2011 News Stories
- January 2011 News Stories
- Dan McAdams Discusses New Book on Mind of George Bush on Chicago Tonight
Professor Dan McAdams appeared on Chicago Tonight on January 5 to discuss his new book, George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream. McAdams offers a psychological analysis, arguing that early events in Bush’s life would later shape his controversial decisions to lead the nation into war with Iraq.
1/6/11 - Author Dan McAdams Talks about His Book George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream on WGN-TV
The Midday News on WGN-TV Chicago features professor Dan McAdams talking about his book George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait.
1/25/11 - Education Week Article on 'Cyber Schools' Cites Center for Talent Development Online Courses
An article about universities designing online courses for elementary and high school students cites SESP's Center for Talent Development and quotes director Paula Olszewski-Kubilius about the need for challenges for gifted children.
1/10/11 - Chicago Sun-Times Quotes Steven McGee on Need to Fill Gaps in Science Education
Research associate professor Steven McGee comments in Chicago Sun-Times about a mentoring program called In Search of Genius that helps to fill a "gaping hole" in Illinois science education: Science teaching is concentrated in 4th and 7th grades because of the testing those years, causing students to fall behind.
1/18/11 - Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon Blogs from Education Trip to China
Sophie Haroutunian-Gordon, SESP professor and director of the Master of Science in Education program, traveled to China to make presentations at Fudan University and Fudan College, East China Normal University, and Shanghai Normal University, all in Shanghai. She addressed teacher candidates, demonstrated interpretive discussion, participated in a conference and gave presentations to educators.
1/11/11 - New York Times Quotes Kimberly Scott on Change at Goldman Sachs
As Goldman Sachs pledges to disclose more about how it makes money, assistant professor of learning and organizational change Kimberly Scott comments in The New York Times.
1/12/11 - Washington Post Reviews Dan McAdams's New Book on Bush
A Washington Post review of professor Dan McAdams's George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream says the book offers one of the first comprehensive psychological profiles of Bush and tries not to pre-judge.
1/18/11 - Farther and Farther Apart
The more you know a place, the more likely your memory will play spatial tricks. That's one conclusion from professor David Uttal's new study of spatial memory, based on students' perceptions of the Northwestern campus.
1/18/11 - Dates for SESP Dinner Discussions on Mountains Beyond Mountains Announced
The School of Education and Social Policy will sponsor three intimately sized "Dinner and Discussion" events on February 6 and 9 to discuss Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains, the One Book One Northwestern selection for 2010-11.
1/13/11 - Steven McGee Comments on Value of iPads in the Classroom
Research assistant professor Steven McGee explains in Medill Reports the importance of integrating new technology such as iPads in schools.
1/26/11 - SESP Hosts Screening of The Lottery on February 21
On February 21 SESP will host a screening of The Lottery, a documentary film about education, followed by a panel discussion with professors Jim Spillane and Kirabo Jackson, moderated by Teach for America alumna Dahlia Graham.
1/27/11 - James Rosenbaum Explains Advantage of Vocational Certificates for Some High School Grads
SESP professor James Rosenbaum explains to McClatchy and Sacramento Bee why a vocational certificate, instead of a college degree, might be a more realistic goal for many high school students with mediocre grades.
2/1/11 - Rise and Shine? It's Easier for Kids When a Parent Works Part-Time
Children who have a stay-at-home parent sleep on average about 20 minutes less -- and children whose parents work overtime sleep about a half hour less -- than those with a parent who works part-time, according to new research by SESP doctoral student Cassandra Hart, associate professor Emma Adam and alumna Emily Snell (PhD08).
2/1/11
- February 2011 News Stories
- MSLOC Panel Discussion Features ‘Change by Design’ on March 18
At a Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change event on March 18, a panel of expert designers will share applicable design tools and discuss their perspectives on “Designing for Change.”
2/3/11 - New York Times Quotes Penelope Peterson in Article about Education Schools' Reactions to Ratings
U.S. News and the National Council of Teacher Quality's new rating system for education schools sparks comments from education school deans, including SESP dean Penelope Peterson, dean of the top-rated program in Illinois, in a New York Times article.
2/9/11 - Philadelphia Inquirer: David Figlio Finds Vouchers Slightly Improve Public Schools
In an article about school vouchers, professor David Figlio comments on his research on the Florida voucher program showing that test scores in public schools increased slightly.
2/14/11 - Deans’ Reactions to Education School Ratings Spark Changes
Plans to publish grades for U.S. education schools in U.S. News and World Report have stirred up reaction from schools of education nationwide, including SESP. In response, the organization doing the evaluation is altering its methods and making its criteria more transparent.
2/10/11 - On Slate Dan Lewis Comments on Perceptions of Crime
Perception of crime has less to do with overall trends than those in your immediate vicinity, says SESP professor Daniel Lewis in a Slate article about why fear of crime hasn't fallen as crime rates have plummeted.
2/15/11 - Wired Features David Rapp's Project on Comics in the Classroom
Associate professor David Rapp's Reading with Pictures research project with Josh Elder is featured in a Wired article that explains the advantages of comics as a teaching tool.
2/15/11 - Daily Northwestern Announces David Figlio's Study on Impact of Housing Crisis
Professor David Figlio will investigate how the housing crisis is affecting children's academic performance, the Daily Northwestern reports. His research is funded by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
2/22/11 - NWI Parent: Emma Adam Discusses Stress in Learning
In an article about the impact of nature vs. nurture on learning, associate professor Emma Adam comments on the role of stress in learning and the difficulty for stress-reactive learners to flourish in high-stress environments.
2/16/11 - Daily Northwestern Highlights Dean Peterson's Comments on Rankings
The Daily Northwestern reports on SESP dean Penelope Peterson questioning a new ranking system for U.S. News & World Report that uses syllabi and admission standards to rank education schools across the nation. While she supports the need for information, she says the rankings need to be accurate and transparent.
