CURRICULUM VITA
Name: Margaret Gessler Werts, Ph.D.
Business Address: Appalachian State University
Language, Reading, and Exceptionalities
ASU Box 32085
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-6365
Fax: (828) 262-6767
E-mail: wertsmg@appstate.edu
Education and Training
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts – Cum Laude, Psychology
1967-1971 Emory University; Atlanta, Georgia
Honors Paper Discrimination of Attitudes by Mentally Retarded and Normal
Children
Graduate: Master of Arts, Special Education
1971-1972 The University of Texas; Austin, Texas
Thesis Title: Discrimination of Attitudes by Mentally Retarded and Normal
Children
1975-1977 Educational Specialist (Post-Masters), Special Education
University of Iowa; Iowa City, Iowa
Thesis title: Structured Math Curriculum through Task Analysis of Behavioral
Objectives
1995-1998 Doctor of Philosophy, Special Education
University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dissertation Title: Paraprofessional Proximity and Academic Engagement of Children
Certifications:
Special Education-Cross Categorical-Highly Qualified
Special Education-Behavior Disorders-Highly Qualified
Special Education-Intellectual Disabilities-Highly Qualified
Special Education-Specific Learning Disabilities-Highly Qualified
Elementary Education
Monterey Reading Teacher
Braillist: National Library of Congress
Professional Experience
2010- Present Professor. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Responsibilities include teaching, service, and research.
2004– 2010 Associate Professor. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Responsibilities include teaching, service, and research.
8-98 – 7-2004 Assistant Professor. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
Responsibilities include teaching, service, and research.
1997-2004 Adjunct faculty. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Teaching courses in special education.
1991-1998 Project Associate and Research Coordinator. Child and Families
Studies Program, Allegheny University of Health Sciences,
Pittsburgh, PA. Responsibilities included planning, initiating, and
coordinating studies with persons with disabilities.
1988-1989 Counselor/Consultant. Hampton Township School District,
Allison Park, PA. Responsibilities for this one-year, grant-funded
position included initiating a program of counseling in elementary
schools under the Committee for Drug Free Schools.
1986-1989 Bibliographer. Allegheny Personnel Services at Western
Instructional Support Center, Gibsonia, PA. Responsibilities
included analyzing new materials. Coordinating workshops, and
assisting teachers in selecting materials.
1983-1985 Teacher. Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, WI.
Responsibilities included teaching a class for students with
learning disabilities.
1980 Consultant. Madison, WI. Responsibilities included conducting in-
services.
1977-1979 Teacher. Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City, IA.
Responsibilities included teaching a class for students with
learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional disturbance.
1997-1989 Tutor. Private students.
1974-1977 Teacher. College Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Responsibilities included teaching a class for students with
learning disabilities (grades K-2) and behavior disorders (Grades
1-8).
1973-1974 Director and Teacher. Bexar County Mental Health Mental
Retardation Center, San Antonio, TX. Responsibilities included
teaching tasks of daily living, survival skills, and pre-vocational
skills to adults and children in a day care facility for clients with
severe retardation. Additional responsibilities were supervising
teaching and transportation staff, and coordinating activities with
other center directors.
1972-1973 Teacher. San Antonio Association for Retarded Citizens, San
Antonio, TX. Responsibilities included teaching a class for
students with moderate mental retardation.
1972 Psychometrist. Austin Independent School District, Austin, TX.
Responsibilities included administering WISC and Stanford-Binet
intelligence tests to students enrolled in special education classes.
1972 Teacher. MaryLee School of Special Education, Austin, TX.
Responsibilities included teaching adolescent girls with serious
emotional disturbances and mental retardation.
1972 Coordinator of Supervisors of Student Volunteers, University of
Texas, Austin, TX.
1971 Research Assistant/Substitute Teacher. Vanderbilt University
School of Medicine, Child Psychiatry School, Nashville, TN.
Responsibilities included teaching a class of elementary aged
students who were undergoing psychiatric treatment, and providing
assistance for research.
