Sampson dissertation wins award

		Sampson dissertation wins award

Shannon Sampson

Shannon Sampson, a visiting professor in the college's Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, received the 2007 Distinguished Dissertation Award from the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. Her dissertation was titled “An Investigation of Item Fit and Functioning of an Algebra Assessment for English Language Learners.”

“It is encouraging for a committee beyond UK to recognize the value of my work,” said Sampson on winning the award. “It is confirmation that the topic was significant and timely.”

Sampson’s dissertation centered on the complexity of vocabulary and language in classrooms where English Language Learning (ELL) students are present. She explored how the complexity of language affected student performance on an algebra assessment consisting of items from various state and national assessments. She looked at both ELL students and students for whom English is their primary language. Her findings suggest that language affects ELL student performance when they must understand a key word or phrase in order to answer an item correctly. However, ELL student opportunity to learn material also appeared to play a critical role in correctly answering individual items.

Having been an avid runner, Sampson compared writing her dissertation to a marathon.

“Defending my dissertation had a similar feeling to crossing the finish line of a marathon,” said Sampson. “Both require a lot of hard work, endurance and the will to stick with things until the end. Receiving an award for the hard work is just a bonus.”

A native of Lexington, Sampson earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and mathematics from Georgetown College and her master’s degree in Spanish literature and linguistics from Florida State University. She earned her Ph.D. in educational policy studies and evaluation from the University of Kentucky.

Founded in 1911, Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education, is a dynamic learning community that recognizes and enhances growth in scholars and leaders. The organization's vision is advanced through:

Recognizing and confirming the status of scholars and educators to achieve and sustain preeminence in teaching, scholarship, and service;
Focusing on effectively addressing the needs of members through the phases of their careers as scholars and educators; and
Providing an energetic, diverse learning community that enhances professional growth through high-quality programs, services, and products.