2/22/11
- March 2011 News Stories
- Jacqueline Edelberg Shares Blueprint for School Reform Based on ‘People Power’
Author and parent Jacqueline Edelberg, who made change happen at the low-performing school in her Chicago neighborhood, brought her blueprint for reform to associate professor Diane Schanzenbach’s Contemporary Issues in Education class on February 22.
3/1/11 - National Review Cites David Figlio's Research on School Vouchers
According to professor David Figlio's study, the Florida school voucher system known as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program led to improvements in public schools because of expanded access to private school options. Reihan Salam in the National Review cites the study as evidence of the efficacy of school choice.
3/2/11 - Michael Wolf's Study Finds Confusion over Multiple Prescription Dosing
A study led by learning sciences associate professor Michael Wolf found that many older patients are so confused by the vague instructions on multiple prescription bottles that they don’t realize they can combine their medications to take them more efficiently. Wolf and his colleagues propose a universal medication schedule.
3/2/11 - Senior Daniel Basco Helps to Develop National Innovation Web Site
As an outgrowth of an internship at the National Institutes of Health for his SESP practicum, senior Daniel Basco helped to develop a web site for tracking federal investment in innovation.
3/3/11 - Carol Lee Honored as AERA Fellow for Outstanding Education Research Accomplishments
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) named SESP professor Carol Lee an AERA Fellow in recognition of her exceptional contributions to education research.
3/3/11 - Lindsay Chase-Lansdale Researches Parental Education for Kids' Success
With a new forward-thinking research project, SESP professor Lindsay Chase-Lansdale continues her work to improve outcomes for preschoolers growing up in poverty — by encouraging parents’ postsecondary education and career training.
3/8/11 - SESP Ranks Number Seven
Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) ranks number seven in the nation, according to the new 2012 ranking of graduate schools of education by U.S. News & World Report.
3/14/11 - Sandy Schwan (MS03) to Speak at Day with Northwestern
At A Day with Northwestern on April 16, SESP alumna and adjunct faculty member Sandy Schwan (MS03) will speak on how to get the most of volunteering.
3/15/11 - Undergraduates Receive SESP Opportunities Fund Grants
Joan DeGennaro, Jane Merrill and Sharona Sernik are the most recent recipients of awards from the SESP Opportunities Fund, which was established to support the special projects and community endeavors of undergraduate students.
3/15/11 - Video: High School Students Use Computers for iLabs Science Experiments
The Office of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Partnerships is providing high schools with access to iLabs -- its remote online laboratory project that enables students to use real instruments to carry out science experiments. An HP Catalyst Initiative grant extends network access and teacher training to underserved schools.
3/15/11 - Daily Times Quotes David Figlio on Impact of School Vouchers
According to professor David Figlio's research in Florida, vouchers have a positive effect on the students remaining in the public schools, and parents of students using vouchers for private schools report greater satisfaction. Delaware County Daily Times quotes Figlio in relation to the controversy over school choice in Pennsylvania.
3/22/11 - Medill Reports: Senior Sarah Hong Excited to Take On Science Teaching
Senior Sarah Hong, who is student teaching in chemistry, is excited to help students make connections between science and the real world. She's preparing to join a profession with many challenges.
3/22/11 - Gregory Light to Keynote Midwest Teaching Conference
Associate professor Gregory Light will give the keynote address at the 12th annual Midwest Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning on April 15 at Indiana University-South Bend.
3/22/11 - Chicago Tribune Quotes Diane Schanzenbach on School Breakfast Plan
In a Chicago Tribune article about the Chicago Public Schools mandatory breakfast plan, SESP professor Diane Schanzenbach comments that schools should be able to opt out because of the loss of instructional time.
3/24/11 - Faculty and Students Give Presentations at AERA Conference
At the annual meeting of the American Education Research Association (AERA) from April 8 to 12, 53 Northwestern University faculty members and graduate students will give presentations about their research, and Carol Lee will be named an AERA Fellow.
3/22/11 - Meixi Ng Wins Princeton in Latin America Fellowship
Meixi Ng (BS10) won a Princeton in Latin America Fellowship to do research and work with teachers in rural communities of Mexico. Her goal is to learn about transformative education in marginalized communities.
3/24/11 - Lindsay Chase-Lansdale Wins Distinguished Child Policy Research Award
Professor Lindsay Chase-Lansdale was selected to receive the 2011 Distinguished Contributions to Public Policy for Children award from the Society for Research in Child Development.
1/26/11
- April 2011 News Stories
- Cindy Conlon’s Students Visit Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor
Nine students in Cindy Conlon’s Supreme Court class traveled to Washington, D.C., to hear oral argument at the Supreme Court and met with Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Their trip also included tours and discussions with legal experts.
4/28/11 - Higher Education and Policy Administration Program Gains New Degree
Starting in fall 2011, the School of Education and Social Policy will offer a master of science degree in higher education administration and policy. Presently the School offers a concentration in higher education administration and policy within its Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program.
4/1/11 - Two SESP Grads Named Golden Apple Award Semifinalists
Chicago teachers Meg Burns (MS06) and Ronald Hale are two of 31 semifinalists for the 2011 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence. Both are graduates of the NU-TEACH alternative certification program.
3/31/11 - SESP Convocation Speaker Will Be Gloria Ladson-Billings
Gloria Ladson-Billings, the Kellner Family Professor in Urban Education and chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will be the featured speaker at SESP Convocation on June 17.
4/7/11 - Chicago Tribune Quotes Diane Schanzenbach on School Lunch Policy
Professor Diane Schanzenbach comments in a Chicago Tribune article about a Chicago school's lunch policy that bans home-packed lunches.
4/11/11 - Jessica Andrews, Elizabeth Dyer Receive NSF Fellowships
Learning Sciences doctoral students Jessica Andrews and Elizabeth Dyer were awarded prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships to support their dissertation research for three years.
4/11/11 - In Huffington Post John McKnight Stresses Connectedness as Health Care Solution
"The health of a community improves when local citizens create small groups of people that meet regularly to give each other the education, strength and support to be disciplined about their health," writes professor emeritus John McKnight in Huffington Post.
