PREVIOUS PROJECTS

Program Evaluator, Captioned Media Program (2004-2005). Conducted a review of the Captioned Media Program self-evaluation in preparation for federal grant renewal application. Consulted with program director and staff on methods for strengthening assessments of organizational processes and outcomes (Cawthon, 2005a). Provided a summary of research literature in the field, resources for special topic areas, and recommendations for research proposals and collaborations with other agencies serving students with disabilities (Cawthon, 2005b).

Principal Investigator, Opportunity to Learn: Deafness and Literacy in an Age of Standards-Based Reform, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2001-2002). This dissertation project investigated early elementary reading instruction in classrooms with only deaf students, both deaf and hearing students, and only hearing students. Participants completed an enacted curriculum survey that covered a range of topics and activities on the state standards. Analysis included alignment measures, topographical maps that showed the “terrain” of instruction, and teacher perspectives on standards-based reform. Publications include Cawthon (2004c) and an article under review. For pod-cast summary, visit: http://www.podcastpickle.com/casts/?2969 and search for “Cawthon”.

Project Assistant, Project on Adolescents with Fragile X and Downs Syndrome and their Families, Waisman Center for Research on Mental Retardation, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1999-2002). Leonard Abbeduto, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. Specialist for 5-year NIH funded study on language, communication, and family factors in the lives of adolescents with developmental disabilities. Managed project databases, designed necessary computer data files, assisted in creating project materials, prepared data for analysis, and reviewed manuscripts. Publications include Abbeduto et al. (2001), (2003) and an article under review.

Researcher, Study of Systemic Reform in the Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin Center for Education Research and Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee, WI (1998-2000). (Norman Webb, Ph.D. and William Clune, Ph.D., Directors) Worked as a member of an interdisciplinary team investigating measures of change within a district undergoing systemic reform. Collaborated with district staff and school administrators to problem-solve issues of testing and accommodation for students with disabilities. This project was jointly funded by the National Science Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and the Helen Bader Foundation (Braden & Cawthon, 1999).
Education Consultant, Schoolhouse and TownHall Services, San Mateo, CA (1995-1997). Collaborated with small team of researchers to provide legal and technical support for California public school districts and other public agencies. Conducted demographic analysis of agency areas; developed population and enrollment projections; interviewed civic and private administrators regarding current and projected building enterprises; calculated impact of new development and needed facilities to meet public need; published reports of findings and conclusions for impact fee justification and litigation; wrote computer software user manuals for data evaluation; and trained support staff in software use.

Education Consultant, Schoolhouse and TownHall Services, San Mateo, CA (1995-1997). Collaborated with small team of researchers to provide legal and technical support for California public school districts and other public agencies. Conducted demographic analysis of agency areas; developed population and enrollment projections; interviewed civic and private administrators regarding current and projected building enterprises; calculated impact of new development and needed facilities to meet public need; published reports of findings and conclusions for impact fee justification and litigation; wrote computer software user manuals for data evaluation; and trained support staff in software use.

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