Professors Lamb, Bishop, & Philipp Research Mathematical Thinking

Have you ever wondered why 6 – -2 = 6 + +2? Is there any such number as negative zero? What percentage of second graders do you think could solve 3 – 5 = __, and how might they solve that problem? Drs. Lisa Lamb, Jessica Bishop, and Randy Philipp asked themselves these and other questions and have found surprising answers from their research on children's mathematical thinking in K–12 classrooms. The three mathematics educators were awarded a $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study students' ways of reasoning about negative numbers in Grades 2, 4, 7, and 11. On the basis of their findings, they have conducted professional development on the teaching of integers, written and presented broadly for teachers and researchers, and, at the invitation of the authors, revised the integers section in textbooks for mathematics content courses for prospective teachers. Additionally, several of SDSU's graduates from the MA program in K-8 Mathematics Education and students from the Mathematics and Science Education Doctoral (MSED) program engage in research and professional development and present with the project team.

Dr. Nancy Farnan Leads California Linked Learning Project

Traditionally, students in American high schools pursue either an academic curriculum leading to college or a vocational path preparing for industrial and technical employment. Researchers like SDSU Professor and Associate Dean Nancy Farnan are finding that high school students achieve better in programs that unite the two goals. Supported by grant funding from the James Irvine Foundation, Professor Farnan is leading the development of teacher education programs supporting Linked Learning throughout California.

Professors Lapp, Fry, and Fisher Co-Edit Voices From The Middle

Drs. Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Diane Lapp are the editors of Voices From the Middle, a journal of the National Council of Teachers of English that focuses on research and practice in middle school.

Dr. Valerie Pang's article in Educational Researcher questions cultural stereotypes

It is widely assumed that Asian Americans are a “model minority” reaching great heights of educational achievement. Not so fast, say Professor Valerie Pang her research colleagues Peggy P. Han and Jennifer M. Pang in their article “ Asian American and Pacific Islander Students: Equity and the Achievement Gap.”

Innovative Work of SDSU Literacy Faculty Members Celebrated

The Association of Educational Publishers’ “Innovation Award” has been given to Dr. Nancy Frey and Dr. Douglas Fisher for their cutting-edge book (co-authored with Carol Rothenburg) Implementing RTI with English Learners. This work explains instructional methods that all teachers can use to ensure that English learners are successfully achieving in core curriculum areas.

Examining the K-12 Common Core Standards

Every summer, for going on 33 years, the San Diego State University Summer Reading/Language Arts Conference has provided local educators an exciting and informative opportunity for professional development. Featured speakers include leading researchers, practitioners, and authors from California and across the United States. The 33rd annual conference will be held in Student Services 150 on the following days/times: June 18-22, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; June 5, June 26, & July 10, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Sharan A. Gibson Leads Effort in San Diego and Beyond

The SDSU Reading Recovery Program is providing intensive and expert professional development for Reading Recovery teachers and teacher leaders in three states (California, Colorado, and Utah) through a 4-year, i3 Scale Up Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Professor Diane Lapp Receives Prestigious Manning Award

At the annual International Reading Association Conference in May, 2011 Dr. Diane Lapp was honored as the recipient of the John C. Manning Public School Service Award which is given to educators who have made considerable contributions to public education throughout their career.