4/13/11 - Newswatch Quotes David Figlio on Impact of Children's Names
In a Newswatch article about children's names, professor David Figlio, who has researched the impact of names, comments, "People’s names might influence how they think about themselves and the way in which people might think about them.”
4/13/11 - Following a SESP Tradition, 12 Seniors Join Teach For America
Twelve SESP seniors will be members of the select Teach For America teaching corps this fall.
4/27/11 - Promote 360 Hosts Waukegan Middle Schoolers for May 3 Event
The SESP student organization Promote 360 is showing 90 Waukegan middle school students what college is like during a Northwestern campus visit on May 3.
4/28/11 - Jim Spillane’s Latest Book Offers New Approach to Diagnosis and Design for Leading School Improvement
Professor James Spillane's latest book, Diagnosis and Design for School Improvement: Using a Distributed Perspective to Lead and Manage Change, highlights the importance of diagnostic and design work for school leaders.
4/13/11 - Dean Penelope Peterson Named to National Academy of Education
Penelope Peterson, dean of the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, was elected to membership in the National Academy of Education because of her outstanding scholarship and contributions to education.
4/19/11 - Sophomore Hailey Danisewicz Discusses Brain-Controlled Leg on WTTW
Watch a video of SESP sophomore Hailey Danisewicz discussing the groundbreaking research she participates in to control movement of a prosthetic limb with her brain. The April 20 Chicago Tonight video on "Bionic Prosthetics" is at http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,80.
4/21/11 - Senior Megan Luczak Receives Rotary Scholarship
Megan Luczak, a senior in social policy, has received a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, most likely to study in the University of Salamanca’s Master’s of Public Policy and Social Services program.
4/23/11 - Dan McAdams Discusses Psychology of George W. Bush on Fox News
On Fox 45 in the Morning from Dayton, Ohio, professor Dan McAdams looks at the psychology of George W. Bush, the subject of his latest book.
4/7/11 - Research Study Shows Value of Meaningful Science Program
A study by SESP faculty members Steven McGee and Linda Brazdil shows a positive link between the Meaningful Science Consortium curriculum, quarterly benchmark exams and student performance on state tests. SESP has provided this project-based science curriculum, professional development and teacher coaching to nine Chicago Public Schools for five years.
4/26/11 - New York Times Quotes David Figlio on Jeb Bush's Florida School Reforms
In a New York Times article about the impact of education reforms initiated by Jeb Bush when he was governor of Florida, professor David Figlio cites improvement in early-year skills.
4/27/11 - SESP Co-Sponsors ‘Organizing Schools for Change’ with Tony Bryk on May 18
Tony Bryk, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and co-author of Organizing Schools for Improvement: Lessons from Chicago, will discuss the findings of a recent study on school improvement during a dynamic discussion of urban education reform on May 18.
4/27/11
- May 2011 News Stories
- CBS Interviews Former Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin (BS70) about Pakistan
On CBS News, former ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin (BS70), now president of the Middle East Institute, discusses General Musharaff's emergency rule and violence in Pakistan.
5/9/11 - NU-TEACH Grad Ron Hale Wins Golden Apple Award
Ronald Hale, a graduate of the NU-TEACH program who teaches science at Chicago International School–Avalon, is one of 10 teachers to win the 2011 Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence.
5/10/11 - IMPACT Grows from Civic Engagement Project
A new Northwestern student organization called IMPACT grew from a Civic Engagement Certificate Program project — and is thriving as a way to serve the Evanston community.
5/11/11 - New Book by MSLOC Faculty Member Offers Advice on Strategic Planning
B.K. Simerson, an adjunct faculty member in SESP’s Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change program, has written a new book, Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide to Strategy Formulation and Execution, which offers practical guidance on strategic planning.
5/12/11 - Faculty Members Advise Design for America Group
Design for America is a new and rapidly growing organization that inspires students to use design to create local and social impact in extracurricular settings. Elizabeth Gerber founded the organization, and Jeanne Marie Olson is an adviser.
5/17/11 - President Schapiro, Mayor Tisdahl Visit Reach for the Stars
Northwestern University president Morton Schapiro and Evanston mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl glimpsed the benefits of a unique new collaboration between the University and local schools called Reach for the Stars, where Northwestern graduate students teach about cutting-edge scientific research.
5/12/11 - Senior Michelle Sauber Named National Student Employee of the Year
Senior Michelle Sauber, who transferred to Northwestern to study learning and organizational change, has won the National Student Employee of the Year award for her work at the Center for Student Involvement.
5/17/11 - April Bowman, William Wong Named Education Pioneers Fellows
April Bowman and William Wong, both students in the Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change program, were awarded Education Pioneers Fellowships for projects in education entrepreneurship.
5/17/11 - Freshman Alyssa Leonard Featured in Lacrosse Video
In just three years, freshman Alyssa Leonard has gone from never having played lacrosse to having a pivotal role in Northwestern's run to the NCAA quarterfinals.
5/20/11 - Senior Julie Kornfeld Wins Princeton in Africa Fellowship
Senior Julie Kornfeld, who is passionate about international human rights, won a Princeton in Africa Fellowship for work in Uganda with the Lutheran World Federation.
5/22/11 - Huffington Post: John McKnight on the Meaning of Neighborliness
Professor emeritus John McKnight's article on Huffington Post emphasizes that when families are hit by foreclosures or hard times, powerful neighbors in strong neighborhoods would give them a hand.
5/23/11 - Ann Heller Named First Kappa Fellow
Ann Hays Heller, a graduate of Yale University and an aspiring teacher who currently works for Teach for America, was named the first recipient of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fellowship. The SESP fellowship was established by a group of Northwestern alumnae who are members of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
5/10/11 - Chronicle of Higher Education: New Data Supports Jim Rosenbaum's Stance on For-Profit Colleges
Strong completion rates at for-profit two-year institutions buttress the arguments of professor James Rosenbaum, who maintains that public community colleges should imitate certain practices of their for-profit peers, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
5/26/11 - Students Win Prestigious Awards and Fellowships
Graduate students Jessica Andrews, Elizabeth Dyer, April Bowman and William Wong won fellowships, along with graduating seniors Julie Kornfeld, Megan Luczak and Meixi Ng. Zhen Cheng and Michelle Sauber are the recipients of special awards.
