Sandy Thompson, Ph.D.

Sandra Thompson, Ph.D., Research Associate for NCEO since 1998, passed away December 29, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. She had an extensive background in improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Dr. Thompson spent nearly 10 years with Minnesota’s department of education, as a special education administrator focusing on educational experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities. She also spent 10 years as a special education teacher, working with students with developmental disabilities. Dr. Thompson coordinated multiple research activities, including an online survey of State directors of special education on the inclusion of students with disabilities in State accountability systems. She assisted States in the design of inclusive assessment systems, developing tools for determining inclusive assessment practices in the areas of accommodations, alternate assessment, and universal design. Dr. Thompson is the first author of one of the first books on alternate assessments, titled Alternate Assessments for Students with Disabilities. She also published a number of book chapters, journal articles, technical reports, and training materials. She presented at numerous State, regional, and national conferences, and provided professional development tools and workshops to thousands of educators and other IEP team members nationally.

Sandy was known for her energy, commitment, drive, and creativity. She will be greatly missed at NCEO and by all who work to make the lives of students with disabilities better.