Interdisciplinary Frameworks for Schools

Virginia Wise Berninger, PhD, is a professor of learning sciences and human development at the University of Washington, Seattle. She brings an interdisciplinary background to writing the interdisciplinary frameworks, which includes being a general education teacher (5 years in urban and suburban schools), special education teacher (3 years in a rural school), reading specialist (1 year in an urban school), experimental psychologist (cognitive psychology and psycholinguistics), clinical psychologist on interdisciplinary teams (predoctoral and postdoctoral clinical training at Boston Children's Hospital and licensed psychologist in Washington), school consultant (33 years in Boston and Seattle), research psychologist (Harvard Medical School, Tufts–New England Medical Center, University of Washington), trainer of school psychologists (1989–2006), and trainer of educators in K–12 and academics (2007–present).   Her research experience includes serving as a principal investigator on research funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development on normal and disabled reading, writing, and oral language development (1989–2008), as well as principal investigator and director of the University of Washington Interdisciplinary Research Center (genetics, assessments, brain imaging, and instruction; 1995–2006, 2001–present).  

Preface

I. Basic Principles of Interdisciplinary Teamwork



Introduction to the Interdisciplinary Frameworks
Using the Interdisciplinary Frameworks in Practice

II. Developmental Stepping Stones in Assessment and Instruction



Evidence-Based Use of Tests and Assessments in 21st-Century Education
Linking Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood
Linking Instruction and Assessment in Middle Childhood
Linking Instruction and Assessment in Adolescence

III. Interdisciplinary Frameworks for Understanding the Biological Bases of Development and Learning



A Genetics Primer and Brain Primer for Interdisciplinary Frameworks
Diagnosing Pervasive and Specific Developmental Disabilities and Talent
Diagnosing Specific Learning Disabilities and Twice Exceptionality
Neurogenetic Disorders
Brain-Related Disorders and Other Health Conditions

IV. Interdisciplinary Frameworks for Understanding Environmental Bases of Development and Learning



Racial, Cultural, Family, Linguistic, and Socioeconomic Diversity and the Story of Rose

V. Interdisciplinary Frameworks for Understanding Legal, Ethical, and Institutional Issues



Perspectives of a Neuropsychologist Working in an Interdisciplinary Setting With Students With Learning Disabilities and Their Parents and Teachers
Opportunities for Educators to Advocate for Students
Child Custody Litigation and School Personnel Fostering Positive School–Family Relationships

Appendix A: Becoming a Critical Consumer of Interdisciplinary Research for Translating Research Into Practice

Appendix B: Honor Role Model List Representing Exemplary Practices by Members of Different Professions on Interdisciplinary Teams in Schools

Index

About the Author