Series Fred Ferrer

Please join the newly established Early Childhood Institute (ECI) on Mon., Oct. 28, from 3-4pm in SH 331 for a discussion with Fred Ferrer, CEO of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, which is an organization whose purpose is “To recruit, train and support volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to work one-on-one with foster children, providing critical emotional and educational support, ensuring each child’s needs are met and their voice heard while navigating the court dependency system.”  Child Advocates are a consistent adult presence in the child’s life, implementing a “trauma-informed, strength-based, child-centered, asset-building approach.”

Coffee and snacks will be served! Let us know you’ll be there – RSVP here.

You can also join the Early Childhood Institute email list and learn about opportunities for SJSU faculty to join the ECI Research and Training Networks!

ICYMI: Lurie College Scholarship Application Workshop

In case you missed it, Lurie College undergraduate, graduate, credential, and doctoral students who will be enrolled at SJSU for the 2020-2021 academic year can learn some tips below from current scholarship recipients and view the slides below to learn more about the application process, which will begin during the Spring 2020 semester.  If you have any follow up questions about the material in the slides, please email luriecollege@sjsu.edu.

Connect with Lurie College at https://linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life!  Video and audio recorded by Brian Cheung Dooley and edited by Sydney Torrens. Music by Anno Domini Beats.

“Summer” provided royalty free by bensound.com.

Lurie College Faculty Published in CAPEA Journal

David Whitenack Andrea Golloher Rebeca Burciaga Gif

Congratulations to Department of Teacher Education faculty David Whitenack, Department of Special Education faculty Andrea Golloher, and Department of Educational Leadership faculty Rebeca Burciaga, whose research article “Intersectional Reculturing for All Students: Preparation and Practices for Educational Leaders” was recently published in the CAPEA Journal. Check out the abstract below and read the full article at http://bit.ly/2OZ805r!

Abstract

Situated in the context of U.S. educational outcomes, education policy in California, and UNESCO’s definition of inclusive education, we examine how schools have addressed student diversity. Methods of identifying students with disabilities are not adequately designed to identify English learners with disabilities. In part to address that problem, we introduce the concept of intersectional reculturing as an approach for educators to consider students’ intersectional identities in order to address inequitable educational outcomes. We then present a theoretically grounded proposal for intersectionally recultured preparation of educational leaders, including use of a framework aligned with universal design for learning (UDL).

Lurie College Scholarship Application Workshop

Lurie College students: Join folks from the SJSU Scholarship Office and Lurie College Scholarship Review Committee on Wed., Oct. 23, at 3:30pm in the Student Success Center – Sweeney Hall 106 – to learn more about the 2020-2021 Lurie College scholarship application process, which will begin during the Spring 2020 semester!

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Lurie College of Education awarded over $250,000 to more than 100 students with a median award of $1000 and an average award of $2390. If you plan to attend this workshop, please register with the Lurie College Student Success Center at http://bit.ly/lcoeworkshops.

Fall 2019 Scholarship Application Workshop

Read the 2018-19 Lurie College of Education Annual Report

The Connie L. Lurie College of Education at San Jose State University is a place of transformation, where we prepare educators, counselors, therapists, and community leaders using emancipatory pedagogy across our teaching, scholarship and service. Learn more about our impact by reading through this report and join the Lurie College family by visiting sjsu.edu/education!

Meet the Lurie College Faculty | Andrea Golloher, PhD

Dr. Golloher teaches courses in the Education Specialist and Master’s programs. Her research explores methods of supporting inclusive education, including the impact of teacher preparation and professional development on attitudes toward and beliefs about disability and inclusion. As Associate Director of the Early Childhood Institute (ECI), she engages in interdisciplinary research about, provides professional development to, and advocates for early childhood and the early childhood workforce.  Read more below and listen to Andy’s personality playlist on the Lurie College Spotify account!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Faculty Andrea Golloher

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D., Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education, University of California, Berkeley, and San Francisco State University
  • M.Ed., Early Childhood Special Education (Credential), Vanderbilt University
  • B.A., Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

  • Golloher, A. (2018). Adapted shared storybook reading: A study of its application for children with autism spectrum disorders and in home settings. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 33, 35-46.
  • Golloher, A. N., Whitenack, D. A., Simpson, L. A., & Sacco, D. (2018). From the ground up: Providing support to emergent bilinguals to distinguish language difference from disability. Insights on Learning Disabilities, 15, 127-144.
  • Whitenack, D. A., Golloher, A. N., & Burciaga, R. (in press). Intersectionally Reculturing Educational Leader Preparation and Practice for All Students. Educational Leadership and Administration: Teaching and Program Development Journal.
  • Early Childhood Initiative (2018). Position Statement on the CTC’s Proposed Early Childhood Education Performance Expectations and Program Guidelines. Prepared and disseminated on behalf of SJSU’s Early Childhood Initiative. Prepared by Slusser, E., Fusaro, M., & Golloher, A. (equal contributors).
  • Early Childhood Initiative (2019). Response to Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal. Prepared and disseminated on behalf of SJSU’s Early Childhood Initiative. Prepared by Slusser, E., Fusaro, M., & Golloher, A. (equal contributors).

