January 2012 News Stories
- Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Wins Award for Paper on Acceleration for Gifted Minority Students
A paper co-authored by Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, who is director of the Center for Talent Development at SESP, won the Gifted Child Quarterly Paper of the Year Award.
1/9/12 - Sophomore Brianna Castle Appears in Chick-fil-A Scholarship Commercial
In a Chick-fil-A commercial that ran during the recent bowl game, sophomore sophomore Brianna Castle represents the company's scholarship program for team members who excel in the classroom and contribute to their community.
1/10/12 - Pat Fitzgerald (BS97) Named to AFCA Board of Directors
Northwestern University head coach and SESP graduate Pat Fitzgerald (BS97) was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association. Fitzgerald, along with three other college head coaches, was elected by members attending the 2012 AFCA convention in San Antonio, Texas.
1/11/12 - Jon Guryan Co-Heads Urban Education Lab Researching Chicago School Day
The Urban Education Lab, co-directed by SESP associate professor Jon Guryan, will partner with the City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools to study the effects of the extended school day initiative in Chicago.
1/12/12 - New Project-Based Science Curriculum Available to Schools
A three-year middle school science curriculum series, Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology (IQWST), developed by a team led by SESP professor Brian Reiser and his collaborators, was commercially released for the 2012 school year.
9/8/11 - John McKnight Starts 'Abundant Community' Blog for Families and Neighborhoods
John McKnight, founder and co-director of the Asset-Based Community Development Institute (ABCD) at SESP, is blogging at http://www.abundantcommunity.com.
1/17/12 - Daily Northwestern Quotes Diane Schanzenbach on Lifelong Impact of Teachers
Two studies by SESP assistant professor Diane Schanzenbach and her colleagues show that "a good teacher makes a lifetime impact on his or her students," Schanzenbach tells the Daily Northwestern. Early school experiences affect college attendance, salary and interpersonal skills later on, she explains.
1/17/12 - Researcher Megan Hopkins Comments on NPR on Bilingual Teaching
As the Hispanic population rises in many districts, postdoctoral researcher Megan Hopkins tells NPR why says schools need Spanish-speaking educators to fill the role of bilingual teachers.
1/7/12 - Education Week Features Kirabo Jackson's Research on Single-Sex Schools
Education Week describes assistant professor Kirabo Jackson's study on public schools in Trinidad and Tobago, which found that, while single-sex schools may benefit female students who prefer a single-sex environment, they are not inherently beneficial for boys or most girls.
1/18/12 - Fast Company Quotes Kemi Jona on the Advantages of Remote Science Labs
In Fast Company research associate professor Kemi Jona describes how iLabs allow high school students to run remote experiments. "Remote labs can be transformative," he says, noting that students who use the labs show increases in test scores.
1/22/12 - Brian Reiser Gives Presentation on National Science Standards
Professor Brian Reiser will give a workshop for educators entitled "Implications of the New National Research Council Framework and National Science Standards for Curriculum Materials and Classroom Teaching" on January 27 in Minnesota.
1/24/12 - Megha Agrawal (BS10) Pursues Career in Global Engagement
Megha Agrawal (BS10) is director of The Unreasonable Institute, which supports entrepreneurs who tackle the world’s greatest environmental and social challenges.
1/31/12 - Video Festival Offers New Angle on Adulthood and Aging Topics
With the “First-Ever Adulthood and Aging Video Clip Festival,” students in research associate professor Gina Logan’s Adulthood and Aging class brought to life topics they studied this quarter by sharing brief videos.
12/24/11 - Atlantic Uses Fay Cook's Survey of Wealthiest 1% to Explain Congressional Politics
The Atlantic cites professor Fay Cook's study showing that wealthy Americans are far more likely to be active in politics than less-affluent citizens. Editor Derek Thompson uses it as an argument for why Congress might be swayed to keep investment regulations and taxes and low.
1/3/12 - SESP Undergrads Steer Public Interest Fellowship Program
SESP students Alexa Herzog, Josh Parish, Becca Portman and Jake Rosner head up the unique Northwestern University Public Interest Program (NUPIP), which places Northwestern graduates in public interest jobs.
1/26/12
- Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Wins Award for Paper on Acceleration for Gifted Minority Students
February 2012 News Stories
- Bart Hirsch Wins Social Policy Book Award
SESP professor Barton Hirsch and his co-authors Nancy Deutsch (PhD04) and David DuBois won the 2012 SRA social policy book award for best multi-authored volume for their book After-School Centers and Youth Development: Case Studies of Success and Failure.
3/7/12 - NU-TEACH Launches Peter Goff on Path to Professorship
NU-TEACH graduate Peter Goff's high-flying act in education has taken him from the high school classroom to a tenure track at a university. Starting in September, Goff will be an assistant professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
3/13/12 - Stan Polit (BS10) Plans Public Speaking Conference at Northwestern for Chicago Students
Former speech team competitor Stan Polit (BS10) received a $5,000 grant to run a conference for Chicago high school students on public speaking and leadership. The conference is May 5 at Northwestern.
3/13/12 - Julie Kornfeld (BS11) Blogs on Her Fellowship Year in Uganda
Recent graduate Julie Kornfeld, who is working in Uganda for her Princeton in Africa fellowship, is keeping a blog at jujintheug.blogspot.com. She also continues to volunteer for Kayda, an orphanage that helps street children.
2/2/12 - New York Times Updates John McKnight's Term 'Redlining' as 'Weblining'
In an article called "Facebook Is Using You," the New York Times refers to the term redlining popularized by professor emeritus John McKnight in the 1970s. Today data aggregation results in "weblining," denying people opportunities based on their digital selves, according to Lori Andrews.
2/7/12 - David Figlio Comments on School Choice in New Hampshire
Professor Figlio warns New Hampshire not to expect revolutionary changes with school choice, based on his study of the Florida law. "Anybody who was looking for a miracle has to keep looking," he tells the New Hampshire News.
2/7/12 - Dan McAdams to Discuss Psychology of Sex and Religion in Hesperia
Professor Dan McAdams will discuss "Who We Are vs. Who We Were" in a post-show lecture at 6 p.m. on March 10 with Randall Colburn, the playwright of Hesperia at Writers Theatre in Glencoe.
2/8/12 - Fellowships Build Skills for SESP Students
David Kane, Shira Bergstein, Susan MacDougall, Lauren Parnell Marino, Stacy Pancratz, Casey Shea, Sam Schiller and Keenya Hofmaier are some of the recent SESP graduates who have gained valuable experience and credentials through fellowships.
3/8/12 - Reed Stevens Clarifies How Kids and Adults Learn Together with Media
In a new report entitled “The New Co-Viewing,” professor Reed Stevens describes the kind of shared engagement with media that is most productive for adults and kids. The report identifies seven principles for fostering the ideal type of joint experiences with media.
3/8/12 - Kirabo Jackson Finds College-Prep Incentive Programs Have Long-Term Effects
Research by assistant professor Kirabo Jackson shows the effectiveness of incentive-based college preparatory programs for disadvantaged students. He found that a cash rewards program for high school students and teachers in inner-city schools boosted the students’ college attendance and employment.