Memberships in Professional Societies
Phi Lambda Theta Education Honorary
National Braille Association
Volunteer Braillists, Incorporated, Madison, WI
The Association for Persons with Severe Disabilities (TASH)
Council for Exceptional Children
Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Early Childhood
Council for Exceptional Children, Division for Developmental Disabilities
Council for Exceptional Children, Division for Learning Disabilities
Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Teacher Education
Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Research
Council for Exceptional Children, Division on CCBD
Council for Learning Disabilities
American Society of Curriculum and Development
National Head Start Association
Honors and Awards
First Place Georgia Psychological Association, Student Research Competition; 1972
Alumni Doctoral Scholarship; Department of Instruction and Learning, University of
Pittsburgh; Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1998
Nominated: RCOE Outstanding Research Award, 2000
100 Scholars Research Award, Appalachian State University, Office of Graduate School
and Research, 2000-2001
Excellence on Praxis II Assessments
Nominated: RCOE Outstanding Teaching Award 2005-2006
Nominated: Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award. 2009-2010
Board of Governors’ Appalachian State University School/College Teaching Award,
2010
Referred Journal Articles
Werts, M. G., Hoffman, E. M., & Darcy, C. (in press). Acquisition of instructive
feedback: Relation to target stimulus. Education and Training in Developmental
Disabilities.
Werts, M. G., Lambert, M. A., & Carpenter, E. (2009). What do special education
administrators say about RTI? Learning Disability Quarterly, 32, 245-254.
Werts, M. G. (2005). Instructive feedback as a tool for differentiating instruction.
Proceedings: International Association of Special Education, Halifax, Nova
Scotia.
Werts, M.G., Tillery, C. Y., Roark, R. R., & Harris, S. (2004). What parents tell us about
paraeducators. Remedial and Special Education, 25, 232-239.
Werts, M. G. & Wolery, M., & Caldwell, N. K. (2003). Instructive feedback: Effects of a
presentation variable. Journal of Special Education, 37, 124-133.
Tillery, C. Y., Werts, M. G., Roark, R. R., & Harris, S. H. (2003). Perceptions of
paraeducators on job retention. Teacher Education and Special Education. 3, 154-
168.
Werts, M. G., Mamlin, N., & Pogoloff, S. M. (2002). Knowing what to expect:
Introducing preservice teachers to IEP meetings. Teacher Education and Special
Education, 25(4).
Werts, M. G., Tillery. C. Y., Roark, R. R., Harris, S. H. (2002). Evaluating students for
learning disabilities: Assessment instruments used in North Carolina.
Appalachian State University.
Werts, M. G., Zigmond, N., & Leeper, D. C. (2001). Paraprofessional proximity and
academic engagement: Primary-aged students with disabilities in general
education classrooms. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and
Developmental Disabilities, 36, 424-440.
Kennedy, C. H., Meyer, K. A., Werts, M. G., & Cushing, L. S. (2000). Effects of sleep
deprivation on avoidance responding. The Journal of the Applied Experimental
Analysis of Behavior. 73, 333-345.
Werts, M. G. (2000). Can schools afford to meet students’ needs? Research & Reflection:
A Journal of Educational Praxis. 5(1), http://www.gongaza.edu/rr/v5n1mw.htm
Werts, M. G. (2000). Invited response to Deborah A. Burns. NHSA Dialog, 4, 175-176.
Wolery, M., Anthony, L., Snyder, E. D., Werts, M. G., & Katzenmeyer, J. (1997).
Training elementary teachers to embed instruction during classroom activities.
Education and Treatment of Children, 20, 40-58.
Anthony, L., Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., Caldwell, N. K., & Snyder, E. D. (1996). Effects
of daily probing on acquisition of instructive feedback responses. Journal of
Behavioral Education, 6, 111-133.
Caldwell, N. K., Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., & Caldwell, Y. (1996). Embedding
instructive feedback into student-teacher interactions during independent
seatwork. Journal of Behavioral Education, 6, 459-480.
Werts, M. G., Caldwell, N. K., & Wolery, M. (1996). Peer modeling of response chains:
Observational learning by students with disabilities. Journal of Applied Behavior
Analysis, 29, 53-66.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Gast, D. L., & Holcombe, A. (1996) Sneak in some extra
learning by using instructive feedback. Teaching Exceptional Children, 28(3), 70-
71.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Snyder, E. D., & Caldwell, N. K. (1996). Teachers’
perceptions of the supports critical to the success of inclusion programs. Journal
of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, 21, 9-21.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Snyder, E. D., Caldwell, N. K., & Salisbury, C. L. (1996).