RECENT PRESENTATIONS

  • Golloher, A. N., & Whitenack, D. A. (2019, March). Intersectionally Reculturing Educational Leader Preparation and Practice: The Tier 1 Framework Tool. Annual Meeting of California Association of Professors of Education Administration. Sacramento, CA: California Association of Professors of Education Administration.
  • Golloher, A. N., & Simpson, L. A. (2018, November). Bridging the departmental divide to develop collaboration skills in general and special education preservice candidates. Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division Annual Conference. Las Vegas, NV: CEC-TED.
  • Fusaro, M., Golloher, A. N., & Slusser, E. B. (2018, November). SJSU Early Childhood Initiative Convening. Stakeholder Meeting of the Early Childhood Initiative. San Jose, CA: Lurie College of Education.
  • Golloher, A. N. (2018, October). Co-teaching in early childhood: Considerations and configurations. San Jose, CA: Inclusion Collaborative State Conference.

NOTEWORTHY GRANTS AND AWARDS

  • Early Childhood STEM Education: Training and Ambassador Program, Co-PI; Funder: Santa Clara County Office of Education Local Planning Council. 2019-2020.

AREAS OF RESEARCH INTEREST

  • Co-teaching
  • Early childhood
  • Inclusion
  • Intersectionality
  • Universal design for learning

RECOMMENDED READING

Lurie College Student Receives Graduate Equity Fellowship

Congratulations to SJSU Lurie College graduate student Monica Gonzalez, who recently received a Graduate Equity Fellowship from the College of Graduate Studies!  Learn more about the fellowship at http://www.sjsu.edu/cgs/current-students/funding-opportunities/GraduateEquityFellowship/

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Graduate Student Monica Gonzalez

Leaders of Lurie College | Melanie

Meet Melanie, recently graduated SJSU grad student and one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“My experiences as both a student and an educator left me with many questions about the education system and how schools do, or do not, support students. The College of Education provided me with the tools and support I needed to seek answers and continue asking questions in pursuit of inclusive and effective schools for all students. I am grateful to the faculty for fostering this inquisitiveness and for guiding future educators to be thoughtful, self-reflective critical thinkers.”

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Graduate Student Melanie Chong

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

Lurie College Faculty Featured in Upcoming University Scholars Series

Thanks to the SJSU Newsroom for highlighting Lurie College Department of Special Education faculty, Saili Kulkarni, who will kick off the SJSU University Scholar Series on Wed., Sep. 11, from 12-1pm in the SJSU MLK library – read the full feature at go.sjsu.edu/Kulkarni!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Faculty Saili Kulkarni

Leaders of Lurie College | Everett

Meet Everett, SJSU faculty member and one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“I was born deaf and grew up with American Sign Language (ASL). I am the only deaf member in my family, and I would not be who I am if it was not for my deafness. I had aspired to be many things, including a computer programmer. It was not until I served as a TA at a community college that I realized how much I enjoyed working with students, who demonstrated a strong interest in learning ASL. I knew by then that I wanted to teach. Today, I am truly privileged to be a Deaf Education lecturer.”

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Faculty Everett Smith

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

 

Welcome to the Fall 2019 semester, Lurie College!

On behalf of the SJSU Lurie College of Education, Dean Heather Lattimer and Associate Dean Marcos Pizarro would like to welcome its new and returning students to the fall 2019 semester and make them aware of some upcoming events and opportunities!

  • Visit http://sjsu.edu/education/financial-aid to learn more about student research grant opportunities!
  • Visit http://sjsu.edu/education/dine-dean to enter your name for a chance to join Dean Heather Lattimer, a special guest, and a group of students for great conversation and a complimentary meal each month!
  • Join Lurie College friends, students, faculty, and staff for food, games, prizes, helpful information, and more on Wed., Sep. 18, in the Sweeney Hall courtyard!
  • Utilize the Student Success Center in Sweeney Hall 106 and the Study and Collaboration Room in Sweeney Hall 446 – they provide advising, study space, helpful workshops, and more!
  • Connect with Lurie College at https://linktr.ee/sjsulurie to receive more news about academic and student life!

“Summer” provided royalty free by bensound.com. Video and audio recorded and edited by Brian Cheung Dooley.

CBS SF Bay Area Highlights SJUSD and Lurie College Partnership

Thank you to KPIX CBS San Francisco Bay Area for shining a spotlight on the need for more qualified special education teachers in the Bay Area and the RISE initiative that has been established between the San José Unified School District and the SJSU Lurie College Special Education Department to address that need – watch their coverage below and read the full article on the KPIX website!

