Curry School of Education

Faculty Retirement Luncheon

2013-05-20T14:11:02+00:00

]]> At the Annual Faculty and Staff Spring Luncheon, we honored some retiring faculty and staff, said farewell to faculty who are leaving, and smiled at the sight of some emeriti faculty who came back for a visit. Retiring faculty include Jim Esposito, Margo Figgins, Dan Hallahan, and Jan Hansen. Rebecca Kneedler is stepping down from her long-time position as associate dean. David Feldon, Sarah Powell, and John Sirard are moving on to positions in other institutions.

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Class of 2013: Tamara Wilkerson to begin Teaching Fellowship

2013-05-20T14:09:55+00:00

NBC29 News featured a member of the Curry Class of 2013, Tamara Wilkerson in their article UVA Fellowship Program Helps Teachers Prepare to Give Back. Tamara will be staying in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area as she begins her teaching career as an African American Teaching Fellow.

Alumna Elena Lavrentye Receives PDK’s Outstanding First Year Teacher Award

2013-05-20T13:48:42+00:00

Elena Lavrentyeva (M.T. ‘12 Elem Ed) was named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the University of Virginia chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Lavrentyeva is a kindergarten teacher at Brownsville Elementary School.

PDK is an international professional association for educators. The local chapter serves educators living and working in Albemarle, Green, Fluvanna, and Nelson counties. They are dedicated to the three ideals of PDK: service, leadership, and research.

Prof. Hoffman’s work in Haiti featured in Daily Progress

2013-05-20T12:06:13+00:00

The Daily Progress Sunday feature article, Long-term relationship between UVa, Haiti benefits everyone, features Curry School Associate Professor Diane Hoffman. Hoffman, an educational anthropologist, has focused her work in Haiti on the situation of children and education in Haiti.

There is a strong “need to rebuild and enhance the higher education sector,” said Hoffman, who sponsored a Haiti night program at the education school last month.

Hoffman, who often travels to Haiti, teaches a course on culture, disaster and education that pairs students here with college students there. Fourteen UVa students studied this spring with a teaching assistant from Haiti who works with “street boys” there who would like to go to school but find Haiti’s system daunting and hard to afford in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Curry Student Awarded CLAY Graduate Fellowship Award for Humanities

2013-05-17T13:26:54+00:00

Christine Monaghan, a member of the Curry School class of 2013 in Social Foundations, was recently awarded the CLAY Graduate Fellowship Award for the Humanities at the University of Virginia. Upon graduating with her doctorate, Christine will begin her tenure as a Fellow at the Institute for Humanities and Global Cultures in the fall

Professor Diane Whaley Featured in The Arthritis Foundation’s “Arthritis Today”

2013-05-16T17:48:39+00:00

Curry School Professor and Director of the Lifetime Physical Activity Program Diana Whaley was recently quoted in a piece published by the Arthritis Foundation in their bi-weekly periodical “Arthritis Today”. The article entitled Five Walking Strategies for fitness Success suggests several methods that may help individuals persist in a walking regimen. The article includes several pieces of advice by Dr. Whaley, a noted scholar in the fields of sport and exercise psychology whose work seeks to develop strategies to encourage at-risk groups to become more physically active.

To read the article, please click below:
Five Walking Strategies for Fitness Success

Alumni from the ‘50s and ‘60s Still Love Curry

2013-05-16T14:14:36+00:00

]]> Curry alumni in the Thomas Jefferson Society gathered for a luncheon in Holloway Hall on May 15. The TJ Society consists of alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more. Graduates from 1963 were inducted this year.

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Kinesiology Student Given Research Award

2013-05-15T18:43:56+00:00

C. Collin Herb, a 2nd year PhD student in Kinesiology, will receive a Student Research Award from the American College of Sports Medicine Biomechanics Interest Group at the upcoming ACSM conference in Indianapolis. Collin is being recognized for his abstract entitled “Ankle Joint Coupling During Walking With Chronic Ankle Instability”.

