Educational Psychology
National recognition for Wasburn-Moses
School of Education, Health, and Society
11/16/09
Leah Wasburn-Moses (Educational Psychology) has been recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) for publishing the most influential article in 2008 in the CEC journal Teacher Education and Special Education.
The publication award from CEC’s Teacher Education Division is among the most prestigious given by the national organization, said colleague Tom Southern.
It is particularly noteworthy that Wasburn-Moses has received the award so early in her career, said Nelda Cambron-McCabe (chair, Educational Psychology).
The award-winning journal article presented the results of a 2005 survey that reviews the impact of federal support for individuals pursuing doctorates in special education. That funding has dramatically increased since 1999, when an earlier survey occurred.
The issue is critical because of the massive national shortages in special education professionals, said Wasburn-Moses.
Wasburn-Moses discovered that although the number of individuals in doctoral programs appeared to be constant, the availability of federal funding is encouraging a younger, more diverse doctoral student population.
However, about two-thirds of the students in the 2005 survey appeared to be place bound and unable to take advantage of positions around the country. That is an issue that should be addressed, she concluded, suggesting that distance learning and other non-traditional educational models should be explored.