• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Features
  • Campus News
  • CSUDH.edu
  • Contact
  • People
    • Staff Spotlight
    • Faculty Highlights
    • Alumni
  • Magazine
  • For Journalists
    • CSUDH In The News
    • Press Releases
    • Facts and Figures
    • Find Media Experts
    • Gallery
    • News Reporting on Campus

CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

You are here: Home / Archive / Features / Special Education Symposium Focuses on the Topic of Bullying

Special Education Symposium Focuses on the Topic of Bullying

March 21, 2014

By:Wyahee Tucrkile

Students in Special Education Post Induction (SPE 571) organized a Special Education Symposium on March 6 in the California State University, Dominguez Hills Loker Student Union Ballrooms. The symposium and panel discussion focused on the film “Bully” by Lee Hirsch and Cynthia Lowen, and shed some light on the topic.

Panelists (from left to right): Kelly Robertson, a resource specialist program (RSP) teacher and Police Academy instructor; Leana Tsu, parent; Marcia Sidney-Reed, principal at 186th St School; Alexandrea Buckley, student at West Los Angeles College; James Thing, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at University of Southern California.
Panelists (from left to right): Kelly Robertson, a resource specialist program (RSP) teacher and Police Academy instructor; Leana Tsu, parent; Marcia Sidney-Reed, principal at 186th St School; Alexandrea Buckles, student at West Los Angeles College; James Thing, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at University of Southern California.

Under the direction of Caron Mellblom-Nishioka, professor of special education, and Pat Murphy, adjunct faculty member in special education, the forum was part of the students’ clear credential requirement to engage in and develop meaningful professional developmental activities.

Hosted by special education graduate students, Anthony Jackson, a moderate/severe special education teacher, and Charlotte Rivera, a teacher in early childhood special education, the program began with professional development for support providers and networking opportunities for attendees before leading into the screening of the film “Bully.” A panel discussion followed led by moderator Christopher W. Beswick, special education graduate student and teacher of moderate/severe special education. Panelists included Alexandra Buckels, a student at West Los Angeles College; Marcia Sidney-Reed, principal at 186th St School; Kelly Robertson, a resource specialist program (RSP) teacher and Police Academy instructor; James Thing, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology at University of Southern California; and parent and school psychologist Leana Tsu. The panel discussion then opened up the forum for an engaging audience discussion.

From right to left: Tony Jackson, teacher in moderate/severe education;Tony Normore, professor and chair of special education; and Hector Martinez , teacher in early childhood education.
From right to left: Tony Jackson, teacher in moderate/severe education;Tony Normore, professor and chair of special education; and Hector Martinez , teacher in early childhood education.

“The ‘Bully’ program made me think back to my high school days and recall a student who was picked-on by a group of his peers,” first-year special education student David Crawford said. “To this day, his struggle with bullying defines who he is – angry, resentful and vindictive. Would he be a different person had there been intervention? This well-attended event provided an opportunity for dialogue within the CSUDH educational community about these issues. Hopefully the department expands the program to include practical strategies for dealing with this type of abuse.”

Professor and chair of special education Tony Normore discussed the success of the event.

“Our special education students and their post induction instructors are to be commended for the success of this event. Bullying is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed by the whole community,” he said. “The dialogue has now begun as we search for meaningful solutions to prevent this dreadful torment. [The event’s] turnout is a true indicator of the importance of community-oriented collaboration. This is especially evident among our student teachers, interns, master teacher support providers, faculty, donors, and the general community.”

Among the attendees were more than 300 students, educators, and parents of the CSU Dominguez Hills community.

 Wyahee Tucrkile is a freshman Communications major.

Filed Under: Features Tagged With: Communications, Faculty, Students

Recent Features

Graduates at Commencement 2023

Commencement 2023 Highlights Perseverance

June 1, 2023

More than 3,300 proud Toros walked the stage at Commencement 2023 in Dignity Sports Park Tennis Stadium, supported by the joyous cheers of family, friends, and fellow students. Six ceremonies held on May 19-20 honored the commitment and persistence displayed by the Class of 2023, which ended one journey with a flip of ... Read More

Athletics Offers ‘Wider Lens’ on Academic Excellence, Says CSUDH AD Eric McCurdy

Athletics Offers ‘Wider Lens’ on Academic Excellence, Says CSUDH AD Eric McCurdy

June 1, 2023

For CSUDH Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric McCurdy, intercollegiate athletics are more than just an entertaining diversion—they’re a way for universities to spread the good news about what they’re doing everywhere on campus. “Athletics are the front porch of any university,” says McCurdy. ... Read More

From Skid Row to College Graduate

From Skid Row to College Graduate

May 17, 2023

Kevin Jones never expected to graduate from college. In fact, after graduating from high school in 1988, he made the conscious decision not to pursue higher education – even though his three sisters had all gone on to university studies. “School and I were not friends,” recalls Jones. “All the way through elementary ... Read More

... see all Featured Stories

Primary Sidebar

Social Media

Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Instagram
LinkedIn
SOCIALICON

Footer

California State University, Dominguez Hills Logo

1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747
1-310-243-2001 • Send Email

Related Sites

  • csudh.edu
  • magazine.csudh.edu
  • gotoros.com

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get CSUDH News directly in your inbox

Copyright © 2023 · California State University, Dominguez Hills