Center for Civil Rights Remedies Report Cites Cornell’s work on Reducing School Suspensions

2013-05-15T16:29:25+00:00

UCLA’s Center for Civil Rights Remedies released a report that included Dewey Cornell’s work showing the benefits of using the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines to reduce school suspensions. Cornell is Professor of Education and Program Director for Youth-Nex at the Curry School.

Civil Rights Project Press Release

Huffington Post Article

Paper: Student Threat Assessment as a Method of Reducing Student Suspensions

Closing the Discipline Gap Report

Education Week Highlights Work by Cameron and Grissmer

2013-05-15T14:35:51+00:00

Early in May, researchers from the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) spoke at the “Learning and the Brain” conference. Education Week has highlighted talks completed by Claire Cameron and Dave Grissmer in a new article entitled “Children’s Spatial Skills Seen as Key to Math Learning.” The CASTL Project, Minds in Motion, is also mentioned.

More MOOC Coverage from Ed Week

2013-05-15T12:42:28+00:00

Curry School dean, Bob Pianta, recently spoke with Education Week writer Sean Cavanagh for his article, “MOOCs Provider in Higher Ed. Targets K-12 Teacher PD.” The MOOC Curry will be offering via Coursera, Effective Classroom Interactions: Supporting Young Children’s Development, will be offered beginning in October.

“This is an opportunity for us to innovate,” Mr. Pianta said. “It’s a good idea for us to be experimenting in this way. ...We think it’s going to help us go out there to a much broader audience.”

Faiza Jamil Works to Support Teachers, Becomes U.S. Citizen

2013-05-14T13:24:24+00:00

After journeying through two careers and four countries, Faiza Jamil found her passion and her home while at the Curry School of Education.

Patrick Tolan Honored with Society for Prevention Research Fellowship

2013-05-13T19:58:11+00:00

The Society for Prevention Research (SPR) has selected Patrick Tolan as an SPR Fellow — an honor bestowed upon a small and select group of members who have a particularly distinguished record of contributions in the field of prevention research. A distinguished record reflects a substantial body of work that has had a broad and significant impact on prevention science.

According to SPR guidelines, to be considered for selection as an SPR Fellow an individual must have contributed to the advancement of the field of prevention science in a significant and highly influential manner, examples include, but are not limited to the following ways:

a. Has presented 50-75 scientific papers at national or international professional conferences, at least five of which were presented at the SPR Annual Meeting.

b. Has authored 50 or more publications in peer-review journals.

c. Has been Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on externally funded research grants in the prevention area.

d. Has produced a body of methodological work that has helped change the way prevention science is conducted.

e. Has produced a body of scientific work that has clarified conceptual issues in prevention science important ways.

f. Has conducted a program of research outside the U.S. that has not had the benefit of high levels of funding but has been influential in that country.

g. Has influenced the prevention field through consistent, vigorous, high-quality mentoring.

h. Has been influential in translating scientific findings into public policy or practice.

i. Has influenced prevention science in a major way via a role in a funding agency.

Washington Post Features Youth-Nex Research: Russian Lit Has Profound Effects at Correctional Center

2013-05-13T15:19:41+00:00

“At Beaumont Juvenile Correctional Center, residents are so eager to get into a Russian literature class taught by a University of Virginia professor that prison officials use it as a reward. Beaumont residents have said that the course had a profound effect on them.” — Washington Post

Read full story: “Crime and Punishment: Juvenile Offenders Study Russian Literature”

Golden Apple Awards Presented to 11 Alumni

2013-05-10T19:38:27+00:00

Among the 44 local educators from public and private schools in Charlottesville and Albemarle County receiving Golden Apple awards, at least 11 were Curry School alumni.

Congratulations to all the great teachers whose value was recognized last night!

