Lorrie Shepard, dean of the University of Colorado at Boulder's School of Education, has received a national award recognizing her many contributions in the teacher education field.
Shepard was honored with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's 2006 David G. Imig Award for Distinguished Contributions to Teacher Education.
The award recognizes contributions to the field of policy or research in teacher education.
"Dr. Shepard's evaluation studies on issues, such as the identification of learning disabilities, grade retention, teacher testing and effects of high-stakes testing have had a significant impact on teacher education curriculum and policy across the country," said CU-Boulder Interim Chancellor Phil DiStefano. "Through her research, she continues to challenge teacher educators on the importance of ongoing classroom assessment and instructional scaffolding."
Shepard is a nationally recognized expert on standardized testing and assessment and kindergarten readiness. She joined the CU-Boulder faculty in 1974, and has served as dean of the School of Education since 2001. In 1996, she also served as interim dean of the school.
She is president of the prestigious National Academy of Education and has served as president of the American Educational Research Association, the most prominent national and international organization devoted to advancing educational research.
Shepard received the award during the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education's annual meeting held in San Diego in January. The association is made up of 800 higher education institutions and other organizations and is based in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality preparation and continuing professional development for teachers and school leaders with the goal of enhancing student learning.