A Publication for the faculty, staff, administrators and friends of California State University, Chico
November 11, 2004 Volume 35, Number 3

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Conference Honors Special Programs Director Jensen

On Oct. 23, the Northeastern California Partnership for Special Education held a conference that was also a celebration of 15 years of partnership and collaboration with 57 regional district and county offices.

One of several honors bestowed during the conference came from the Modoc County Office of Education. Mary Jensen, the special education programs director responsible for creating the partnership, received the award on behalf of the Department of Professional Studies, the California Partnership for Special Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Jensen said, "It is particularly meaningful that the University with its regional partnership is honored by Modoc, our most remote county. Fifteen years ago, forging an alliance with so many partners was indeed an ‘impossible dream.’ Now, special education faculty and local mentor teachers continue do the impossible every day, bringing education and support to even the most isolated schools."

Jensen, instrumental in developing the program, worked collaboratively with local school administrators and county offices in CSU, Chico’s service region from its inception. Grants written by Jensen have brought more than $8 million in both federal and state support to the program over its 15 years.

The conference explored new ground in special education, including a session on emotional disturbance that led to a request by participants for more such forums. A new grant from the Federal Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for $800,000 over the next four years will support training for teachers in this area.

Planning and coordination of the conference was handled by Rita Mulholland, conference chair; Monica Diamond, conference committee member; Lisa Silva, administrative support coordinator; and Carrie Damask, CEC student chapter president.