Supports and resources associated with inclusive schooling: Perceptions of
elementary-school teachers about need and availability. Journal of Special
Education, 30, 187-203.
The above article was selected and abstracted in G. Bunch & A. Valeo (Eds.)
Inclusion: Recent research. Toronto: Inclusion Press.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Venn, M. L., Demblowski, D., & Doren, H. (1996). Effects of
transition-based teaching with instructive feedback on the acquisition of skills by
children with and without disabilities. Journal of Educational Research, 90, 75-
86.
Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., Caldwell, N. K., Snyder, E. D., & Lisowski, L. (1995).
Experienced teachers’ perceptions of conditions and supports for inclusion.
Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Delay, 30,15-
26.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Holcombe, A., & Gast, D. L. (1995). Instructive feedback:
Review of parameters and effects. Journal of Behavioral Education, 5, 55-75.
Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., & Holcombe, A. (1994). Current practices with young
children who have disabilities: Issues of placement, assessment, and instruction.
Focus on Exceptional Children, 26(6), 1-12.
Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., Snyder, E. D., & Caldwell, N. K. (1994). Efficacy of constant
time delay implemented by peer tutors in general education classrooms. Journal
of Behavioral Education, 4, 415-436.
Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., Holcombe, A., Billings, S. S., & Vassilaros, M. A. (1993).
Comparison of simultaneous and alternating presentation of non-target
information. Journal of Behavioral Education, 3, 187-204.
Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., & Holcombe, A. (1993). Reflections on related and unrelated
instructive feedback. Exceptionality, 4(2), 117-123.
Wolery, M., Holcombe, A., Werts, M. G., & Cipollone (1993). Effects of simultaneous
prompting and instructive feedback. Early Education and Development, 4, 20-31.
Wolery, M., Holcombe-Ligon, A., Brookfield, J., Huffman, K., Schroeder, C., Martin, C.
G., Venn, M. L., Werts, M. G., & Fleming, L. A. (1993). The extent and nature
of preschool mainstreaming: A survey of general early educators. Journal of
Special Education, 27, 222-234.
Holcombe, A., Wolery, Werts, M. G., & Hrenkevich, P. (1993). Effects of instructive
feedback on future learning. Journal of Behavioral Education, 3, 259-285.
Venn, M. L., Wolery, M., Werts, M. G. Morris, A., DeCesare, L. D., & Cuffs, M. S.
(1993). Embedding instruction in art activities to teach preschoolers to imitate
their peers. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 8, 277-294.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Holcombe, A., & Frederick, C. (1993). Effects of instructive
feedback related and unrelated to the target behavior. Exceptionality, 4(2) 81-95.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Holcombe, A., Vassilaros, M. A., & Billings, S. S. (1992).
Efficacy of transition-based teaching with instructive feedback. Education and
Treatment of Children, 15, 320-334.
Book Reviews
Werts, M. G. (2008). Book Review, [Review of the book, The RoutledgeFalmer reader in
inclusive education] by K. Topping & S. Mahoney. International Journal of
Disability, Development, and Education, 55, 279-280.
Werts, M. G. (2004). Book Review, [Review of the book Use of functional behavior
assessment in schools and classrooms] by T. S. Watson & M. W. Steege. TC
Record, 106, Nov. 11, http:/www.tcrecord.org, ID # 11317.
Werts, M. G., & Kohler, F. W. (1997). Book Review, [Review of the book
Characteristics and strategies for teaching children with mild disabilities].
Research and Reflection, 3(1).
Werts, M. G. (1987). Book Review, [Review of the book Behavioral assessment in
school psychology]. Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania Insight
Newsletter.
Publications of Limited Circulation
Werts, M. G. (2009). Manual for assessment. Appalachian State University.
Werts, M. G. (2009). Assessment in special education: A manual. Appalachian State
University. http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-
1&search_cat=2&show_results=topics&return_chars=200&search_keywords=&k
eys=&header_search=true&sitesearch=lulu.com&q=&fSearch=werts&fSearchFa
mily=0
Werts, M. G., Steighner, S. H., & Snyder, E. D. (1996). Products and publications:
Catalog of products from funded projects. Allegheny Singer Research Institute,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Anthony, L., Snyder, E. D., Caldwell, N. K., & Heckathorn, J.
