UH Manoa College of Education Student Receives Distinguished Fellowship

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Jennifer Beaulieu, 956-4388
College of Education
Posted: Feb 29, 2008



Tammy Picklesimer, doctoral student in the College of Education‘s exceptionalities program and trainee in the Center for Disability Studies (CDS), was awarded the 2008 Disability Policy Fellowship with the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) in Washington D.C.

The purpose of the fellowship is to offer a significant experience in national level activities related to policy, legislative development, advocacy, program development, technical assistance, and association administration. Picklesimer joined the AUCD policy staff at their national office on January 10.

"I don‘t want to change my at-risk students to fit a particular education model or school system, but change the system to fit my ʻat-promise‘ students," Picklesimer said. "The best way to do that is to be part of the reform effort and policy making."

Picklesimer is a trainee and graduate research assistant with CDS where she conducted research on postsecondary education for students with disabilities. She also taught at-risk students in an alternative learning program at Moanalua High School.

Dr. Robert Stodden, Director of CDS and Picklesimer‘s doctoral program advisor, said, "Tammie displays an exceptional energy level and clear commitment to improving the status of young persons with disability, which is critical to her success working at the federal policy level." He added that she brings real classroom experiences to national policy agendas when negotiating with U.S. House and Senate staff, lobbyists, and professional groups.

During Picklesimer‘s fellowship in Washington, she will be working with the legislative affairs staff in pursuing a number of legislative goals, especially in the area of education policy with the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind) and the Higher Education Act.

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