6/30/11
- June 2011 News Stories
- 6 SESP Faculty, Staff Members Named to Honor Roll
Undergraduate students voted six School of Education and Social Policy faculty and staff members to the 2010-11 Faculty Honor Roll.
6/1/11 - Northwestern Magazine: Zhen Cheng, Rocio Reyes-Morales Are Seniors to Watch
Northwestern Magazine features SESP seniors Zhen Cheng and Rocio Reyes-Morales as two of the students in "Senior Watch."
6/5/11 - Eva Lam Wins Research Award
Associate professor Eva Lam received a Mid-Career Award from the American Education Research Association's Second Language Special Interest Group, recognizing “a promising program of research."
6/8/11 - Senior Honors Students Present Research
Eight School of Education and Social Policy seniors in the undergraduate honors program presented posters of their research projects on June 3.
6/5/11 - SESP Student Convocation Speaker
Graduating senior Rocio Reyes-Morales says the experience that students have at SESP makes them “the best we can be.” She encourages graduates to be "relentless dream chasers."
6/28/11 - Major Project Applies Cutting-Edge Computer Modeling to Science Learning
Professors Uri Wilensky and David Figlio are launching a major innovative project to develop computer-based curricula that will help young students learn science, with a $2.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
6/28/11 - Eva Lam’s After-School Program for Junior High Promotes Media Literacy
In a 10-week after-school program on community journalism, associate professor Eva Lam taught eighth and eighth graders in Chicago’s Chinatown how to produce their own multimedia stories.
6/28/11 - After School Matters Study Suggests Teen Program Lessens Problem Behavior
A three-year evaluation of After School Matters -- a Chicago after-school program that serves more than 17,000 students and is a model for high school after-school programs in cities around the country -- suggests that well implemented, apprenticeship-style programs help reduce problem behavior in high school youth.
6/10/11 - Golden Apple Fellows at Northwestern Offer Teaching Advice
At SESP's annual reception honoring Golden Apple Award winners, the 10 fellows who won the teaching award in 2010 offered their advice about teaching.
6/15/11 - Civic Engagement Students Present Capstone Projects
Students completing SESP's Civic Engagement Certificate Program in 2011 presented posters of their capstone projects, involving at least 100 hours of community service and a reflective analysis.
6/16/11 - SESP Convocation Features Talks, Awards, Kudos for SESP
The Convocation of the School of Education and Social Policy on June 17 featured speeches by prominent education researcher Gloria Ladson-Billings and graduating senior Rocio Reyes-Morales, remarks by Dean Penelope Peterson and President Morton Schapiro, and the presentation of School awards.
6/19/11 - Senior Samantha Reed Gains Recognition for Teacher Who Made a Difference
One of the recipients of the inaugural Northwestern University Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Award was nominated by SESP senior Samantha Reed.
6/21/11 - New York Times Describes Deborah Puntenney's Playground Building Research
A New York Times article quotes assistant professor Deborah Puntenney about her study of playground building through the nonprofit organization KaBOOM! Her study found that 90 percent of participants believed the experience improved community relationships and attitudes.
6/26/11 - Huffington Post: John McKnight on Gluing Communities Together
Gluing ourselves to other people in the neighborhood builds satisfaction and strengthens the social fabric of communities, according to professor emeritus John McKnight's opinion piece on Huffington Post.
6/29/11 - Fay Lomax Cook Finds Partisan Polarization Affects Energy Policy
Research by SESP professor Fay Lomax Cook and political science professor Jamie Druckman found that party divisions matter when it comes to Americans’ support for energy policy.
6/29/11 - Professors Jackson, Schanzenbach Address Teachers at AP Summer Institute
Professors Kirabo Jackson and Diane Schanzenbach are the keynote speakers for the eighth annual Advanced Placement Summer Institute at Northwestern this summer. The two School of Education and Social Policy faculty members will address nearly 300 teachers attending the workshops to prepare them for teaching AP courses.
6/29/11
- July 2011 News Stories
- New York Times Features Michael Wolf's Research on Medication Instructions
The New York Times reports on research by Michael Wolf, associate professor of medicine and of learning sciences, that found the need for simpler and more consistent instructions on prescription drugs.
7/5/11 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch Quotes Paula Olszewski-Kubilius on Gifted Education
Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, director of the Center for Talent Development, comments on the value of gifted education programs and the definition of giftedness in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch column about cuts in gifted education.
7/5/11 - Brian Reiser Participates in July 19 Briefing on Framework for Science Education
Brian Reiser will participate in a public briefing on July 19 by the National Research Council to release a report that offers a new framework for K-12 science education.
7/14/11 - Center Brings Young Talent to Campus
An event featuring DreamWorks artist Matt McCrory honored 500 of the top scorers in the Center for Talent Development's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS).
7/12/11 - Michelle Paulsen Receives Fellowship for Conference on Communicating about Science
Michelle Paulsen of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships, who is program director of Reach for the Stars, joined 35 university leaders from around the country, and actor Alan Alda, at an innovative conference dedicated to improving the way scientists communicate with the public. Paulsen was selected as one of 25 applicants to be awarded a fellowship.
7/12/11 - Paper by Lois Trautvetter Receives Engineering Education Award
Assistant professor Lois Trautvetter won an award for a paper on recruitment of female engineering students that she presented at the American Society for Engineering Education annual conference.
7/12/11 - Nonprofit Co-founded by Junior Aria Fiat Holds Volunteer Event August 13
Junior Aria Fiat co-founded Supplies for Dreams, a nonprofit that provides Chicago students in need with school supplies, which will hold a volunteer event on Northwestern’s campus.
7/14/11 - Learning Sciences Alums Receive National Science Foundation Awards
Learning Sciences PhD alumni Ravit Golan Duncan (PhD06) of Rutgers, Victor Lee (PhD08) of Utah State University and Paulo Blikstein of Stanford University (PhD09) were awarded prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Awards.
