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Memoir
Samuel J. Meisels
Regent's Proceedings 216
Regent's Proceedings 216
Samuel J. Meisels, Ed.D., professor of education in the School of Education and research scientist in the Center for Human Growth and Development, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2001.
Professor Meisels received his A.B. degree from the University of Rochester in 1967 and his Ed.M. and Ed.D. degrees from Harvard University in 1969 and 1973, respectively. He was a preschool and elementary school teacher in Massachusetts from 1969-72. From 1973-80, he was on the faculty of Tufts University. Professor Meisels came to the University of Michigan in 1980 as program director for special education, Institute for the Study of Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities, and associate professor in the School of Education. He was named associate research scientist in 1983 and was promoted to professor and research scientist in 1986. From 1992-95, he served as associate dean for research in the School of Education.
Professor Meisels' research interests include assessments in early childhood programs and elementary schools and policy issues in the implementation of early intervention programs. Through his extensive research and publications he has had a national impact on early childhood assessments and instructional reform. Professor Meisels' "Work Sampling System" is widely used as a tool for student assessment, professional development, and instructional reform. He has served as an evaluator and consultant both here and abroad and has worked with such entities as the U.S. Department of Education, the National Academy of Sciences, Head Start, and the National Association of State Boards of Education. A popular teacher and mentor, Professor Meisels taught undergraduate and graduate classes in assessment in early childhood, high-risk infancy, special education, and educational assessment of disabled children. He recently received the Ferguson Award in Early Childhood Education from National-Louis University in Chicago and the Sunny Days Award from Sesame Street Parents' Magazine, which recognizes individuals "who have enriched children's minds and brightened their lives."
The Regents salute this distinguished scholar by naming Samuel J. Meisels professor emeritus of education and research scientist emeritus.