School of Education Professor Does Double Duty: Sulentic Dowell Presents Research at Two National Conferences
BATON ROUGE, LA - Lutrilll & Pearl Payne School of Education Professor Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, PhD, the Cecil “Pete” Taylor Professor of Literacy Leadership & Urban Education, recently
presented innovative research on recent literacy legislation at the University Council of Educational Administration (UCEA) conference, held in Los Angeles the week prior to Thanksgiving, 2024. The UCEA
is the premier research conference for educational leaders, reflecting Sulentic Dowell’s
leadership as coordinator of the School’s PhD Program in Educational Leadership. Sulentic Dowell collaborated on the UCEA presentation with University of Louisiana
– Lafayette (ULL) colleague Heather Dunham, PhD, in a session titled “A Critique of
High Stakes Literacy Legislation: Suggestions for Principals.” Dunham and Sulentic Dowell
conducted a critical policy analysis on recent literacy legislation. They reported
their findings, which included support for school leaders, especially elementary principals,
in addressing and adhering to legislative mandates. The pair are nearing completion
of their joint research manuscript and exploring potential grant opportunities.
Elevating Literacy Conversations at the NCTEE Conference
One major research presentation during the busy week before Thanksgiving in late November would be enough for most faculty; however, Sulentic Dowell departed Los Angeles and UCEA after three days of presenting, collaborating, and networking with educational leadership researchers to travel to the National Council Teacher of English (NCTE) in Boston for three additional days to present separate but related research, team up with literacy scholars, and interact with literacy researchers. Sulentic Dowell, Director of the LSU Writing Project, joined writing project directors nationwide to present “Navigating Legislative Mandates: How a Hard-Reset Allowed our Site to Tailor Offerings to Local Needs.” This session highlighted the LSU WP’s efforts to offer site-based summer institutes but also exemplified Sulentic Dowell’s stance as an interdisciplinary researcher who has carved out a niche as a literacy leadership researcher and scholar.
Reflections on Dual Presentations
Sulentic Dowell commented, “The opportunity to analyze legislation and collaborate with a stellar ULL colleague was a high point of my recent research efforts, but equally significant was the prospect of sharing the progress of the LSU Writing Project with the NCTE community. Both presentations epitomize my interdisciplinary research interests, and I am deeply thankful to have received travel support from the CHSE to present research.”
Eugene Kennedy, PhD, Interim Director of the School of Education, praised Sulentic Dowell’s impactful work, stating, "Dr. Sulentic Dowell and her colleagues are leading transformative work that has the power to influence policy, advance educational administration, and enhance literacy instruction in ways that are benefiting both present and future generations. Sulentic Dowell's dedication is the perfect example of how our researchers are dedicated to ensuring meaningful progress that elevates the quality of our educational systems."
About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education (SOE)
A school of the College of Human Sciences & Education, the SOE offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teacher or acquire dual certification in traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing highly qualified teachers but also on preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals, school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes in scholarly expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.
Visit the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education.
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college comprises the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools: the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, which enrolls birth to age four, and the University Laboratory School, which enrolls kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and the Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and improving quality of life across the lifespan.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.