MEMO TO:Senate Research Committee

February 8, 2006

MEMO TO:Senate Research Committee

FROM:ResearchCenter Review Subcommittee

A.L. Baumstark

Julian Diaz

RE:Review of Center for Research on Atypical

Development and Learning (CRADL)

The report with an update for the Center for Research on Atypical Development and Learning (CRADL) was reviewed by the Center Review Subcommittee of the Senate Research Committee. The report was clear, concise and well written. The following is a synopsis of our assessment of CRADL as one of the University Research Centers.

CRADL was founded in 1998. The director of CRADL is Dr. Mary Ann Romski (Department of Communications, A&S). The main objectives of this college-supported interdisciplinary center are focused on scholarly efforts to gain a fuller understanding of atypical development and learning processes from birth through adolescence. CRADL is a virtual center and thus does not have an organizational chart. The director of the Center reports through the Department of Psychology to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The five goals of the Center have been clearly stated. CRADL (primarily focused on atypical development and learning) will:

a) stimulate the integration and expansion of outstanding research programs at GSU;

b) provide a unique educational environment for training of doctoral and postdoctoral (basic and clinical/educational) researchers in the area;

c) establish a forum for the discussion of research and clinical issues;

d) inform and evaluate treatment efforts to ameliorate problems through research findings; and

e) address policy issues at the university, local, state, and national level related to the area.

There is no advisory board for CRADL; however, the CRADL faculty members elect three of the associated faculty to an Executive Committee. CRADL is multidisciplinary in the sense that the faculty members associated with the Center are from at least six different departments within four colleges (A&S, Education, Health and Human Science, and Law).

In terms of funding, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education are listed as the only source of financial support for CRADL, currently providing a total of $20K per year. CRADL faculty members (Appendix D) are bringing in substantial federal funds directly related to the research focus of the Center but the grants are housed in the departments rather than the Center. The goals and objectives of the Center have a broad base and are far reaching so that they include national as well as statewide and local impacts. The objectives of the CRADL can be divided into three major areas: instruction, creative and scholarly activity and service. Each area consists of specific tasks and activities that help promote CRADL objectives. The Center faculty provide excellent training for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Efforts are underway to enhance and expand the instructional efforts. The research underway by the Center faculty is exciting, clearly indicative of a nationally competitive program. Productivity is substantial as judged by the number of books, refereed publications, etc. Service activities are extensive, especially considering the budget. A series of objectives are outlined, the achievements of which would clearly enhance the research environment and status of the University.

No major impediments to conducting research are listed. Based on the updated information and that in the report, the Center faculty are working hard to advance their objectives in all listed areas. This clearly is a productive, creative research Center.

It is the finding of the Center Review Senate Research Committee Subcommittee that the Center for Research on Atypical Development and Learning (CRADL) is doing an excellent job fulfilling its stated goals and mission. CRADL is clearly achieving national recognition. Center faculty should be in a good position to receive additional funding. The Center has ambitious yet realistic plans to expand. The Center Review Subcommittee strongly recommends that CRADL be approved to continue as a GSUResearchCenter.