3/12/12 - Learning Sciences Master’s Program Encourages Innovation in Education
Innovation is at the heart of the Learning Sciences Master of Arts (LSMA) program, a full-time, 11-month course of study that prepares researchers, developers and practitioners to advance the scientific understanding and practice of teaching and learning.
3/12/12 - Education Week Cites Kirabo Jackson's Study of Single-Sex Schools
In "Why Science Doesn't Support Single-Sex Schooling," Education Week cites assistant professor Kirabo Jackson's study of single-sex schools in Trinidad and Tobago. He found that while sex-segregated classrooms may benefit a subset of girls, they don’t automatically benefit all girls and boys.
2/21/12 - Lindsay Chase-Lansdale Named Ascend Fellow at Aspen Institute
Human development and social policy professor P. Lindsay Chase-Lansdale was selected to be one of 20 inaugural Ascend Fellows at the Aspen Institute.
2/15/12 - SESP Senior John Shurna Breaks Wildcat Scoring Record
Senior John Shurna broke Northwestern's scoring record during the Wildcats win over Minnesota on February 18. Shurna has scored 1,902 points.
2/19/12 - Doug Medin Presides over Association for Psychological Science Convention
Professor Douglas Medin, president of the Association for Psychological Science, will chair the presidential symposium at the organization's convention from May 24 to 27.
2/23/12 - Video by Meixi Ng (BS11) Features Boy Who Compares Mexican and U.S. Education
In Presa de Maravillas as part of her Princeton in Latin America fellowship, Meixi Ng (BS11) is using a method of tutoring called relacion tutora. Ng's blog about her experiences in Mexico is at http://meixi.wordpress.com/.
2/28/12 - Dan McAdams Discusses His Psycho-biography of Bush with Digital Journal
Digital Journal interviews professor Dan McAdams about his psycho-biography of former president George W. Bush, especially his methods of personality analysis.
2/28/12 - Chronicle of Higher Ed: Kirabo Jackson's Study Shows Minority Students Benefit from Incentive Programs
Incentive-based college-preparatory programs for minority and low-income students improve their college-going, graduation and employment rates, says a report by assistant professor Kirabo Jackson, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
2/28/12 - Kelly O’Donnell (BS87) Delivers Keynote at A Day with Northwestern April 14
At this year's A Day with Northwestern, the School of Education and Social Policy will be represented by afternoon keynote speaker Kelly O’Donnell (BS87), Capitol Hill correspondent for NBC News. Her presentation will be “Observations from the Political Trail."
2/28/12
- Bart Hirsch Wins Social Policy Book Award
March 2012 News Stories
- AERA Honors James Spillane for Outstanding Research, Elects Barbara Schneider (PhD79) President
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) recently named SESP professor James Spillane an AERA Fellow in honor of his exceptional research. The new president-elect of AERA is SESP alumna Barbara Schneider (PhD79) of Michigan State University.
3/7/12 - Junior Zoe Goodman a Finalist for Truman Fellowship
Zoe Goodman, a junior social policy major, has become a finalist for the Truman Fellowship. The Harry S. Truman Foundation recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service.
3/1/12 - U.S. News Ranks SESP Number 9 in the Nation
Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) ranks number nine in the nation, according to the new 2013 ranking of graduate schools of education by U.S.News & World Report.
3/12/12 - Graduate Students Win Digital Media Learning Competition
Daniel Rees Lewis and Jonathan Lesser, both 2011 graduates of the Learning Sciences Master of Arts (LSMA) program, recently won a digital media learning competition for their idea for an online badge system.
3/14/12 - Pat Fitzgerald (BS97) Receives Alumni Merit Award
Northwestern head football coach Pat Fitzgerald (BS97) is the 2012 recipient of the Northwestern Alumni Association Alumni Merit Award from the School of Education and Social Policy.
3/20/12 - Higher Education Student Nate Randall Wins Education Pioneers Fellowship
Nathan Randall, a graduate student in the Higher Education Administration and Policy master’s program, was awarded an Education Pioneers Fellowship for a summer project in education entrepreneurship.
3/20/12 - Jim Spillane Addresses Asia Leadership Conference
Professor James Spillane gave a keynote address at the Asia Leadership Roundtable 2012 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on March 12. His topic was the instructional leadership role of the school principal.
3/20/12 - CivicWeek: A Different Type of Spring Break for High School Students
Each spring CivicWeek, a program of the Civic Education Project at Center for Talent Development, offers gifted students from across the country the opportunity to serve communities, explore a career, and learn how to make a difference.
3/22/12 - Education Week Quotes Jon Guryan on Efforts to Streamline Innovation in Education
Jon Guryan addressed a meeting of the League of Effective Schools in Houston last week about the challenges of helping school districts improve schools’ technology purchasing decisions to speed up education innovation. “We don’t know enough about what works,” Guryan said.
3/22/12 - Extracurricular Design-Based Learning: A New Model for Innovation Education
Two SESP faculty members and a SESP alumna have found evidence that extracurricular design-based learning prepares students for careers in innovation.
3/27/12 - Run to the East Event Features Film, Talk
SESP is hosting a screening and special guest talk on April 3 for Run to the East, a documentary that tells of three Native American high school students who beat the odds and earn college scholarships because of cross country running. Their running coach, Tim Host, will speak about his experiences working with these students.
3/27/12 - Michael Wolf Spearheads New Plain-Language Effort for Health Literacy
Associate professor of learning sciences Michael Wolf, also a faculty member at Feinberg School of Medicine, aims to improve health literacy among older Americans with new plain-language communications to UnitedHealthcare patients about consistent use of medications.
4/3/12 - TEDx Event on April 18 Features SESP Faculty
SESP faculty members David Figlio, Reed Stevens and Matt Easterday will speak at a TEDx event, "Adventures in Learning," in Evanston on April 18.
3/28/12 - Faculty, Students Give Presentations at AERA Conference
At the annual meeting of the American Education Research Association (AERA) from April 13 to 17 in Vancouver, 57 Northwestern University faculty members and graduate students will give presentations about their education research.
3/22/12 - Adding Women to the Engineering Equation
Research by professor Lois Trautvetter documents that experiences with a positive learning community support the academic growth of female scientists. In particular, Trautvetter is focused on increasing the number of female and historically underrepresented engineering students at undergraduate institutions nationwide.
10/1/13 - 'Ghetto,' 'Thug,' 'Aggie': How Gender Influences School Experiences
Assistant professor Simone Ispa-Landa studies inequality in education from a variety of perspectives. She was not surprised, therefore, when her research found that inner-city African American students who were bused to affluent suburban schools faced bias and stereotyping.
10/16/13
- AERA Honors James Spillane for Outstanding Research, Elects Barbara Schneider (PhD79) President
April 2012 News Stories
- Fay Lomax Cook Honored for 16 Years as Institute for Policy Research Director
On May 10 the Institute for Policy Research hosted a celebration in honor of SESP professor Fay Lomax Cook, who has been director of IPR for 16 years.
5/6/12 - Project Excite Expands Enrichment of Gifted Minority Students’ Learning
Project Excite, a program of the Center for Talent Development that gives gifted minority students sustained enrichment through eighth grade, is seeing success on many fronts. The 12-year-old collaboration with Evanston/Skokie District 65 provides classes on Saturdays and during the summer.