K. (1995). Peer tutoring using response prompting strategies. Allegheny Singer
Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Caldwell, N. K., Wolery, M., Werts, M. G., Anthony, L., Snyder, E. D., & Heckathorn, J.
K. (1995). Instructive feedback: learning made more efficient. Allegheny Singer
Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Anthony, L., Wolery, M., Snyder, E. D., Caldwell, N. K., Werts, M. G., & Heckathorn, J.
K. (1995). Constant time delay: Steps for using and embedding in ongoing
instruction. Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Holcombe, A. Wolery, M., & Werts, M. G. (1992). Using attending cues and responses to
increase the efficiency of direct instruction. Allegheny Singer Research Institute,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Wolery, M., Filla, A., Katzenmeyer, J., Anthony, L., Venn, M. L., Holcombe, A., &
Werts, M. G. (1994). Adapting early childhood classroom activities for young
children with special needs. Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., & Holcombe, A. (1991). Instructive feedback: Increasing
opportunities to learn through the addition of incidental information. ERIC
Document 305312.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., Holcombe-Ligon, A., Neumont-Ament, P. (1991). Stimulus
equivalence established through instructive feedback. ERIC Document 407751.
Werts, M. G., Wolery, M., & Holcombe, A. (1991). Instructive feedback: Increasing
opportunities for learning through the addition of incidental information.
Allegheny Singer Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Books and Instructors’ Material
Culatta, R. A., Tompkins, J. & Werts M. G. (2003). Foundations of special education:
What every teacher needs to know (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Lambert, M. A., & Werts, M.G. (2003). Instructor’s manual and test bank. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Merrill.
Werts, M. G., Culatta, R. A., & Tompkins, J. (2007). Foundations of special education:
What every teacher needs to know (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Werts, M. G., & Lambert, M. A. (2007). Instructor’s manual and test bank. Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Merrill.
Werts, M. G. (2007). Instructor’s PowerPoint Slides. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Positions on Research Grants
1991-1992 Project Associate. Learning Efficiently: Acquisition of Related non-target
Behaviors (Project LEARN). Field Initiated Research Project (Grant No. H008990120).
Principal Investigator: Mark Wolery. Funded by the Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services, U. S. Department of Education. $400,000.00
1993-1996 Project Coordinator. Providing Effective Instruction in Inclusive
classrooms. Severe Branch Research Project (Grant No. H086D20005). Principal
Investigator: Mark Wolery. Funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative
Services, U. S. Department of Education. $500,000.00
1995-1996 Co-Principal Investigator. Evaluation of Transition Based Teaching and
Embedded Instruction on Learning by Preschoolers with Disabilities. Division of
Innovation and Development (Grant No. H023A50004). Principal Investigator: Mark
Wolery. Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, U. S. Department of
Education. $100,000
1995-1996 Co-Principal Investigator. Using Instructive Feedback to Promote Future
Learning. Division of Innovation and Development (Grant No. H023A50013). Principal
Investigator: Mark Wolery. Funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, U. S.
Department of Education. $100,000.
1994-1998 Evaluation. Consortium on Inclusive Schooling Practices (Grant No. 86V-
40007). Director: Christine Salisbury. Funded by Office of Special Education Programs.
U. S. Department of Education. $4,000, 000.00
1996-1997 Project Associate. Early Childhood Follow-Through Research Institute
(Grant No. H024Q50001) Principal Investigator: Mark Wolery. Funded by Office of
Special Education Programs, U. S. Department of Education. $4,000,000.00
1997 Co-Project Coordinator. Social Integration Research Project (Grant No.
H086D40009). Principal Investigator: Craig Kennedy. Funded by Office of Special
Education Programs, U. S. Department of Education. $500,000.00
1997-1998 Graduate Student Researcher. Instructional Support Team Study Project.
Principal investigators: Naomi Zigmond and William Bickel. Funded by Bureau of
Special Education, Pennsylvania State Department of Education. $100,000.00
1997-1998 Principal Investigator. Student grant for dissertation. University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, $1200.00
1997-1998 Co-Director. Interagency Planning and Support Project. Model
Demonstration Projects for Young Children with Disabilities (Grant No. H024B). Project
Director: Christine Salisbury. Funded by Office of Special Education Programs, U. S.
