Graduate students in the Exceptional Education Department will present their research studies before peers, faculty members, and the community on Saturday, December 1, during the Winter 2012 Dr. Horace “Hank” Mann Graduate Research Symposium at Buffalo State.
The free symposium takes place 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Bulger Communication Center and will explore new approaches to teaching preschoolers through high school students with special needs. The 18 presentations range from research on reading strategies to positive behavior support.
This annual event—which also takes place at the end of the spring semester—came into existence through the collaborative efforts of faculty in the Exceptional Education Department and the School of Education. The goal is to provide graduate-level teacher candidates with an opportunity to share and discuss their research projects prior to graduating. It is open to all, including faculty and staff from neighboring school communities.
One of the highlights of this winter’s symposium is the 9:00 a.m. keynote address by Howard S. Muscott (pictured), a 1977 Buffalo State alumnus. Since 2002, Muscott has served as the director of the New Hampshire Center for Effective Behavioral Interventions and Supports, a statewide technical assistance and training network aimed at promoting positive and preventive school discipline systems and improving the emotional well-being of all children.
Previously, Muscott, who earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate from George Washington University and Columbia University, taught and served as a principal at three schools for students with disabilities. In 2008, he retired as professor of education from Rivier College where he directed the Undergraduate Special Education Program and the Graduate Program in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.
"Dr. Muscott is a good fit (to speak) because of the research he does and the kind of projects we want our students to pursue,” said Warren Gleckel, associate professor of exceptional education, who is organizing the symposium with Theresa Janczak, assistant professor of exceptional education. Gleckel, who has maintained contact with Muscott over the past 37 years, noted that the educator has garnered national recognition for his work.
This year, Muscott received the National Outstanding Leadership Award from the Council for Exceptional Children.
"He should serve as an inspiration," Gleckel said. "What our students are doing on a classroom level, Howard has done on a schoolwide and districtwide level."