5/6/12 - Diana Mendley Rauner to Give Convocation Address
The speaker at SESP Convocation will be Diana Mendley Rauner, president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, which advocates for policies and programs to benefit young children and families.
5/6/12 - Graduate Students Jamie Hoversen, Christine Yang Win Fulbrights
Master’s student Jamie Hoversen and doctoral student Christine Yang won Fulbright awards for the 2012-13 academic year. Hoversen will spend her Fulbright year working and teaching in Hungary, and Yang will do research on mathematical learning in South Korea.
5/2/12 - Seven SESP Students Win Summer Research Grants
To support their independent research, Michal Boyars, Gillian Feldmeth, Alexa Herzog, Alyssa Lloyd, Heather Ma, Joshua Parish and Adriana Stanovici received Summer Undergraduate Research Grants from the Office of the Provost.
5/2/12 - David Figlio Discusses School Vouchers with WRKF Radio
As Louisiana passes a law allowing school vouchers for low-income students, professor David Figlio discusses his research on Florida's system. Performance of participating students improved a little bit, and schools competing with the private schools involved improved.
4/3/12 - Susan Popkin (PhD82), Stefanie DeLuca (PhD03) to Speak at Housing Policy Briefing on April 30
At an Institute for Policy Research briefing on April 30, SESP alumnae Susan Popkin and Stefanie DeLuca, who are national experts on housing policy, will describe the impact of recent housing mobility programs.
4/4/12 - Education Week Highlights Kirabo Jackson's Research on Paying Students for AP Scores
An Education Week blog invites responses to assistant professor Kirabo Jackson's research finding that a college preparatory program paying students for AP scores increases educational attainment.
4/11/12 - Lindsay Till Hoyt Receives Child Development Research Award
Lindsay Till Hoyt, a doctoral student in the Human Development and Social Policy Program, was one of five recipients of the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) Dissertation Funding Award.
4/4/12 - Dan McAdams Discusses Narrative Psychology with Salon
"We define ourselves using narratives," explains professor Dan McAdams, a leading researcher in narrative psychology. He is quoted in a Salon article about how people explain luck.
4/16/12 - Atlantic Focuses on Results from Kirabo Jackson's Cash Incentives Study
Kirabo Jackson's study of a Texas cash rewards system found students in the program took more AP classes, passed more AP tests, enrolled in four-year college in higher numbers, were more likely to graduate and be employed, and had higher lifetime earnings. Atlantic sees the program as a way to gain students' attention and make a difference.
4/24/12 - Junior Aria Fiat Plans Supplies for Dreams Benefit April 26
Supplies for Dreams, a nonprofit co-founded by SESP student Aria Fiat, is holding a gala on April 26 to raise funds for the coming year. The organization provides Chicago students in need with school supplies and field trips.
4/23/12 - Huffington Post: Learning Sciences Collaborates on Graphic Textbooks
Huffington Post reports on the Reading with Pictures project to create graphic textbooks as a way to teach a range of subjects. Associate professor David Rapp spearheads research with the nonprofit, which aims to teach content covering common core standards nationwide.
4/24/12 - Douglas Medin Named to National Academy of Education
Learning Sciences professor Douglas Medin was elected to membership in the National Academy of Education because of his pioneering efforts in education research and policy development.
4/24/12 - MSLOC Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change program marks its 10th anniversary with a celebration this spring. Since 2002 the program has expanded by offering community, innovation and the marriage of theory to practice — and it now encompasses students from around the world.
4/26/12 - Promote 360 Hosts Chicago-Area Students for Campus Visits
Promote 360, the SESP student organization that promotes minority well being, is hosting younger students at several mentoring events this spring. “We want to empower minorities in their educational journeys, starting at a young age,” says co-president Leah Martinez.
5/6/12
- Fay Lomax Cook Honored for 16 Years as Institute for Policy Research Director
May 2012 News Stories
- Jeremy Ebert (BS12) Drafted by New England Patriots
SESP alum Jeremy Ebert (BS12), one of the most prolific pass catchers during the 2011 football season, was a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He was chosen by the New England Patriots.
5/1/12 - Brian Reiser Gives Presentation on National Science Standards
At a May 10 symposium, professor Brian Reiser will present on the new National Research Council framework and national science standards for science teaching.
5/1/12 - Jim Spillane Talks on Irish Radio about Education Leadership and Policy
On a Dublin radio program, professor James Spillane discusses topics including how educational policy can be implemented, how change can occur at the school level and increasing the impact of education research in Ireland.
5/1/12 - Daily Northwestern: Dan Lewis Represents Northwestern on Homelessness Board
SESP professor Dan Lewis represented Northwestern University on Evanston's homelessness task force, emphasized a "housing first" approach. Much of Lewis's career has been dedicated to working on helping people live and work together.
5/2/12 - Rayane Alamuddin, Lindsay Till Hoyt Named AAUW Fellows
Human Development and Social Policy doctoral students Rayane Alamuddin and Lindsay Till Hoyt both won American Association of University Women (AAUW) fellowships. Alamuddin received the international fellowship, and Hoyt received the American fellowship.
5/6/12 - Heather Johnson (PhD12) Helps Vanderbilt Win Education Engagement Award
Under the guidance of Vanderbilt assistant professor Heather Johnson (PhD12) and others, a Vanderbilt team developed an educational program for underserved middle schools in Nashville. A combined team from Vanderbilt Engineering’s Aerospace Club and Peabody’s Department of Teaching and Learning won a prestigious award from NASA – the 2012 Educational Engagement Award – for inspiring students in the study of rocketry and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics.
5/2/12 - Terri Cramer Finalist for Employee of the Year, Coleen Coleman Honored for 20 Years
Terri Cramer, associate director of the program, was selected as a finalist for Employee of the Year at Northwestern. SESP associate dean Coleen Coleman was honored for her 20 years of service.
5/6/12 - Paula Olszewski-Kubilius Asserts Gifted Students Are Shortchanged
In The Hill's Congress Blog, professor Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, president of the National Association for Gifted Children, asserts that gifted children in the U.S. are shortchanged.
5/15/12 - Comics Alliance Highlights David Rapp's Research on Learning with Comics
David Rapp is overseeing an impact study to see if comics can improve learning engagement, efficiency and effectiveness over traditional materials. The study is tied to The Graphic Textbook, a project of Josh Elder at Reading with Pictures, who was interviewed by Comics Alliance.
5/15/12 - New York Times Quotes David Figlio on Private School Funding
In a New York Times article about public funding of private schools, David Figlio comments on the private school voucher option for students in the Florida education system.
5/23/12 - Seven SESP Students Present at Undergraduate Expo
Seven SESP undergraduates were selected to present research at the Undergraduate Research and Arts Exposition on May 21. The students are Elizabeth Nick, Morgan Purrier, Emily Roskey, Emily Srisarajivakul, Heather Polonsky, Sharona Sernick and Joshua Swenson.
5/23/12 - High School Scientists Showcase Projects at Northwestern
At a Northwestern University science showcase, 75 Chicago high school students presented projects in physics, chemistry and earth science. These students studied Meaningful Science Consortium curricula developed at the School of Education and Social Policy.
5/23/12 - Jim Spillane Gives International Talks on Education Leadership
Professor James Spillane gave talks recently in France, Canada and the United States — all concerning school leadership. At a recent conference on leadership in Lyon, France, he gave a keynote address on “School Administration in a Changing U.S. Policy Environment."