Leaders of Lurie College | Luna

Meet Luna, recently graduated SJSU undergrad and one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“I, like many, chose to attend college to try and live out my dreams and make the world a better place. I have hopes of the world becoming a more accessible place for those who may not fit the majority’s idea of “normal”. My focus is on the Deaf culture – the culture I call my own as a CODA from a generationally Deaf family. One day I’ll be a part of a large movement for accessibility and maybe owning a healthcare practice where everyone employed is fluent in ASL and well-versed in Deaf culture.”

Learn about more Leaders of Lurie College and learn more about the SJSU Lurie College of Education!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Undergraduate Student Luna Johnson Lopez

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

Leaders of Lurie College | Saili

Meet Saili, SJSU faculty member and one of the leaders of Lurie College!
 
“I fell in love with my position as an elementary inclusion educator in Oakland Unified School District. The work of inclusion made sense to me and I see the value in co-teaching and supporting ALL learners. Like many of my students at SJSU, I earned my credential while working as an intern teacher, so I truly understand first-hand what it’s like! Ultimately, the support of the professors in my credential program propelled me to ask more questions and pursue a Ph.D. in Special Education!”
Learn about more Leaders of Lurie College and learn more about the SJSU Lurie College of Education!
SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Faculty Saili Kulkarni
The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

Leaders of Lurie College | Summer

Meet Summer, SJSU credential student and one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“Growing up with a sister with cerebral palsy set no limits. She was in the special education system from 18 months until 5th grade. She was fully included starting at 6th grade. She earned her B.A. at SJSU and now is a master’s student here. As for me, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD in 5th grade. I received services since 5th grade and I graduated from CSU, Monterey Bay with honors. I want to become a teacher for children with disabilities so I can help them become successful citizens.”

Learn about more Leaders of Lurie College and learn more about the SJSU Lurie College of Education!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Credential Student Summer Faso

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

Lurie College Faculty Receive SJSU Grant

Early Childhood Initiative Meeting

Lurie College and SJSU faculty discuss the Early Childhood Initiative.

Congratulations to Lurie College Child & Adolescent Development faculty, Emily Slusser and Maria Fusaro, and Special Education faculty, Andrea Golloher, for receiving a grant from SJSU for their Early Childhood STEM Education Training and Ambassador Program!  With the support of the Local Early Education Planning Council of Santa Clara County, they recently offered a series of three half-to full-day workshops designed to enhance participants’ understanding of STEM education in early learning environments.  Workshops were designed and facilitated by SJSU faculty, each of whom brought extensive experience and expertise in early childhood and have been affiliates with the Lurie College of Education’s Early Childhood Initiative.

Learn more about all of the recent grant recipients on the SJSU Research Foundation webpage!

Leaders of Lurie College | Zane

Meet Zane, one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“For years, I was uncertain about what I wanted to do with my future. My friends and I had been running a non-profit organization since 2011, promoting inclusion for kids with disabilities through skateboarding. I recently realized that I was meant to work with kids with disabilities, thus beginning my journey to become a Special Education teacher. I feel it is important for incoming students to understand that life may not go as planned, but with patience everything will fall into place.”

Learn about more Leaders of Lurie College and learn more about the SJSU Lurie College of Education!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Child and Adolescent Development Department Undergraduate Student Zane Samarasinghe

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

Leaders of Lurie College | Alondra

Meet Alondra, one of the leaders of Lurie College!

“Alfred A. Montapert said, ‘Your life will be no better than the plans you make and the action you take.  You are the architect and builder of your own life, fortune, and destiny.’  A higher education was not meant for me and I have had to face plenty of adversities to reach my dream of obtaining a higher education!  As an educator now, I make sure to encourage and teach my students to be activists for themselves and for their communities.”

Learn about more Leaders of Lurie College and learn more about the SJSU Lurie College of Education!

SJSU Lurie College of Education Special Education Department Graduate Student Alondra Rios-Cervantes

The Leaders of Lurie College series has been curated by Brian Cheung Dooley.

SJSU Grad’s Advice: Befriend Someone Different

Thanks to the SJSU Marketing and Communications team for writing up this wonderful profile about #LurieCollege alumni, Devdutt Srivastava!

Devdutt Srivastava graduated with a master’s in education with a concentration in special education, a preliminary teaching credential in mild to moderate disabilities and an autism certification from the Connie L. Lurie College of Education. Photo by Brandon Chew

Devdutt Srivastava graduated with a master’s in education with a concentration in special education, a preliminary teaching credential in mild to moderate disabilities and an autism certification from the Connie L. Lurie College of Education. Photo by Brandon Chew

Spring 2019 Lurie College Commencement Student Speaker Speeches

In case you missed them, listen to the heartwarming Lurie College Commencement speeches from student speakers Sarah Rodriguez (speech begins at 1:01:05) and Jasmin Roley (speech begins at 1:07:35)!

Continue Reading…