Department of Education. $560,000.00
1998-2001 Principal Investigator. Observation of Activities and Tasks of
Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Classrooms (Grant No. H324C980174). Funded by
Research and Innovation to Improve Services, Office of Special Education, U. S.
Department of Education. $535,000.00
1999-2000 Principal Investigator. Testing of students for learning disabilities;
Instruments used in North Carolina. Appalachian State University, Hubbard Center for
Faculty Development, $812.00
2001-2006 Co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Angela Losardo. Early Literacy: Salient
Variables in Two Instructional Approaches. (Grant No. H324D.010050). Funded by
Research and Innovation to Improve Services, Office of Special Education, U. S.
Department of Education. $537,054.00
2006 Evaluator. Successful Applications of Learning Technologies (SALT): A
Social Constructivist Approach to teaching RE 6575 Technology and Literacy. David
Koppenhaver, Principal Investigator. Appalachian State University: $5,000.00.
2006-2007 Author and consultant. Evaluation of NCDOH Activities. North Carolina
Department of Health and Human Services. $60,000.
Courses Taught
Undergraduate Level
SPE 2800: Teachers, Learners, and Schools
SPE 3100: Introduction to Special Education
SPE 4601: Classroom Management
SPE 3272: Developmental Assessment of Preschoolers
SPE 3250: Instruction of Students with Cognitive Disabilities (Introduction to Mental
Retardation)
SPE 3374: Assessment and Identification of Students with Special Education Needs
SPE 4902: Internship in Special Education
SPE 4903: Internship in Habilitative Science
SPE 4900: Student Teaching
SPE 3272: Developmental Assessment and Program Evaluation for Programs Serving
Preschool and Kindergarten Children
SPE 3370: Characteristics, Theories, and Diagnosis of Students with Cognitive
Differences in Adapted and General Curricula
SPE 4705: Methods in Special Education: General Curriculum
SPE 4495 Supervision of Block I Practicum
SPE 4496 Supervision of Block II Practicum
DIL 3600 Introduction to Special Education
SPE 3500 Applied Behavioral Analysis
SPE 3559 Response to Intervention
SPE 3500 Special Topics: Research with Response Prompting
Graduate Level
SPE 5500: Advanced Assessment and Identification of Students with Disabilities
SPE 5584: Professional Leadership
SPE 5502: Advanced Classroom Management
SPE 5610: Advanced Classroom Management: A Seminar on Best Practices
SPE 5540: Advanced Topics in Diversity
SPE 5000: Seminar in Special Education
SPE 5458: Teacher as Researcher
SPE 5040: Research Informing Teaching in Special Education
SPE 5900: Supervision of Graduate Internships
SPE 5485: Individual Differences
DIL 4135: Instructional Strategies in Special Education: Doctoral Level (On Line)
Graduate Student Research Committees
Doctoral Research Committee
• Chairperson/Major Advisor, Completed
o Esther Brasell, 2002
o Richard Smith, 2003
• Member Research Committee, Completed
Patricia Fisk Moody, Dawn Botts
Editorial Review Activities
Editorial Board
Journal of Early Intervention
Peer Reviewer
NHSA Dialog: A Research to Practice Journal for the Early Childhood Field
Guest reviewer:
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education
Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Delay
Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps
Journal of Behavioral Education
Topics in Early Childhood Education
American Education Research Journal
Committees
Department
Departmental Personnel Committee, 2000-2003; 2004-2007, 2008-2011
Equity Officer, 2006-2007
Department Policies and Procedures, 2004-2007
Departmental Web Page, 2005
Departmental Budget Committee, 2004-2009
Doctoral Planning Committee 2004-2011
Departmental Post Tenure Review Committee, 2008-2010
Intradepartmental Affairs 2005-2011
Curriculum Development Committee, 1999-2000
Committee to Develop Revised Masters Degree Program, 1999-2000
Comprehensive Clinic Planning Committee, 1999-2000
Search Committee 2001-2002 (Chair); 2004-2005, 2005-2006,2008-2009, 2009-2010
(Chair)
Post Tenure Review for Larry Kortering 2009
Search committee for departmental chair 2009
Program Coordinator 2010
RCOE
College International Committee 2005-2008
Elementary Upgrade Committee 1998-2001
NCATE Committee on Student Diversity: Standard II, Chair, 1999-2000
NCATE Standard 3 Committee; Chair of Sub-Committee, 2005-2006
Core Curriculum Committee 1998-2000
Diversity Committee 1999-2002
Faculty Development 2010-2011
University
University Award Committee 2004-2007, Chair 2005-2006, 2010-2013
Faculty Senate 2007-2010
Welfare and Morale, 2009-2010
University Budget Committee 2007-2009, Chair 2008-2009