5/24/12 - Kristen Perkins Becomes Northwestern-ETHS Coordinator for New Partnership
A new full-time position based at Evanston Township High School (ETHS) and funded by Northwestern University will formalize and strengthen the relationship between the University and the high school. Kristen Perkins of the Office of STEM Education Partnerships will be the Northwestern/ETHS partnership coordinator.
5/24/12 - Kits ‘n’ Cats Day Hosts Evanston High School Students
Evanston Township High School sophomores got a close-up look at Northwestern life during Kits ‘n’ Cats at NU. The daylong event featuring special events, activities and tours, as well as a talk with President Morton Schapiro.
5/23/12 - Family Conference June 23 Engages Gifted Students and Parents
The Center for Talent Development will launch the 2012 summer season with a special family conference designed to provide information and resources to academically gifted students and their parents.
5/30/12 - Steven McGee Coaches Teachers on Teaching with Technology
The SESP Teaching with Technology class, taught by research associate professor Steven McGee, prepares teachers for making the best use of leading-edge technology in their classrooms.
5/30/12
- Jeremy Ebert (BS12) Drafted by New England Patriots
June 2012 News Stories
- Chicago Tribune Quotes David Figlio on Reasons for Catholic School Enrollment Decline
SESP professor David Figlio commented that Catholic schools had a "century of strength" coming from the initial explosion of construction starting in the late 1800s, but demographics began to shift, spreading out the Catholic population.
6/3/12 - Irene Romulo Wins National Hunger Fellowship
Irene Romulo, a social policy major, was awarded a 2012 Congressional Hunger Fund Fellowship, which provides both grassroots and public policy experience. She is the first Northwestern winner in four years.
6/6/12 - Talk by Jim Spillane Kicks Off New Teacher Leader Program
To launch a new teacher leader curriculum, the Master of Science in Education program hosted an alumni event on May 29 featuring a talk by professor James Spillane on “Teachers Who Lead and Leaders Who Teach.”
6/7/12 - National Review References David Figlio's Findings on School Choice
Responding to a New York Times piece criticizing school voucher programs, the National Review cites professor David Figlio's finding that the competitive pressure placed on public schools as a result of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (which provides vouchers to low-income children and a tax credit to contributing corporations) was “associated with greater improvements in students’ test scores.”
6/14/12 - Zackary Ruelas (MS10) Wins Golden Apple Award
Zackary Ruelas (MS10), a third-grade teacher at St. Malachy School in Chicago, is one of 10 recipients of the 2012 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.
6/7/12 - Student Affairs Office Becomes a High-Tech Model Space
Centered on students and infused with technology, the renovated SESP Students Affairs Office will be a model for other schools across the country.
7/17/12 - Center for Talent Development Energizes Campus This Summer
The summer program of the Center for Talent Development (CTD) is bustling with exciting new classes, programs at six sites and an enrollment increased by 250 over last year.
7/17/12 - Mike Horn: Designing Interactive Games for Museums
Assistant professor Michael Horn is known for the interactive exhibits he designs for museums. In his quest to determine what makes a museum exhibit engaging and educational, he and his colleagues designed and tested a tabletop touchscreen game to help museum visitors understand evolution and the diversity of life.
7/17/12 - SESP Offers New Master’s Program in Teacher Leadership
The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program is now offering a curriculum that aligns with Illinois’s new teacher leader endorsement. The new curriculum is designed for teachers with interest in school leadership positions such as curriculum director or department chair.
7/18/12 - Hannah Nielsen (BS09) Named Assistant Coach at Colorado
Lacrosse great Hannah Nielsen (BS09) was named assistant women's lacrosse coach at the University of Colorado. At Northwestern, she won the Tewaaraton Trophy and the Honda Sports Award as the best player in the country both her junior and senior seasons, and she was the Big Ten Athlete of the Year as a junior in 2008.
6/14/12 - New York Times Cites David Figlio's Research in Article about Romney's Stance on Vouchers
As president, Mitt Romney may seek to overhaul the federal government’s largest education programs into a voucher-like system, which he said would introduce marketplace dynamics to drive academic gains. SESP professor David Figlio co-authored a recent study of Florida's voucher program, which found that test scores at public schools, faced with competition, went up.
6/20/12 - Civic Engagement Students Present Capstone Projects
Students completing SESP's Civic Engagement Certificate Program in 2012 presented posters for their capstone projects at a reception on June 1.
6/19/12 - Seven SESP Graduates Named NUPIP Fellows
Seven 2012 graduates of the School of Education and Social Policy were selected as fellows of the Northwestern University Public Interest Program (NUPIP). Jane Merrill, Nadia Ahmed, Steven Chau, Brittany Fawcett, Leah Martinez, Emily Roskey and April Stewart will work with Chicago nonprofit organizations as members of the new NUPIP cohort of fellows.
7/17/12 - Senior Honors Students Present Research
Thirteen School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) seniors in the undergraduate honors program presented posters of their research projects on June 1.
6/19/12 - SESP Convocation Inspires Graduates to Improve People’s Lives
“You leave here well prepared to be leaders and innovators,” Dean Penelope Peterson told the graduates of the School of Education and Social Policy at Convocation on June 15.
6/20/12 - Learning Sciences Alums Iris Tabak, Josh Radinsky Named Journal Editors
Learning Sciences alumni Iris Tabak (PhD99) of Ben Gurion University and Joshua Radinsky (PhD00) of the University of Illinois at Chicago were named the new editors of the widely respected Journal of the Learning Sciences.
6/27/12 - Symposium, Hands-On Workshops Promote Biotechnology Teaching
A series of workshops to promote the teaching of biotechnology in Chicago Public Schools kicked off with a June 19 symposium featuring pioneering Northwestern University cancer researcher Teresa K. Woodruff. The event also connected educators to the partners sponsoring the workshops — Northwestern’s Office of STEM Education Partnerships, Baxter International, and Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
6/20/12 - Health Literacy Initiative Aims to Improve Patient Care
The Health Literacy and Learning Program (HeLP) leads national studies responding to communication gaps between medical providers and patients, including drug labels. The Feinberg Medical School project relies on learning sciences research with SESP associate professor David Rapp.
6/28/12 - Wall Street Journal Cites David Figlio's Research on School Vouchers
An opinion piece on the education policies of the presidential candidates cites professor David Figlio's study of Florida's tax credit scholarship program. His research found that "greater degrees of competition are associated with greater improvements in students' test scores following the program's introduction."
6/28/12
- Chicago Tribune Quotes David Figlio on Reasons for Catholic School Enrollment Decline
July 2012 News Stories
- Jim Spillane Describes SESP Doctoral Programs for EducationDegree.com
Professor James Spillane discusses the doctoral programs at the School of Education and Social Policy -- Learning Sciences and Human Development and Social Policy. Both were the first of their kind and remain distinctive degree programs.
7/2/12 - Time Magazine Quotes David Figlio on Online Teacher Training
In a Time magazine article about online teacher training, professor David Figlio expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of online course work. Figlio's research has compared online and in-person courses.
