Areas of Interest

• The role of feedback in the development of self-regulatory behaviors.
• The relationship between formative assessment and student achievement.
• How assessment practices impact instructional choices.
• The role of literacy instruction in shaping students' literacy practices.

Keyword Interest

• Curriculum Design for Upper Elementary Reading Instruction
• Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners
• Formative Assessment
• Instructional Feedback
• Academic Self-Regulation
• Reading Engagement

Current Research Topic/Field-Based Project

Project:
I am working with Dr. Carin Neitzel on a study of instructional feedback and academic self-regulation in 4th-7th grade classrooms. I am particularly interested in the types of strategies students use during school literacy activities, how students develop the metacognition needed for effective strategy use, and how students’ use of strategies relates to their literacy achievement and engagement.

Former Experience

• 4th grade bilingual teacher in Texas border town.
• 5th grade language arts/reading teacher, San Antonio, TX.
• Founding teacher of KIPP Aspire Academy, San Antonio, TX (charter middle school for underserved students).

Education

• B.A. (2001): Psychology, Duke University