Counseling Faculty and Staff Advisory Committee 2007-2010
University Research Council 2003-2005
University Tuition Committee 2008-2009
Search committee university statistician 2007-2009
University Code 600 and Post Tenure Review Committee 2008-2009
Reading Committee for Evaluation of Dean, Chair 2008-2009
Reading Committee for Evaluation of Dean, Chair 2009-2010
Subcommittee on Faculty Issues, Compliance Certification Report for Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools. 2010-2011
State
Comprehensive Planning Committee for Special Education for North Carolina 1998-2001
Comprehensive Planning Committee for Special Education for North Carolina Advisory
Committee, Elected Member at Large 1999-2001
Comprehensive Planning Consortium Licensure Task Force, 2000
National
DEC Research Committee 1998-present
DLD Research Committee 2000-present
Grant Reading Standing Panel: OSERS 2002-2007
Peer review panel member for NSHA: A Research to Practice Journal for Early
Childhood, 1999-2000
Valuator for the DEC Recommended Practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood
Special Education, 2000
Advisory Board for Project of National Significance at Western Carolina State
University, 2002-2005
Advisory Board Member for Leadership Grant for University of Pittsburgh, 2002-2005
Pre-Referral Intervention Evaluation Project, Consultant, Pittsburgh, PA 1998-1999
Consortium on Inclusive School Practices: Task force for writing: Lessons Learned for
State Wide Systems Change Projects, 1995-1998
Advisory board: Grant with David Westling, Western Carolina—support to teachers of
special needs students 2001-2004
Advisory board: Personnel preparation grant University of Pittsburgh, Naomi Zigmond
2003-2006
Advisory board: Personnel preparation grant University of California Riverside; Rolanda
O’Connor 2002-2005
Parent and Family committee for CEC-DR 2007-2009
Grant Reviewer Standing Panel-Institute of Educational Sciences 2010-2011
Presentations
1998
Werts, M. G. (March, 1998). Use of instructive feedback to facilitate the formation of
equivalence classes. Poster session at Research Seminar, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G. (March, 1998). Use of peer models to teach chained tasks to children with
disabilities. Paper presented at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA.
Werts, M. G., & Wolery, M. (May, 1998). Training and supervision of
paraprofessionals: Results of a nationwide survey. Poster session presented at
Conference on Research in Early Childhood Innovations, Charleston, SC.
Werts, M. G., Cushing, L. S., & Tobias, A. (May, 1998). Use of instructive feedback to
facilitate the formation of equivalence classes. Poster session presented at annual
meeting of the Association for Behavior Analysis, Orlando, FL.
Werts, M. G. (May, 1998). Ecological variables in classrooms for children with severe
disabilities. Paper presented at annual meeting of the Association for Behavior
Analysis, Orlando, FL.
Werts. M. G. (June, 1998). Ecological variables in classrooms for children with severe
disabilities. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Child and
Adolescent Mental Health, Hong Kong.
Werts, M. G. & Anthony, L. (June, 1998). Transition-Based Teaching. Training session
presented at Pennsylvania Statewide Early Intervention Conference, Hershey, PA.
Werts, M. G. (June, 1998). Use of paraprofessionals in classrooms with children
with disabilities. Training session presented at Pittsburgh Public Schools Summer
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G. (December, 1998). Effects of proximity of paraprofessionals on the
academic engagement of children with disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Council for Exceptional Children; Division for Early Childhood, Chicago, IL.
1999
Werts, M. G. (January 15,1999). Multi-level teaching: Meeting several levels of
learning. Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA.
Werts, M. G. (March 25, 1999). Use of Paraprofessionals in Inclusive Classrooms.
Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA.
Werts, M. G, & Roark, R. R. (April, 1999). Academic proximity and its effect on student
engagement. Council of Exceptional Children. Charlotte, NC
Werts, M. G. (June 27, 1999). Classroom behavior management. Pittsburgh
Public Schools Summer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G. (June 28, 1999). Help! There is another adult in my classroom! Practical
tips for working with paraprofessionals. Pittsburgh Public Schools Summer
Institute, Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G, & Roark, R. R. (December, 1999). What does the literature of
paraprofessionals tell us? Division of Early Childhood. Washington, DC.