7/2/12 - National Science Teachers Association Promotes Remote Labs
The National Science Teachers Association recommends that teachers seeking to provide their students with real-world lab experience and access to scientific equipment consider remote laboratories accessible online (iLabs), developed by the Office of STEM Education Partnerships. “Remote labs are an important new tool," comments SESP professor Kemi Jona.
7/6/12 - Research by David Uttal Underscores Impact of Training in Spatial Thinking
Training is effective for improving spatial skills, Northwestern researchers found through the first comprehensive analysis of studies on such interventions. Improving spatial skills is important because children who do well at spatial tasks are likely to achieve highly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
7/16/12 - Brian Reiser on National Panel to Recommend Overhaul of K-12 Science Assessments
Professor Brian Reiser, a member of the National Research Council (NRC) expert panel that recommended a new framework for science education in the United States, now is participating on an NRC panel to recommend more effective assessment of science learning.
7/19/12 - WGN-TV: Hailey Danisewicz Leads as Counselor and Role Model at Camp for Kids with Cancer
Senior Hailey Danisewicz is a counselor at Camp One Step at a Time, run by an organization that provides recreational and educational programs for children with cancer. At 14, Daniesewicz decided to have her lower leg amputated, which she said was the best decision she ever made, and kids at the camp see how much she can do with her prosthetic leg.
7/19/12 - Danielle Keifert Wins Award at International Learning Sciences Conference
Learning sciences doctoral student Danielle Keifert won an award for best student paper at a recent international conference in learning sciences. The paper documents the naturally occurring ways in which very young children encounter opportunities for scientific inquiry in their everyday lives.
7/19/12 - Claire Lew (BS11) Heads Chicago Events to Ignite Inspiration
Claire Lew (BS11) is leading an event series called IgniteChicago to bring together people for sharing and inspiring others. IgniteChicago evenings feature five-minute presentations by people with ideas, and the next event is scheduled for August 13.
7/24/12 - MSEd Student Sugandhi Chugani Wins Education Pioneers Fellowship
Sugandhi Chugani, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program, was awarded an Education Pioneers Fellowship to work with Chicago Public Schools on a project to improve the transition to community college.
7/25/12
- Jim Spillane Describes SESP Doctoral Programs for EducationDegree.com
August 2012 News Stories
- SESP Welcomes 210 New Students as School Year Begins
The School of Education and Social Policy welcomes 49 new undergraduates and 161 new graduate students this fall. Even before classes start on September 27, new students will be busy with orientation activities, and the entire SESP community is invited to an all-school ice cream social on October 3.
9/5/12 - Senior Becca Portman Leads Voter Registration Initiative at Northwestern and Beyond
Senior Becca Portman is a project coordinator for the UVote Project at Northwestern, an initiative of the Center for Civic Engagement that integrates voter registration with official school activities.
9/5/12 - Diane Schanzenbach’s Study Finds Long-Term Adult Impact of Kindergarten
A study by SESP associate professor Diane Schanzenbach and her co-researchers found that children in higher-quality kindergarten classrooms were still reaping benefits 25 years later. Specifically, they earn more and are more likely to attend college, be married, own a home and have retirement savings.
9/5/12 - Northwestern Launches Evanston Partnership Office Staffed by Kristen Perkins
A ribbon cutting ceremony with President Morton Schapiro, Evanston mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and ETHS superintendent Eric Witherspoon opened a new partnership office to strengthen the ties between the University and the high school. The purple office at Evanston Township High School is staffed by Kristen Perkins of Northwestern’s Office of STEM Education Partnerships.
9/7/12 - London Mail Features David Uttal's Study on Spatial Skills
Spatial skills needed for reading maps and assembling furniture are a skill that can be learned, according to a review of 217 studies by professor David Uttal and his colleagues.
8/3/12 - Hilary Bowen (BS09) Blogs about Taking Lacrosse to Uganda
Hilary Bowen (BS09) is keeping a blog about her time in Uganda with Fields of Growth, spreading the game of lacrosse "and all the good that comes with it."
8/3/12 - Reed Stevens Presents at Forum on Role of New Technologies in Elementary Education
On August 9 professor Reed Stevens will give a presentation at an event hosted by New America Foundation in Washington, D.C., titled "Getting Schooled by a Third-Grader: What Kids’ Gaming, Tweeting, Streaming and Sharing Tells us About the Future of Elementary Education."
8/7/12 - Kate Stephensen (BS11) First Northwestern Grad to Win James Madison Fellowship
Kate Stephensen, a history major who received her teacher training at SESP, is the first Northwestern alumnus to win a James Madison Graduate Fellowship. The fellowship provides her with two years of graduate school in return for her commitment to teach the U.S. Constitution at the secondary level.
8/8/12 - Center for Talent Development Offers Summer Fun for Gifted Students
Racing custom-designed cars was only one of many academic enrichment activities for gifted students during the Center for Talent Development's summer program.
8/9/12 - Senior Lauren Ackerman Speaks to Congressional Committee in Washington
Senior Lauren Ackerman spoke at a Congressional roundtable at the Capitol on August 1 about youth involvement in the political world.
8/9/12 - David D’Antonio (MS11) Wins Fulbright Fellowship to Teach in Italy
David D’Antonio (MS11), a graduate of the Master of Science in Education program, was recently awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach, study and work in Naples, Italy.
8/14/12 - New York Times Quotes PhD Student Miriam Klevan on Adoption Narratives
A parenting blog quotes human development and social policy PhD student Miriam Klevan about her interviews with adoptive parents, who tell narratives of adoption that emphasized destiny.
8/15/12 - Project Excite Summer Bike Project Gives Sixth Graders Skills
Evanston Patch tells of sixth graders in Project Excite, a program for minority gifted students, who learned how to repair and maintain a bike and improved their writing skills during a summer bike program.
8/16/12 - HP Recognizes Kemi Jona's Work with Remote Labs
In an article about its Catalyst grant program, the HP website features research professor Kemi Jona's work with cyber learning through remote laboratories that are accessible online. The project gives high school students in rural and urban areas the opportunity to conduct real scientific experiments — on equipment thousands of miles away.
8/22/12 - Office of STEM Education Partnerships Receives Catalyst Award
The Office of STEM Education Partnerships (OSEP) won this year’s Evanston Catalyst Award, which recognizes organizations forging partnerships that spark innovation. OSEP shares the award with Evanston Township High School and other organizations partnering in its efforts to enhance science learning.
8/23/12 - Dan McAdams Wins Psychology Award
Professor Dan McAdams won the 2012 Jack Block Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), the society's principal award for career research contributions to personality psychology. McAdams's work and writings focus on concepts of self and identity in American society and themes of power, intimacy, redemption and generativity across the adult life course.
8/28/12 - Colleen Magarity (BS11) Named Assistant Lacrosse Coach at University of Colorado
Colleen Magarity (BS11) has been named an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at the University of Colorado, joining Hannah Nielsen (BS09) and head coach Ann Elliott to launch a women's lacrosse program at the school.
8/22/12 - Wisconsin Paper Quotes David Figlio on Link between School Ratings and Property Values
School rating systems like the new Wisconsin report card system not only motivate schools to improve but also affect housing prices, professor David Figlio explains in an article in the Chippewa Herald.
