Biography

Dr. Givner has extensive experience in the areas of the education of adolescents with emotional/behavior disorders and learning disabilities and the use of technology to facilitate the learning of students with disabilities, with gifts and talents, or at-risk for academic failure. She is the Dean of the College of Education at SUNY Fredonia. She has particular interest and expertise concerning the following issues: a) establishing successful learning environments in inclusive, heterogeneous classrooms; b) formal, informal, and authentic assessment; c) change and innovation in schools; d) collaboration and consultation in schools; e) the instruction of students with mild/moderate disabilities or at-risk for academic failure; and f) the use of teacher research to facilitate greater teacher reflection. While at Calfornia State University, Los Angeles, Dr. Givner, in collaboration with several colleagues, created and implemented a Saturday Enrichment Program serving approximately 180 culturally and linguistically diverse students (1st through 8th grade) from various local schools in the LA basin. This “Learning Center” program is in its 11th year of operation and continues to facilitate the academic achievement of students identified as “at risk” for a variety of reasons.