6/29/11 - Brian Reiser on Expert Panel That Issues New Science Education Framework
SESP professor Brian Reiser is a member of the committee that prepared the National Research Council framework to guide new national standards for science education.
7/20/11 - Study Finds Positive Teens Become Healthy Adults
New research finds that adolescents with a positive outlook on life might have a reduced risk for problem behaviors and better health as adults. The study was conducted by HDSP doctoral student Lindsay Till Hoyt and professors Emma Adam, Lindsay-Chase Lansdale and Thomas McDade.
7/20/11
- August 2011 News Stories
- Erie Times-News Highlights David Figlio's Research on School 'Accountability Shock'
Research by professor David Figlio and his colleagues found that a disproportionate number of teachers left Florida schools that got lower grades in 2002 after the state changed the way it evaluated them.
8/2/11 - Zhen Cheng (BS11) Presents Mental Health Research at National Conference, Wins Award
Zhen Cheng (BS11) is presenting her research on mental health needs at the Asian American Psychological Association conference in Washington, D.C., and she won the Association's Student Research Award.
8/3/11 - STEM Education Research Project Focuses on Sustainability with New Grant
A project to develop high school students as science leaders will expand with a new focus on sustainability with an Innovation Generation grant from the Motorola Foundation.
8/4/11 - PhD Student Rayane Alamuddin Awarded Soros Grant
Rayanne Alamuddin, a rising third-year PhD student in the Human Development and Social Policy program, was awarded the Open Society Foundations' Global Supplementary Grant for 2011-12.
8/4/11 - Carol Lee to Receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is awarding Carol Lee an honorary doctoral degree, the university’s highest form of recognition.
8/16/11 - Kirabo Jackson Finds Teacher Match, Student Pay Spur Achievement
Looking at the impact on student achievement, new research by assistant professor Kirabo Jackson investigates the importance of the match between teachers and schools, as well as the effect of financial incentives such as paying students for high test scores.
9/1/11 - MS in Learning and Organizational Change Becomes International Program
SESP’s Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change (MSLOC) program opens the school year with new status as an international program, a new full-time faculty member and new recognition for its innovative use of technology.
9/1/11 - NU-TEACH Grad Ron Hale Wins Golden Apple Award
Ron Hale, a 2009 graduate of the NU-TEACH alternative certification program, won the Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence.
8/31/11 - Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Heads National Gifted Organization
A national leader in the field of gifted education, professor Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, the director of the Center for Talent Development at SESP, is now president of the National Association for Gifted Children.
8/31/11 - Simone Ispa-Landa Joins SESP Faculty
Simone Ispa-Landa, who earned her doctorate in sociology from Harvard University, will join the faculty of the School of Education and Social Policy this fall as an assistant professor in the Human Development and Social Policy program. Her research interests focus on inequality in education.
8/31/11 - SESP Student Leaders Take Charge of Campus Organizations
SESP undergraduates including Nadia Ahmed, Robert Ellis, Jonathan Harris, Leah Martinez, Kristin Nordhaus, Austin Perry, Emily Roskey, Esther Wang and Tim Zachas head major organizations on campus.
8/24/11 - Village Voice Quotes David Figlio on Cautions about Online Education
In a Village Voice article, professor David Figlio discusses his study that calls into question the effectiveness of online education, especially for certain groups.
8/17/11 - Sun-Times: Steven McGee Blames Lack of Science in Schools for Illinois's ACT Shortfall
In a Chicago Sun-Times article about the new ACT scores, research associate professor Steven McGee blames Illinois’ poor showing in science on the increased marginalization of science in schools.
8/17/11 - Chicago Tonight Interviews Steven McGee about ACT Deficit in Science
On WTTW public television, Chicago Tonight host Phil Ponce interviews SESP professor Steven McGee about reasons for Illinois's poor showing in science on this year's ACT test. According to McGee, science is marginalized as an unintended consequence of No Child Left Behind.
8/18/11 - Educational Publishing Quotes Brian Reiser on Major Changes in New Framework for K-12 Science Teaching
In an Educational Publishing article, professor Brian Reiser comments on the significance of the science framework recommended by the National Research Council committee he served on. Major changes in U.S. science standards are expected in September.
8/23/11 - Education Week: Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Discusses E-Learning for Gifted Students
An Education Week article on "E-Learning Opens Door for Gifted Students," CTD director Paula Olszewski-Kubilius comments on the demand for virtual learning environments, the pros and cons, and what makes an online program good.
8/23/11 - YouSTEM Project Seeks to Create Spaces for Engaging Teens in Science
To address the challenge of engaging young people in science and technology, SESP professors Kemi Jona, Reed Stevens and Mike Horn are launching a project called “YouSTEM.”
8/23/11
- September 2011 News Stories
- Miami Herald Reports David Figlio's New Study Showing Little Change in Test Scores with Vouchers
A new report prepared for the Florida Department of Education by SESP professor David Figlio shows little change in the test scores of students in Florida's low-income voucher program.
9/4/11 - Education Week Interviews Kemi Jona about Virtual Science Labs
SESP associate research professor Kemi Jona, the director of the office of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education partnerships, discusses the use of virtual labs -- and specifically OSEP's iLabs -- in science classrooms with Education Week.
9/8/11 - Julie Abrams (BS89) Profiled in More Magazine as Jobs Innovator
Julie Abrams (BS89) is featured in More magazine as an innovator and "jobs genius." She is CEO of Women's Initiative for Self-Employment, a nonprofit that helps low-income women in California start successful businesses -- 3,000 so far.
9/8/11 - Videos on Cyberlearning Released through Conference Chaired by Kemi Jona
A new collection of video resources for teachers is an outgrowth of the Cyberlearning Tools for STEM Education (CyTSE) conference organized by SESP professor Kemi Jona. In “What Is Cyberlearning?” Jona discusses computer-mediated learning, and examples are designing an astronomy game, using remote labs to assess radiation from cell phones and using handheld devices for an augmented reality game on climate change.