8/28/12
- SESP Welcomes 210 New Students as School Year Begins
September 2012 News Stories
- John Shurna (BS12) Signs to Play with New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have signed former Wildcat forward John Shurna to a partially guaranteed contract, making him the first Northwestern player to make the NBA since 1999. Shurna led the Big Ten in scoring last year, was named first team All-Big Ten and is on the all-time NU lists for points (2,038), games played (130) and blocked shots (136).
9/11/12 - Doing Research to Help Solve School Problems
Associate professor Jonathan Guryan and a team of investigators are providing hundreds of elementary and middle school students with adult mentors, with the goal of increasing attendance and student engagement at school. The idea is to transform low graduation rates into new commitments to learning.
10/1/13 - Mapping How Young People Learn
It's no secret that when young children play, it's often serious business for them, helping them comprehend how the adult world works. What may be surprising is exactly how learning takes hold before kids ever enter a classroom. David Uttal, professor of education and psychology, is known for inventive research on how young children acquire knowledge. Spatial learning is a prime area of research for Uttal.
10/2/13 - Center for Talent Development Holds Fall Educator Conference October 13
The Center for Talent Development 2012 Fall Educator’s Conference on October 13 will focus on the new Common Core Standards and their impact on gifted education. Joyce VanTassel-Baska, professor emerita at College of William and Mary and founder of the Center for Talent Development, will be the guest speaker.
9/11/12 - Zoe Goodman (BS12) Blogs about Interning with Reproductive Freedom Project in Philadelphia
In her final blog entry, Zoe Goodman (BS12) reflects on what her summer internship at the Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project at the ACLU of Pennsylvania has meant.
9/11/12 - Master's Student Catherine Sedun Tells Tribune about Combatting Binge Drinking at Northwestern
High school teacher Catherine Sedun, as part of her internship in the Higher Education Administration and Policy master's program, headed the Red Watch Band program at Northwestern to teach students to recognize warning signs of alcohol poisoning. The Chicago Tribune includes her comments in an article on preventing binge drinking.
9/11/12 - SESP Newly Certified Teachers Have 95% Job Placement This Year
Job placement for newly certified graduates of SESP teaching degree programs rose to 95 percent this year. As of August, 53 of the 56 students certified in 2012 who sought employment had jobs teaching school. In fact, all of SESP’s newly certified teachers who sought jobs in Illinois are employed.
9/13/12 - Kemi Jona Works on State Effort to Establish STEM ‘Learning Exchanges’
Preparing Illinois students for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is the goal of a new state plan to establish “learning exchanges” linking educational opportunities and business resources. SESP research professor Kemi Jona, director of Northwestern University’s Office of STEM Education Partnerships (OSEP), has been involved in the state effort and advises one of the new learning exchanges.
9/18/12 - SESP Opportunities Fund Supports Student Initiatives
For School of Education and Social Policy undergraduates who want to make a difference through extracurricular initiatives, the SESP Opportunities Fund can make their wishes come true. Last year Mark Birhanu, Jessica Holden, Ellyn Pena, Heather Polonsky, Erica Rodriguez, Aireale Rodgers, Lauren Saunders, Ali Szemanski and Jasmine Wiggins received grants from the fund, which is intended to encourage innovation and service.
9/20/12 - Seven SESP Faculty and Staff Members Make Northwestern Honor Roll
Seven School of Education and Social Policy faculty and staff members were named the 2011-12 Faculty and Administrator Honor Roll. Based on student voting, Associated Student Government selected Dorie Blesoff, Alissa Chung, Danny Cohen, David Figlio, Meg Kreuser, Susan Olson and Megan Redfearn for this year’s honor roll.
9/18/12 - New Scientist Cites David Figlio's Study Showing Effect of Aging Population on Schools
In an article about U.S. demographic trends that highlights a crossroads for aging whites and young Hispanics, New Scientist cites professor David Figlio's finding that where there is a large racial mismatch between the school-age population and the elderly, spending on schooling is lower. The study was reported in the Journal of Public Economics.
9/26/12 - Remote Online Labs Spark Student's Passion for Science
The "cool science experiments" offered by OSEP's remote online laboratories sparked a passion for science in Ashley Rosales. A graduate of Lakes Community High School and now a college biology major who wants to study infectious diseases and also improve the environment, she tells the story of how she got inspired.
9/27/12 - Kelin McDavid Receives Kappa Fellowship for Elementary Teaching
Kelin McDavid, who graduated from Emory University and taught at a private preschool in Atlanta, is the second Master of Science in Education student to be awarded the Kappa Kappa Gamma fellowship.
9/27/12
- John Shurna (BS12) Signs to Play with New York Knicks
October 2012 News Stories
- MSLOC Students Earn Coveted Spot in National Human Capital Case Competition
Master of Science in Learning and Educational Change students Amanda Dawson and Swati Surupria were selected for the 2012 National MBA Human Capital Case Competition as members of a Northwestern team composed of SESP and Kellogg students. Only 12 teams from across the nation were selected for the sixth annual competition, held October 18 to 20 in Nashville.
10/4/12 - Alumni Invited to SESP Reunion Weekend Events on October 26
A dean’s reception in the new Student Affairs Office and a Classes Without Quizzes talk by SESP professor Kemi Jona are the SESP highlights of Reunion Weekend on October 26. Alumni are invited to attend.
10/11/12 - Thomas Cook Honored with Peter Rossi Award for Program Evaluation
Thomas Cook will receive the 2012 Peter H. Rossi Award for Contributions to the Theory or Practice of Program Evaluation at the fall conference of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management. Cook is a professor of sociology, psychology, education and social policy at Northwestern University.
10/11/12 - New York Times Recognizes Northwestern as Leader in Voter Registration, Quotes Dan Lewis
Northwestern is a leader among colleges initiating their own voter registration drives, according to the New York Times, which quotes professor Dan Lewis on difficulties in the voter registration process this year. Lewis is director of Northwestern University’s Center for Civic Engagement, which started incorporating voter registration into its freshman orientation last year.
10/16/12 - Close-Up on Innovative Technology School Designed by Kemi Jona and Colleagues
VOISE Academy, designed by a team including SESP professor Kemi Jona, Chicago Public Schools leaders and a distance learning specialist, is one of the first fully blended high schools in the country. Students at the school on Chicago's West Side receive laptops at school, and their instruction is a mix of web-based and in-person teaching.
10/18/12 - WTTW Features Maddie Orenstein (BS10) as Leader of 'Dream Team' for College-Bound Undocumented Students
Maddie Orenstein (BS10) started the Dream Team, an after-school group for undocumented students at Schurz High School in Chicago, where she is a career and college counselor. Chicago Tonight on WTTW featured the group on a televised segment on October 17.
10/18/12 - Chris Grodoski (MS03) Named Middle School Art Educator of the Year
Christopher Grodoski (MS03), an art teacher at Franklin Middle School in Wheaton, Illinois, received the 2012 Illinois Middle School Art Educator of the Year award from the Illinois Art Education Association. This award recognizes exemplary contributions, service and achievements.
10/24/12 - NPR Story Features Katherine Magnuson (PhD03) on Childhood Stress and Poverty
An NPR story on "Parenting in Poverty" features Katherine Magnuson (PhD03), a professor at the University of Wisconsin who researches poverty and childhood development, discussing how instability and unpredictability cause mental and physical stress in children.