Kathy Mallory-Chavers (M.Ed. ’92 Elem Ed), third grade, Agnor-Hurt Elementary;
William P. Daly (M.T. ’91), ninth grade Algebra II, Albemarle High;
Katherine Shifflett (M.T. ’10 Elem Ed), kindergarten, Baker-Butler Elementary;
Rachel Savoy (M.T. ’06 Elem Ed), second grade, Burnley Moran Elementary;
Amanda Jay (M.Ed. ’09 English Ed), English 12, CATEC;
Tiffany C. Stauffer (M.Ed. ’09 Math Ed), sixth grade math, Henley Middle;
Nikki Y. Franklin (M.T. ’04 Elem Ed), kindergarten, Jackson-Via Elementary;
Amy Hale (M.T. ’07 Soc Studies Ed), history, Monticello High;
Dustin West (M.T. ’11 English Ed), history and geography, Murray High;
Matt Caduff (M.Ed. ’09 Reading), second grade, Stony Point Elementary;
Julia Reaves Green (M.Ed. ’75 Elem Ed), first grade, Woodbrook Elementary

Youth-Nex Project, ‘Fighting Obesity One School Cafeteria at a Time’

2013-05-10T16:27:12+00:00

“In the fight against childhood obesity, the weapons have been many. Schools have tried exercise and education, and the government has mandated healthier school lunches. Now a school district in Virginia is believed to be the first in the country to try something radical—redesigning the school building, itself.” — ABC News.

Read the full story: “Fighting Childhood Obesity One School Cafeteria at a Time”

Related Media

Futch Gets Second Place in Postdoctoral Research Day

2013-05-10T14:55:48+00:00

Youth-Nex Posdoctoral Fellow, Valerie Futch, won second place at U.Va.‘s first Postdoctoral Research Day for her talk, “Teamwork makes the dream work: Relationship processes in a youth participatory evaluation project.”

U.Va. postdocs were chosen based on the quality of their research. The day was designed so U.Va. postdoctoral fellows in all disciplines could present their work and network with U.Va. scientists, administrators and potential employers.

“The Postdoctoral Research Day will allow our postdocs to present their research to the community at large and to showcase the scope, breadth and importance of the postdoctoral contribution to the University’s research enterprise,” said Laurence Frabotta, director of postdoctoral affairs in the Office of the Vice President for Research.”

—UVA TODAY

Futch recently won the emerging scholar award for the Out-of-School-Time Special Interest Group (OST SIG) at the 2013 American Educational Research Association AERA conference held in San Francisco.

Alumna Hillary Billingsley Named Richmond Area’s Reading Teacher of the Year

2013-05-07T13:17:52+00:00

Hillary Billingsley (M.Ed ’10 Reading Ed) , Reading Specialist at South Anna Elementary School in Montpelier, Va., was named the Richmond Area Reading Council Reading Teacher of the Year at the RARC’s annual spring banquet at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on May 5, 2013.

Mrs. Billingsley was nominated by South Anna Principal Mr. Michael Mudd for her “superior instructional knowledge, lesson delivery, and commitment to literacy.”

Mrs. Billingsley’s nomination now moves forward where she will be considered the Richmond Regional nominee for the Ofie T. Rubin Reading Teacher of the Year, an award given annually by the Virginia State Reading Association.

The Richmond Area Reading Council (RARC) is a professional organization committed to promoting literacy in Virginia. RARC serves the following districts: Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, King & Queen, King William, New Kent, Powhatan, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Richmond (City), West Point. The purposes of RARC include to encourage the study of reading instruction at all educational levels, to disseminate knowledge regarding trends, research and new developments in the teaching of reading, to stimulate and promote research in developmental, creative, corrective, and remedial reading, and to promote a lifetime love of reading through the collaboration of educators, parents, and administrators in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges and universities.

Mrs. Billingsley resides in Hanover with her husband, Jamie (COMM ’05), and their children, Caroline and Camden.

CLASS Tool Working for Springfield, MO Teachers

2013-05-06T18:01:57+00:00

In the recent article in the Springfield News-Leader, Working to ensure consistent quality: Assessment tool focuses on teacher and child interactions in classroom, reporter Claudette Riley writes about the recent pilot program whereby 26 preschool programs in Springfield, MO utilized the Classroom Assessment Scoring System(TM). The program saw that along with coaching, “all participating teachers showed gains.”