Werts, M. G, & Roark, R. R. (December, 1999). Academic proximity and its effect on
student engagement. Division of Early Childhood. Charlotte, NC
2000
Werts, M.G. & Leeper, D. C. (March, 2000). Social contacts of students with disabilities
related to proximity of paraprofessionals. Hampton Township School District,
Allison Park, PA.
Werts, M.G. & Leeper, D.C. (March, 2000). Social contacts of students with disabilities
related to proximity of paraprofessionals. Pine Richland School District,
Gibsonia, PA.
Werts, M.G. & Leeper, D. C. (March, 2000). Social contacts of students with disabilities
related to proximity of paraprofessionals. North Hills School District, Pittsburgh,
PA.
Werts, M. G. (April, 2000). Special education in general education classrooms. SNCAE:
Appalachian State University.
Werts, M.G. & Roark, R.R. (April, 2000). Social contacts of students with disabilities
related to proximity of paraprofessionals. Council for Exceptional Children,
Vancouver, British Columbia.
Young, C., Werts, M. G., & Roark, R. R. (April, 2000). Retention of paraprofessionals in
public school jobs. National Conference for the Training and Employment of
Paraprofessionals in Education, Rehabilitation and Related Services. Portland,
Oregon.
Werts, M. G., Young, C., & Roark, R. R. (July, 2000). Retention of paraprofessionals in
public school jobs. Project Directors Meeting, Washington, DC.
Werts, M. G., Mamlin, N. L., Pogoloff, S. M., Harris, S, H., Roark, R. R. (2000). An
allegory as a teaching tool: Introducing special education issues. Teacher
Education Division; CEC, Las Vegas, NV.
Werts, M.G. & Eagle, C. T. (December, 2000). A novel method of presenting concepts in
introductory chemistry classes. American Chemical Society Regional Meeting,
New Orleans, LA.
2001
Werts, M.G. & Eagle, C. T. (January, 2001). A novel method of presenting concepts in
introductory chemistry classes. Sandwich Seminar, Appalachian State University.
Werts, M. G. (March, 2001). Selection of tests for identification of students with
learning disabilities. Peer Review Project, Cohort 3 Presentation. Appalachian
State University.
Werts, M. G., Harris, S, Young, Christina, & Roark, R.R. (May, 2001) What parents tell
us about paraeducators. National Conference on Training and Employment of
Paraeducators, Madison, Wisconsin,
Werts, M. G. (July, 2001). What parents tell us about paraeducators. Project Directors
Meeting, Washington, DC.
Werts, M. G., Tillery, C. Y, & Roark, R. R. (October, 2001). Selection of tests for
identification of students with learning disabilities. Council for Learning
Disabilities, Charlotte, NC.
Werts, M. G., Harris, S, Young, Christina, & Roark, R.R. (December, 2001). What
parents tell us about paraeducators. International Conference: Division for Early
Childhood, Council for Exceptional Children, Boston, MA.
2002
Werts, M. G. , Tillery, C. Y., Harris, S. H. & Nowacek, E. J. (September and October,
2002). Paraeducator Training: Series of 16 Classes for Paraeducators. Wilkes
Community College.
Werts, M. G. (July, 2002). OSEP Project Directors Meeting, Washington, DC.
Harris, S. H., Tillery, C. Y., Werts, M. G., & Nowacek, E. J. (August-October, 2002).
Paraeducator enrichment course. Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro, NC.
Lambert, M. A. & Werts, M. G. (October, 2002). Efficiency in using manipulatives when
co-teaching pre-algebra skills. Council for Learning Disabilities. Charlotte, NC.
Werts, M. G. & Eagle, C. S. (November, 2002). Use of direct instruction in introductory
college chemistry classes. American Chemical Society Regional Meeting,
Charleston, SC.
2003
Werts, M. G. , Tillery, C. Y., Harris, S. H. & Nowacek, E. J. (January and February,
2003). Paraeducator Training: Series of 16 Classes for Paraeducators. Wilkes
Community College.