10/29/12 - OSEP Receives Grant from Google for Mobile Computer Labs for Schools
The Office of STEM Education Partnerships (OSEP) received a grant from Google to enhance its mobile computer lab loaner program, called Project ACCESS. The project provides much-needed technology to middle and high school STEM classrooms and labs throughout the Chicago area.
10/30/12 - Carol Lee Advances Education Research Internationally
Professor Carol Lee is advancing education research on a global scale through her work with the World Education Research Association. The WERA is an international alliance of research organizations that aims to advance education research as a scientific and scholarly field globally.
11/14/12 - SESP Campus Leaders Reach Out to Others
From community service to athletics and entrepreneurship, SESP undergraduates demonstrate their leadership on campus in many ways. Meet a few of SESP's campus leaders: Lauren Ackerman, Kameron Dodge, Aria Fiat, Jessica Holden, Meesoh Kim, Kate Mattax, Levi Mele, Daniel Nissani, Ellyn Pena, Becca Portman, Laura Santamaria and A.J. Tomiak.
11/15/12 - Uri Wilensky Wins New Grants for Science Learning Technology Projects
Professor Uri Wilensky has received National Science Foundation grants for two major new projects aimed at helping students learn science better with cutting-edge technologies. One project, called InquirySpace, will develop a web-based platform for middle and high school students to experience scientific inquiry in a deep and authentic way. A second project will design and study computer models for high school students to learn evolutionary biology and computational thinking.
11/13/12 - Dan McAdams Named Henry Wade Rogers Professor
Dan McAdams, professor of psychology and human development and social policy, has been named the Henry Wade Rogers Professor in Psychology. His investiture, including a medal ceremony and talk, will be held at 4 p.m. on December 7 in Annenberg Hall.
11/13/12
- MSLOC Students Earn Coveted Spot in National Human Capital Case Competition
November 2012 News Stories
- Kemi Jona to Speak at November 28 Town Hall on Educational Technology
Professor Kemi Jona, director of the Office for STEM Education Partnerships at Northwestern, is one of the experts speaking at a town hall conference call on "Education Technology: The Revolution in Digital & Distance Learning" on November 28. Jona's topic relates to content personalization.
11/1/12 - Nanotechnology Event for Educators Features Northwestern Scientists
Scientists from Northwestern University discussed their cutting-edge work at an inaugural nanotechnology event for educators and students. Office of STEM Education Partnerships assistant director Michelle Paulsen helped to plan the event to showcase the world of nanotechnology and show how nanotechnology can be incorporated into the high school science curriculum.
11/1/12 - Alumni Share Their Career Paths with Undergraduates at Career Event
A career event with alumni over Reunion Weekend gave undergraduate students insight into potential careers and reinforced connections with alumni.
11/1/12 - Guardian Cites David Figlio's Finding That School Grading Affects Teacher Turnover
The Guardian cites professor David Figlio's study of Florida's school grading, which found that it had a detrimental effect on teacher turnover. The researchers said, "Schools that were 'shocked' downwards – and thus faced the most pressure to improve – lost more and higher quality teachers."
11/6/12 - Huffington Post Features HDSP Study Showing Breastfeeding Lessens Stress
A new Human Development and Social Policy study found that women with the best stress hormone patterns were the ones who breastfed their babies but refrained from sharing a bed with them. The women who fared the worst were those who co-slept and didn't breastfeed.
11/6/12 - Kits 'n' Cats at NU Day Inspires Evanston Students about College
One hundred Evanston Township High School sophomores got a unique look at Northwestern University when they visited campus on October 30. The twice-yearly Kits ‘n’ Cats at NU day is intended to increase college awareness among Evanston sophomores who haven’t yet decided about college.
11/7/12 - New York Times Highlights Linda Teplin's Juvenile Project
New York Times describes professor Linda Teplin's ambitious research project that for 17 years has closely tracked more than 1,800 youths in Chicago who entered the juvenile justice system at an early age. More than 80 percent have belonged to a gang; 70 percent of men and 40 percent of women have used a firearm, with average age of first gun use 14; 20 percent are incarcerated; and 71 percent of the men and 59 percent of the women are without jobs as adults. Of the 1,829 youths originally enrolled in the study, 119 have died, most of them violently.
11/7/12 - Diane Schanzenbach Testifies Small Classes Key to School, Life Success
Associate professor Diane Schanzenbach testified in a Texas school funding trial that long-term studies show students in smaller classes tend to do better on standardized tests and become better citizens, more likely to own their own homes and save for retirement. More than 600 school districts are suing the state of Texas, claiming its school funding is inefficient and unfair.
11/9/12 - Center for Talent Development Investing Student Profiled in Wall Street Journal
Oliver Leopold, who takes an investing class at the Center for Talent Development, has his own investing newsletter and includes what he learns in the articles. He is profiled by The Wall Street Journal.
11/21/12 - Huffington Post: Miriam Sherin Comments on Educational Value of Watching TV with Kids
After a new survey showing children watch more than 23 hours a week, professor Miriam Sherin advocates parental participation in appropriate TV programming for children.
11/21/12 - U.S. News Features Liz Gerber's OpEd Piece: 'STEM Students Must Be Taught to Fail'
In U.S. News & World Report, professor Elizabeth Gerber emphasizes the need to prepare student in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to learn from failure. She notes that making mistakes is part of innovation.
11/26/12 - With HP Grant, OSEP Will Build Mobile Apps for High School Students to Access Remote Labs
The Office of STEM Education Partnerships (OSEP) received a $100,000 grant from HP to build mobile app interfaces for remote science laboratories. OSEP’s remote laboratory program allows high school and middle school students to run science experiments with online access to scientific equipment at universities worldwide.
11/27/12 - New Funding Boosts OSEP's Fuse Program and Other Initiatives in Network for Innovative Learning
In an innovative partnership to help Chicago youth develop the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century's digital economy, Northwestern is participating with 33 other local organizations in the Chicago Hive Learning Network. This creative collaboration will expand with $2.2 million in new support. The Office of STEM Education Partnerships (OSEP) participates in the Hive Network through its Fuse program, which engages youth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on exploratory challenges.
11/29/12 - Jim Spillane Addresses Education Leaders in Hong Kong, Singapore
Professor Jim Spillane shared his insights on school leadership with an international audience as he addressed education leaders, educators and researchers in Hong Kong and Singapore at major conferences in November. Spillane takes a global perspective on educational policy and reform.
11/29/12
- Kemi Jona to Speak at November 28 Town Hall on Educational Technology
December 2012 News Stories
- Promote 360 Plans Host of Mentoring Activities for 2013
Promote 360, the SESP student organization that fosters minority students’ well being, is planning a new focus on college mentoring activities this year.
1/23/13 - Four Museums Nationwide Install Mike Horn’s ‘Life on Earth’ Exhibit
Soon the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago will feature an innovative exhibit developed by SESP assistant professor Michael Horn and his colleagues at other universities. By the end of the year, the “Life on Earth” installation, which invites discovery about evolution and the history of life on Earth, will be open at four science museums nationwide.
1/23/13 - Fuse Drop-In Program Ignites Teens’ Interest in Science and Arts
The Fuse drop-in program draws young people into science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) with “cool” hands-on activities. The Office of STEM Education Partnerships continues to expand Fuse and will soon offer the informal learning program at two Chicago Public Library sites.