9/13/11 - Atlanta Journal-Constitution Quotes David Figlio on Effect of Vouchers
Professor David Figlio commented that test results for voucher students last year showed modest to no gain. Figlio notes, “The typical student participating in the program tended to maintain his or her relative position in comparison with others nationwide.”
9/20/11 - Ben Shapiro (PhD09) Develops Facebook Game to Improve Cancer Treatment
Ben Shapiro (PhD09), a graduate of the Learning Sciences program at SESP, is developing a Facebook game, called Anatomy Pro-Am, which teaches players about biomedical imaging and cancer treatment and is intended to improve the effectiveness of medical treatments. His team just received a $2.7 million National Science Foundation grant.
9/13/11 - Center for Talent Development Hosts Educator Workshop
The Center for Talent Development (CTD) presents a daylong workshop on October 15 featuring Sandra Kaplan, a professor at the University of Southern California and an expert in gifted education and her best-practice approach to differentiation for gifted and high-ability students.
9/15/11 - Bart Hirsch’s New Book Shows Why After-School Programs Succeed or Fail
After-School Centers and Youth Development: Case Studies of Success and Failure, a new book by Barton Hirsch of Northwestern University, Nancy Deutsch (PhD04) of the University of Virginia and David DuBois of University of Illinois-Chicago clarifies the interactions that lead to successful after-school programs, based on an intensive study of three centers that differ widely in quality.
9/15/11 - Breakthrough Radio Interviews Steven McGee about iPads in Education
Research associate professor Steven McGee comments on the use of new technologies such as iPads to foster learning in school. McGee encourages evaluating any new technology from the perspective of "How does this support my philosophy? How does this support learning?"
9/20/11 - SESP Welcomes 171 New Students as School Year Begins
The School of Education and Social Policy welcomes 42 new freshmen and 129 new graduate students this fall. New students have been busy with orientation activities, and the entire SESP community is invited to an all-school ice cream social on September 22.
9/20/11 - David Figlio to Become Director of Institute for Policy Research in 2012
SESP professor David Figlio, an education economist, will become the sixth director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, effective September 1, 2012.
9/21/11 - Diane Schanzenbach's Study Finds Food Stamps Efficient, Able to Improve Health
Research by SESP assistant professor Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach and her colleagues provides some of the first direct evidence that poor families using food stamps can see substantial benefits, especially for newborns and their health. Their research also indicates that food stamps are an economically efficient safety net program.
9/21/11 - NU Slide Show Features Seniors Kathryn Anderson, Emily Roskey on Summer Study Abroad
SESP seniors Kathryn Anderson, who studied in Chile, and Emily Roskey, who studied in Cuba, are featured in a Northwestern slide show about Wildcats who spent their summer studying in foreign countries, exploring new cultures and adding a global perspective to their education.
9/27/11 - Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Argues for More Support for Gifted Children to Reach Optimal Performance
A journal article in Psychological Science in the Public Interest co-authored by CTD director Paula Olszewski-Kubilius maintains that educators need to join their colleagues in the arts and athletics in applying the science of optimal performance to academics. The educational system needs to support talented children much better and pay more attention to research, they say.
9/27/11 - Pat Fitzgerald (BS97), Senior Jon Shurna Join It Gets Better Project with Northwestern Video
Head football coach Pat Fitzgerald (BS97) and SESP student Jon Shurna are two of eight Northwestern administrators, coaches and student-athletes who lend their voices to Northwestern's It Gets Better Project video supporting LGBT youth.
9/27/11
- October 2011 News Stories
- Eric Brown (MS99) Meets with Obama about Education Reform
Evanston Township High School teacher Eric Brown (MS99) met with President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the White House to discuss the need for education reform and proposed changes to the No Child Left Behind law. Brown is a member of the National Education Association board of directors.
10/4/11 - David Hoffman (BS09), Alex White (BS08) Named Top Entrepreneurs by Bloomberg Businessweek
Next Big Sound co-founders David Hoffman (BS09) and Alex White (BS08) were named top 25 entrepreneurs age 25 and under by Bloomberg Businessweek along with co-founder Samir Rayani, who graduated from McCormick School of Engineering.
10/4/11 - Design for America, Founded by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Gerber, Featured on Cover of Fast Company
Design for America, founded by assistant professor Elizabeth Gerber in 2008, is a national award-winning educational effort to create extracurricular innovation studios to prepare future innovators through local and social design work. DFA has expanded to eight schools, and the Cornell chapter is on the cover of October’s Fast Company.
10/6/11 - Baltimore Sun Cites Jelani Mandara's 'Groundbreaking' Research on Parenting
SESP associate professor Jelani Mandara's research confirms the impact of authoritative parenting style for multiple racial and ethnic groups. The Baltimore Sun reports on a high school's class for parents based on Mandara's work.
10/4/11 - Jeff Merrell to Address Knowledge Management Forum
Jeff Merrell, associate director of the master's program in Learning and Organizational Change at SESP, will share insights about graduate education in knowledge management at the October 11 meeting of KM Chicago.
10/6/11 - Jeanne Olson Speaks on Creative Process for Chicago Ideas Week
Jeanne Marie Olson (MS96), a faculty member in the Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change program at the School of Education and Social Policy, will join with eminent professionals to discuss “Creative Process” as part of Chicago Ideas Week on October 15.
10/5/11 - WBEZ Quotes Bart Hirsch on Effect of Slashing Student Pay for After School Matters
Professor Bart Hirsch, who studied After School Matters, found that students in this apprenticeship program were less likely to be involved in problem behavior than students in other activities. Recent slashing of apprenticeship pay to one-fifth the amount paid previously may be detrimental, Hirsch says.
10/11/11 - Brisbane Times Cites David Figlio's Research on Children's Names
In "Is Career Success a Name Game?" Brisbane Times reports on professor David Figlio's research showing that girls with feminine-sounding names are less likely to study math or science after the age of 16.
10/18/11 - Meixi Ng (BS11) Blogs from Schools in Mexico
Meixi Ng, a Princeton in Latin America fellow, has a blog called "Beat of the World" that tells of her interesting experiences working with teachers and schools in rural communities of Mexico.