Werts, M. G. (July, 2003). OSEP Project Directors Meeting, Washington, DC.
Werts, M. G. (November, 2003). Behavior management at home. Inservice for parents:
St. Paul’s Preschool: Pittsburgh, PA.
Werts, M. G. (December. 2003). Differentiated instruction in general education
classrooms: Meeting the needs of all learners. Inservice for teachers, Morningside
Elementary School, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta GA.
2004
Werts, M. G., (February, 2004). Observations of tasks and activities of paraeducators in
preschool and primary school classrooms. Conference on Innovative Research in
Early Childhood, San Diego, CA.
Moody, P. F., Nowacek, E. J., & Werts, M. G. (April, 2004). Training for Paraeducators:
Privilege or Punishment? Council for Exceptional Children, New Orleans, LA.
Werts, M. G. (May, 2004). Collaboration with others in providing college level course
for public school paraeducators. Annual Conference for National Resource
Center for Paraeducators. Providence, RI.
Werts, M. G. (July, 2004). OSEP Project Directors Meeting, Washington, DC.
2005
Werts, M. G. (April, 2005). States reactions and regulations to NCLB mandates for
education of paraeducators. NRCP, Salt Lake City.
Werts, M. G. (April, 2005). Classroom management strategies. NRCP, Salt Lake City.
Werts, M. G. (July, 2005). Instructive Feedback: A tool for multi-level instruction. IASE:
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Werts, M. G. (July, 2005). OSEP Project Directors Meeting. Washington, D.C.
2006
Werts, M. G. & Losardo, A. (February, 2006). ABI and DI: Looking for the salient
variables. Conference on Innovative Research in Early Childhood, San Diego,
CA.
Werts, M. G. (April, 2006). Rigorous preparation for paraeducators: Meeting NCLB
mandates. Council for Exceptional Children, Salt Lake City Utah.
Botts, D. Losardo, A. & Werts, M. G. (April, 2006). Teaching early literacy skills
through activity-based intervention. North Carolina Speech, Hearing, and
Language Association, Durham, NC.
Botts, D. Losardo, A. & Werts, M. G. (July, 2006). Teaching emergent literacy skills in
preschool settings. American Speech and Hearing Association Schools
Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
Botts, D. Losardo, A. & Werts, M. G. (November, 2006). Teaching early literacy: A
comparative study. American Speech and Hearing Association Conference,
Miami, FL.
2007
Werts, M. G. & Losardo, A. (February, 2007). Comparison of the efficacy of ABI and DI
techniques in preschool classes. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Botts, D. Losardo, A. & Werts, M. G. (March, 2007). Teaching emergent literacy skills
in preschool settings. North Carolina Speech, Hearing, and Language Association
Conference, Raleigh, NC
Werts, M. G. & Losardo, A. (April, 2007). ABI and DI: Looking for the salient variables.
Council for Exceptional Children, Louisville, KY.
Werts, M. G. & Lambert, M. A. (October, 2007). What Do Special Education Directors
Say About RtI. Council for Learning Disabilities, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Macy, M., Losardo, A. Slentz, K., Squires, J., Werts, M. G. (October, 2007). What
Constitutes a Theoretical Contribution in EI/ECSE. The Case of Activity Based
Intervention. Division of Early Childhood, Council for Exceptional Children.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Werts, M. G. & Lambert, M. A. (November, 2007). Method for Using School Practices
to Inform Curriculum. Teacher Education Division, Council for Exceptional
Children, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2008
Werts, M. G. & Lambert, M. A. (January, 2008). What Do Special Education Directors
Say About RtI. North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Wilmington,
NC.
Brough, W. H., & Werts, M. G. (April 2008). Instructive feedback. Appalachian State
University: Celebration of Student Research, Boone, NC.
2009
Werts, M. G. & Lambert, M. A. (February, 2009). Salient questions about RTI. North
Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, Wilmington, NC.
Werts, M. G. & Lambert, M. A. (October, 2009). Making decisions about RTI. Council
for Learning Disabilities, Dallas. TX.
2010
Werts, M. G., (October, 2010). RTI: A survey of special education teachers. Council for
Learning Disabilities, Myrtle Beach, SC.
Werts, M. G., (December, 2010). Acquisition of instructive feedback: Enhancing the
efficacy of instruction. TASH, Denver, CO.