1/23/13 - Kirabo Jackson Finds Non-Cognitive Skills Add to Teachers’ Impact
Many experts question the value of tests alone to assess a teacher’s impact. A new study by assistant professor Kirabo Jackson adds weight to that view by showing that teachers influence important non-cognitive skills linked to adult success.
1/23/13 - Students in SESP Philanthropy Class to Give Away $100,000
Students taking a new School of Education and Social Policy course about philanthropy this spring will put their learning into action in a distinctive new way. The students not only will examine the history and practice of philanthropic giving but will actually give away $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can impact children and adults.
1/23/13 - 'Computational Thinking' Critical for New K-12 Standards
The Office of STEM Education Partnerships hosted a workshop for educators on computational thinking on November 28, organized by Michelle Paulsen, Reach for the Stars coordinator. Educators learned how to use computational problem solving to strengthen K-12 science and math learning.
12/4/12 - Dilara Sayeed (MS00) Takes Professional Development to the Global Level
Dilara Sayeed (MS00) is taking her commitment to educator development worldwide with the establishment of a global teacher network. “For the rest of my career I’ll be working on the development of educators and school leaders,” she says.
1/24/13 - Education Week: Brian Reiser Says Science Standards Require a Teacher-Learning Rethink
Professor Brian Reiser, writing an opinion piece in Education Week with Jean Moon and Sarah Michaels, emphasizes the need to revamp professional development and preservice education for teachers to complement the Next Generation Science Standards.
12/4/12 - Maddie Orenstein (BS10) Wins Fulbright Fellowship to Research Education in Chile
Maddie Orenstein (BS10), a SESP social policy graduate, has won a Fulbright fellowship 2013 to study education in Chile. Her focus will be on high school students’ activism for college access.
12/4/12 - SESP Faculty Discuss College Access at Quest Scholars Network Event
At a Quest Scholars Network event, SESP faculty members Mesmin Destin, James Rosenbaum, dean Penelope Peterson and Northwestern President Morton Schapiro explored solutions to the inequity in college access. SESP student Daniel Nissani, co-president of the Quest Scholars Network, organized the event and acted as moderator for the panel discussion.
12/6/12 - Young Entrepreneur Quotes Elizabeth Gerber on the Benefits of Crowdfunding
In a Young Entrepreneur article assistant professor Elizabeth Gerber describes benefits to crowdfunding platforms, which enable entrepreneurs to raise money from consumers. They also provide communications experience and improvements to business plans.
12/12/12 - Julie Kornfeld (BS11) Publishes Senior Honors Thesis
A thesis written by Julie Kornfeld (BS11) as a SESP senior honors student was recently published in a widely read University of Oxford publication focusing on refugee issues. Kornfeld’s article in Forced Migration Review reports her research findings on the role of cultural orientation programs in overseas refugee camps and how they shape perceptions of resettlement in U.S. society.
12/6/12 - Kemi Jona and Evanston Teacher Mark Vondracek Describe Online Radioactivity Experiment
In a new article in The Physics Teacher, SESP research professor Kemi Jona and Evanston Township High School physics teacher Mark Vondracek explain a remote radioactivity experiment that all high school students can access. They position the experiment as an example of a way for schools with limited science resources to improve their science students' learning.
12/12/12 - DNAInfo.com: Jeanne Marie Olson Analyzes Data from Chicago Public Schools
Learning and organizational change faculty member, researcher and designer Jeanne Marie Olson is applying her skills in systems analysis to the bureaucracy of Chicago Public Schools. She has teamed up with the citizen advocacy group Raise Your Hand to analyze CPS data on underused schools.
12/12/12 - Teachers College Record Praises Jim Spillane's Latest Book on Diagnosis and Design
Teachers College Record lauds Diagnosis and Design for School Improvement by professor James Spillane and Amy Coldren (PhD07) as "pragmatic and insightful." Reviewer Thomas Hoerr says, "Their analysis is an empowering one. By highlighting the barriers with which we dance each day, they enable us to think about how to diagnose and design so that the constraints can be overcome."
12/12/12 - Washington Post Cites Kirabo Jackson's Study on Cash Incentives
The Washington Post comments on a cash incentive program for students that is modeled after the Texas program assistant professor Kirabo Jackson studied. He found “the campuswide increases in the percentage of students in 11th and 12th grades who take AP or IB [International Baccalaureate] exams are driven primarily by increased participation among black and Hispanic students." He also found increases in ACT and SAT scores.
12/13/12 - Michael Wolf's New Study Shows Medication Guides Too Complex to Be Understandable
A new study by assistant professor Michael Wolf finds that the information sheets stapled to prescriptions are too complex and difficult for people to understand, Reuters Health reports. His team is working on a how-to guide to make educational information more understandable.
12/18/12 - Elizabeth Gerber in Huffington Post: Crowdfunding Fails Some Promising Entrepreneurs
In a Huffington Post blog post, assistant professor Elizabeth Gerber writes about "crowdfunding," where budding capitalists reach out to thousands of people to ask for small amounts of money. But because some budding entrepreneurs lack a social network that includes people who can afford to give away money, crowdfunding is helping well-connected middle-class entrepreneurs -- and leaving many others' brilliant ideas behind.
12/18/12 - Herald-Tribune: Fay Cook Says Politics of Social Security at Odds with Public Support
The Herald-Tribune quotes professor Fay Cook about discussions in Washington on Social Security being at odds with the desires of the American public. Opinion polls reveal consistent bipartisan support for preserving Social Security in its existing form, and she urges caution in making changes.
12/21/12 - Kemi Jona Comments on Advantages of Massive Open Online Courses
Professor Kemi Jona tells InformationWeek of several advantages to the massive open online courses (MOOCs) that are increasingly popular. He says research suggests online environments may be more conducive to risk-taking and student participation. He thinks the current excitement about MOOCs is because of economics.
12/20/12 - Fuse Drop-In Program for STEM Activities Adds Evanston Library as New Site
The Office of STEM Education Partnerships will now offer the Fuse drop-in program at the Evanston Public Library. Fuse engages youth in science, technology, engineering, arts and math through hands-on exploratory challenges.
12/20/12 - Freakonomics Features Diane Schanzenbach's Study Showing Benefits of Safety Net for Children
A new study by associate professor Diane Schanzenbach finds significant health benefits resulting from food stamps in childhood. These impacts last for decades, according to this research, which is the first to document effects including a reduction of metabolic syndrome and increase in women's economic self-sufficiency.
12/21/12 - CNN Blog: Miriam Sherin Says Grades Don't Tell Us as Much as We Think
In a CNN blog, professor Miriam Sherin writes that report cards -- good or bad -- might not tell parents how much their children are learning. She looks at alternate ways to assess learning, as well as the pros and cons of grades.
12/27/12 - Two SESP Students Win Undergraduate Research Grants
SESP seniors Victoria Romba and Birong Wang were awarded $1,000 Undergraduate Research Grants during fall quarter from the Northwestern University Office of the Provost. Their research topics investigate early adulthood and the impact of language.
12/27/12
- Promote 360 Plans Host of Mentoring Activities for 2013