11/9/11 - Design for America, Founded by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Gerber, Featured in Forbes
Forbes interviews students from the Cornell branch of Design for America (DFA), an initiative started by SESP assistant professor Elizabeth Gerber at Northwestern University in 2009. The organization's mission is to be a network of student-led studios creating local and social impact through interdisciplinary design.
10/19/11 - Blog Highlights SESP Junior, "Relentless" Tyler Scott
A Northwestern blog tells the story of SESP junior Tyler Scott, a defensive end on the Wildcat football team, and his relentlessness in playing after his grandfather died.
10/20/11 - Blog Post by Meixi Ng (BS10) from Mexico Praises "Pedagogical Party"
In her latest "Beat of the World" blog post, Meixi Ng (BS10) writes about a new kind of "party time" in Mexico: a "pedagogical party" to celebrate education. Ng is exploring education reform by studying schools in marginalized communities of the world that are changing education.
10/20/11 - Obama Taps Larry Hedges for Key Education Post
President Barack Obama yesterday tapped SESP faculty member Larry Hedges as a key member of his educational advisory team. Hedges was nominated to the National Board for Education Sciences.
10/20/11 - Economist Stresses Diane Schanzenbach's Research Findings on Class Size
The Economist stresses the importance of research findings by SESP professor Diane Schanzenbach and her colleagues. "We find that assignment to a small class increases the probability of attending college by 2.7 percentage points, with effects more than twice as large among blacks. Among those with the lowest ex ante probability of attending college, the effect is 11 percentage points," they report.
10/25/11 - Jonathan Guryan Assesses Summer Reading to Close Skills Gap
In an effort to investigate how to narrow the achievement gap between students of high and low socioeconomic status, SESP associate professor Jonathan Guryan is helping to lead a new study of the effectiveness of a summer reading program.
11/1/11 - OSEP and Promote 360 Host Evanston Students on Campus
One hundred Evanston Township High School sophomores got a taste of what college is like when they spent the entire day at Northwestern University during the first Kits&Cats@NU program.
10/31/11 - Edd Taylor Finds Religion Can Be a Plus for Math Learning
Assistant professor Edd Taylor’s current research investigating tithing in relation to mathematical thinking finds that religious practices offer a way for children to learn mathematics.
10/27/11 - Positive Teens Become Healthy Adults, Study Finds
Teenagers who remain happy and positive during the tumultuous teenage years report better general health when they are adults, according to a new study by Lindsay Hoyt Till, Emma Adam, Lindsay Chase-Lansdale and Thomas McDade.
10/27/11 - David Figlio Talks with Leading Brazilian Newspaper about School Accountability
David Figlio talks about school accountability with Estadao. He recommends that schools be evaluated based on student progress and not just the levels of proficiency
10/27/11 - Education Week Features Kirabo Jackson's Research on Student Pay for AP Scores
In relation to a new U.S. Navy initiative to pay students in military communities for high test scores, Education Week discusses assistant professor Kirabo Jackson's Texas study that found higher test scores and more participation in AP testing when students received cash incentives for high scores.
10/27/11
- November 2011 News Stories
- MS in Higher Education Student Laura Stuart Helps Northwestern Win Sexual Violence Prevention Grant
Laura Stuart, a student in the MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy program, was instrumental in Northwestern receiving a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women. Stuart is the sexual health education and violence prevention coordinator at Northwestern.
11/1/11 - KQED Features Cyberlearning Video Highlighting Kemi Jona and iLab
A video produced in conjunction with the iLab project, led by SESP's Kemi Jona, explores learning with new technologies, such as remote labs.
11/3/11 - Lindsay Chase-Lansdale Wins New $2 Million Grant for Two-Generation Study
Lindsay Chase-Lansdale and her fellow researchers received a new $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to research an education program that seeks to improve outcomes for two generations. The program combines early learning for preschoolers and workforce training for their low-income parents.
11/3/11 - Kathryn Balestreri and Lydia Hsu (BA11) Win Fulbrights
Social policy senior Kathryn Balestreri and teacher certification student Lydia Hsu received Fulbright grants for 2011-12.
11/7/11 - Wall Street Journal Reports Fay Cook's Finding: Wealthy Americans More Likely to Contact Congress
A new study, "Wealthy Americans, Philanthropy and the Common Good" by Benjamin I. Page, Fay Lomax Cook and Rachel Moskowitz, found people worth at least $7.5 million are far more likely to have contacted their member of Congress than the average person.
11/8/11 - Cassandra Hart (PhD11) Wins Dissertation Honorable Mention
Cassandra Hart (PhD11) was awarded the honorable mention for the Dissertation Award of the Association for Public Policy and Analysis (APPAM).
11/9/11 - Judy Wu Wins Women’s Leadership Scholarship for International Education Essay
Junior Judy Wu is a first-place award winner of the Advancing Aspirations Global Scholarship created in conjunction with the Womenetics Global Women's Initiative.
11/15/11 - Junior Jessica Holden Wins National Pan-Hellenic Scholarship
Jessica Holden, a junior majoring in learning and organizational change, won a scholarship from the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Chicago.
11/22/11 - Chicago Sun-Times: Paula Olzewski-Kubilius Says Schools Failing Gifted Children
“The nation’s infrastructure to serve our high-ability and high-potential students is in disrepair and in urgent need of attention,” SESP professor Paula Olszweski-Kubilius, president of the National Association for Gifted Children, which released a new report.
11/22/11 - Kelly Kirkpatrick (BS09) Wins Mitchell Scholarship
Kelly Kirkpatrick (BS09), a volunteer leader who was active in civic engagement at Northwestern, is one of 12 recipients of the George J. Mitchell Scholarship. She will study charitable organizations in Ireland.
11/22/11 - Science Mentoring Program Kemi Jona Helped Develop Wins Presidential Award
The Women's Health Science Program at Feinberg Medicine was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring by President Barack Obama. As director of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships, SESP research associate professor Kemi Jona helped develop the program's Oncofertility Saturday Academy for encouraging urban minority high school girls to pursue careers in science and health.
