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Dean wants research in the hands of superintendents

BY ADAM TESTA, The Southern

Friday, September 5, 2008 6:15 PM CDT

CARBONDALE — A new initiative of a Southern Illinois University Carbondale dean will put research into the hands of 160 school superintendents in the region.

Kenneth Teitelbaum, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, sent a letter to the superintendents last month introducing his idea, which involves sending research and manuals compiled by faculty and graduate students on a bi-monthly basis.

“I’m not trying to convince them to do anything,” he said. “It’s not value judgment. We get paid to do research. We get paid to do training manuals, and we want to share these materials.”

Along with the letter, Teitelbaum sent a copy of a manual titled “Group Activities for Children with Autism: Presentations to Facilitate Basic Skills.” The manual was produced by graduate students at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Lou Obernuefemann, superintendent of Unit School District 1, appreciated the surprise package he received. His district has five autistic students, which is a lot for a small district, and this provides another resource for teachers.

“It was very impressive what he sent me,” Obernuefemann said, adding he anticipated seeing what other information comes in the future.

Steve Webb, superintendent of Goreville Community Unit School District 1, said he’s met Teitelbaum, who recently completed his first year as dean, before and continues to be impressed by his commitment to outreach. This latest project only adds to what Teitelbaum has already done.

“I think this particular outreach effort is exceptional, and it’s unprecedented in my tenure as a superintendent in Southern Illinois,” Webb said.

Teitelbaum hopes the new initiative will also create two-way communication. In addition to sending out research already being conducted, he hopes superintendents and other school officials will become more comfortable asking the university for resources.

An assistant superintendent from the Metro East area replied, asking about the possibility of having guest speakers from the university talk to faculty, and now a possible workshop is in the works, Teitelbaum said.