About the Author

Spencer Salend. A former teacher in the New York City School System, Spencer Salend is a professor at SUNY-New Paltz. Widely known for his work in translating research into practice, he has published and presented on such topics as inclusive educational practices, educational assessment, and students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In recognition of the significance of his research and work with schools and its benefits to others, he was selected as a recipient of the State University of New York’s Faculty Scholar Award and the Chancellor’s Research Recognition Award. He has also served as a project director and program evaluator for numerous federal and state projects and has shared his work by engaging in a variety of professional development activities. He serves as an expert consultant helping the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) develop and implement a rigorous and comprehensive performance-based teacher evaluation system and professional learning program that addresses standards for highly effective teachers of students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms.