INTERNATIONAL LEADER IN GROUP ASSESSMENT TO PRESENT
TO SOUTHERN MISS EDUCATION FACULTY

HATTIESBURG -- An accomplished international researcher in the area of group assessment procedures will conduct a professional development workshop this week for faculty in The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education.

Dr. Zipora Schechtman, a member of the faculty at the University of Haifa in Israel, will present at the two-day workshop Feb. 12 and 13, focusing on implementing group procedures as an element of the criteria for admitting candidates to the university's teacher education program. The mandatory workshop for CISE faculty will be held in the Southern Miss Speech-Reading-Special Education Building, room 142. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

"Dr. Schechtman collaborates with group work researchers in the field, and her research has advanced the field in terms of the therapeutic factors in group work," said Dr. Renee Falconer, an assistant professor in the CISE department. "In addition, her contributions related to the effectiveness of children's groups are extraordinary, and through her faculty teaching position at the University of Haifa, she has enhanced and furthered the training of future group work practitioners as a teacher, researcher, trainer, and group leader."

"She has clearly been exceptional in her efforts to advance the field of group work internationally."

Dr. Schechtman has served on the editorial board for the Journal for Specialists in Group Work for the last three years, where she has added an international perspective. She is a recent recipient of the Professional Advancement Award, which recognizes the activities of individuals who help advance the field of group work through research, development of a new technique or theory, public relations, legislative activities, or group work practice.

"We're very pleased to have Dr. Schechtman on campus to participate in the professional development of our faculty, given her international stature," said Dr. Mitch Berman, associate dean of the Southern Miss College of Education and Psychology.

For more information, contact the Southern Miss Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education at (601) 266-6197.

-30-