Prof. Hallahan Featured at Conference in Dubai

2013-05-03T16:23:07+00:00

2-day symposium puts spotlight on latest research in special education
April 23, 2013 | The Gulf Today (United Arab Emirates)

Princess Haya Award for Special Education (PHASE) hosted “Breaking Boundaries, Creating Excellence,” a two-day symposium at Dubai Knowledge Village, which started Monday in Dubai to highlight the latest research and practices in the field of special education. On the first day, Dr Daniel P Hallahan, professor of education at the University of Virginia, discussed the special education instruction.

Nine Kinesiology Students Win Athletic Awards at Banquet

2013-05-03T13:34:38+00:00

At the annual U.Va. Department of Athletics All Sports Banquet held Wednesday night, May 1, nine students from the Kinesiology program at the Curry School were recognized with honors:

Endowed Scholarships:
Jared King – Ted Davenport Endowed Baseball Scholarship
Jonathan Fausey – Jonathan A Frent Endowed Mens Wrestling Scholarship
Nicolle Agnello – John and Audrey Endowed Women’s Golf Scholarship
Vincent Croce – T David Fitz-Gibbon Football Scholarship

Other Awards
Matt Snyder- Virginia’s ACC Male Scholar-Athlete Award
Matt Snyder - ACC Top VI Award
Catherine White - Coaches Award for Excellence for Women’s Cross Country
Thomas Porter - Coaches Award for Excellence for Men’s Cross Country
Kate Norbo - Jettie Hill Memorial Award as the fourth-year female student-athlete with the highest scholastic average through her four years at Virginia
Jared King - Craig Fielder Memorial Award for overcoming adversity
Emily Cleveland - of the baseball, football and wrestling programs received the Tim Abbott Memorial Award presented to the student assistant trainer most dedicated to possessing empathy for the student-athletes

Please join us in congratulating these Curry students!

Bassok talks with WVTF Public Radio about Redshirting

2013-05-03T12:58:14+00:00

This week, Daphna Bassok sat down with local NPR reporter Sandy Huasman, from WVTF public radio and Radio IQ, to discuss her latest research on redshirting. You can listen to the interview and read the article here: Red-shirting in Kindergarten.

White House Invites Hulleman to Meeting on Education

2013-05-01T20:43:10+00:00

Chris S. Hulleman, research associate professor at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning at the Curry School, has recently been invited to A White House Convening on Excellence in Education: The IMportance of Academic Mindsets to be held in May in Washington, D.C.

Valerie Futch Wins Emerging Scholar Award

2013-05-01T12:48:09+00:00

Valerie Futch has won the emerging scholar award for the Out-of-School-Time Special Interest Group (OST SIG) at the 2013 American Educational Research Association AERA conference held in San Francisco. Futch is a postdoctoral fellow with Youth-Nex, studying adolescent identity development, youth-adult relationships in out-of-school programs, and emerging adulthood.

Read recent blog by Futch: Youth Central to Evaluation Efforts of Charlottesville’s Music Resource Center

CASTL Wraps Up Spring Professional Conferences at AERA

2013-05-01T11:06:30+00:00

Researchers at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) are wrapping up the spring professional conferences by presenting at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) in San Francisco, CA. The theme at this years’ conference is “Education and Poverty: Theory, Research, Policy and Praxis.”

AERA is a national research society that strives to advance knowledge about education, to encourage scholarly inquiry related to education, and to promote the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

Hulleman (CASTL research associate professor) is presenting a number of papers and posters on his work relating to motivation including “Motivation Interventions in Education: A Meta-Analytic Review” and “Teacher Perceptions of Student Motivational Challenges and Best Strategies to Enhance Motivation.”

Merritt (CASTL research associate) and colleagues are leading a paper presentation entitled “Examining Differences in Mathematics Teaching Practices Between Title I and Non-Title I Schools.”

Other CASTL researchers with presenting roles at AERA include Jason Downer, Bridget Hamre, Michelle Ko, David Feldon, Robert Berry, Megan Stuhlman, Robert Pianta, Sara RImm-Kauhman, and Natalia Palacios. CASTL graduate students presenting included Carol Paxton and Christopher Rates.

The Curry School of Education co-hosted a networking reception with other Virginia institutions such as George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and William and Mary.