11/23/11 - Seniors Emily Kellner, Emily Roskey Awarded Undergraduate Research Grants
Two School of Education and Social Policy seniors, Emily Kellner and Emily Roskey, were awarded $1,000 Undergraduate Research Grants from the Northwestern University Office of the Provost.
11/23/11 - James Rosenbaum’s Studies Find Ways to Help Disadvantaged Students Access College
Recent studies by professor James Rosenbaum help to chart ways to assist disadvantaged students with access to college. His research identifies the cultural barriers in the college process that give low-income students trouble and the ways that new types of counseling can assist them.
11/23/11 - Associated Press Story Discusses Kirabo Jackson's Findings on Student Incentives for AP Exams
Assistant professor Kirabo Jackson, who studied a Dallas incentives program, found it boosted enrollment in AP courses, test scores and college matriculation for low-income schools. Colorado schools await funding for a similar plan.
11/28/11 - Maggie Daley Connected to SESP through After School Matters
Maggie Daley was well known as the co-founder and champion of After School Matters, an educational and career-building after-school program for Chicago teenagers. SESP has a special connection to the wife of the former mayor in that professor Barton Hirsch led a major three-year study of After School Matters. He describes her as “a gracious person” dedicated to the youth of Chicago.
11/29/11
- December 2011 News Stories
- Study Co-Authored by Emma Adam Connects Neighborhood Poverty to Poor Health
Low-income women with children who move from high-poverty to lower-poverty neighborhoods experience notable long-term improvements in some aspects of their health, namely reductions in diabetes and extreme obesity, according to a new study by Thomas McDade, Emma Adam and their colleagues. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, was the first to employ a randomized experimental design to learn about the connections between neighborhood poverty and health.
12/6/11 - Columbia Free Times Quotes David Figlio on Online Course Work
As University of South Carolina introduces online course work, professor David Figlio, whose research found modest negative effects of online education, especially for certain groups of students, comments in the Columbia Free Times that "the jury is still out" regarding the efficacy of online learning. More research is needed, he cautions.
12/7/11 - Fay Lomax Cook's Survey Sheds Light on Top 1%
The richest 1 percent of Americans do more volunteer work, stress private philanthropy and are more likely to contact a politician than the general public. These are some of the findings of a new survey of opinions, attitudes and behaviors of the nation’s wealthiest citizens by professor Fay Lomax Cook and Benjamin Page.
12/6/11 - Huffington Post: John McKnight on Teaching Children to Lose by Winning
Cooperation "beats" competition in most areas of our lives, professor emeritus John McKnight and Peter Block maintain in a Huffington Post column.
12/14/11 - Researcher Megan Hopkins Presents at DC Briefing on Access to Effective Teachers
SESP research fellow Megan Hopkins gave a presentation recently at a Washington, D.C., policy briefing on “Student Access to Prepared and Effective Teachers.” Her presentation stressed the importance of residency programs for teacher preparation, as well as the need to prepare teacher candidates for teaching in their local contexts.
12/14/11 - Carol Lee Addresses International Education Conference in Taiwan
Professor Carol Lee is gave a presentation at the World Educational Research Association meeting in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Her talk compares educational innovation in three diverse nations of the world.
12/14/11 - Kirabo Jackson Looks at Impact of Single-Sex Schools on Student Achievement
IPR labor economist Kirabo Jackson has conducted one of the first studies to credibly link the effects of single-sex education to student achievement. While a select few benefit from attending single-sex schools, he finds little to no difference in achievement for most students in the sample.
12/15/11 - Higher Education Administration and Policy Program Builds Careers
Northwestern's graduate program in Higher Education Administration and Policy, which can be completed in one year, prepares students to become dynamic leaders in higher education administration.
1/10/12 - Kathryn Balestreri Wins Fulbright
Recent social policy graduate Kathryn Balestreri (BS11) received a prestigious Fulbright grant for 2011-12 to improved education in Guatemala.
1/10/12 - San Francisco Chronicle: CivicWeek Programs Give High School Students Service Experiences
CivicWeek, a program of the Center for Talent Development at the School of Education and Social Policy, offers gifted students from across the country the opportunity to serve communities, explore a career, and learn how to make a difference. Programs are available in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.
12/18/11 - Mike Horn, Reed Stevens: Energy Project Furthers Science Learning at Home
Learning sciences faculty members Mike Horn and Reed Stevens are studying thermostats and other energy control devices to study families' informal science learning.
1/12/12 - Chicago Tribune Features Fay Cook's Research on the Wealthiest 1%
The Chicago Tribune reports on professor Fay Cook's survey of a random sample of 104 people from Chicago with a median wealth of $7.5 million. The top one percent has limited faith in government and prefers private solutions and philanthropy to produce good outcomes, according to the study.
12/30/11 - Grad Student Adam Lupu Wins Startup Contest with Learning Sciences Project
Learning Sciences master’s student Adam Lupu won a local business pitch contest with a project generated in assistant professor Michael Horn's Introduction to Design for Learning Sciences class.
1/17/12 - Fay Lomax Cook's Survey Sheds Light on Richest 1%
A Northwestern University pilot study by professor Fay Lomax Cook and Benjamin Page sheds light on philanthropic and political behaviors of the so-called one percent.
1/17/12 - Undergrad Entrepreneurs Start Businesses with Unique Benefits
Sophomores Josephine Lee, Aria Fiat, David Harris and Jenna Pugrant are four of the enterprising undergraduates applying their skills to start innovative nonprofits or for-profits that benefit the people around them.
1/18/12 - Undergraduate Students Gain from Study Abroad
At a recent panel discussion, juniors Aria Fiat and Adriana Stanovici pointed out the advantages of study abroad and offered advice on how to make the most of the experience. Forty percent of SESP undergraduate students study abroad.
1/18/12 - From High to Lower Poverty
Disadvantaged community environments contribute to extreme obesity and diabetes, according to a new study by associate professor Emma Adam and Thom McDade.
1/18/12
