Francisco Escobedo to Lead SDSU’s Efforts to Transform Urban Schools

Photo courtesy Chula Vista Elementary School District.

By Michael Klitzing

Three decades have passed, but Francisco Escobedo remembers that afternoon like it was yesterday. He remembers slapping steel handcuffs on the wrists of a boy, no more than 16 years old. Most of all, he remembers the look in his eyes. 

It was at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s, and the kid was clearly high — but there was something else. Something more haunting. 

“It was almost hollow,” Escobedo recalls. “Devoid of hope.” 

CFD’s Cassandra Libang Named a Quest for the Best Winner

By SDSU News Team

Child and family development senior Cassandra Libang has been named one of 10 recipients of San Diego State University’s Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Service Award. The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity honor recognizes outstanding student leaders at SDSU in four key areas: academic excellence, student service and activities, community service and leadership development. 

Student winners were asked to nominate a faculty or staff member who made a significant and positive impact on their personal growth and development during their time at SDSU. Libang selected Hsing-chen Tung, lecturer in the Department of Child and Family Development. 

As Districts Return In-Person, it’s Back to School for Many Credential Students

From left: Credential students Jake Palacio, Valerie Salgado and Tasha Irianto.

By Michael Klitzing

Tasha Irianto says it’s the little moments she’s missed the most. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Diego State University teaching credential student went months without seeing her second graders outside of a Zoom window. 

“I feel like everything online is so structured,” said Irianto, who is completing her student teaching at San Diego’s Oak Park Elementary. “We don't get any of that natural classroom interaction where the kids are telling me about their weekend while putting their backpacks on.” 

For Irianto and hundreds of SDSU’s future educators, those small yet meaningful connections are coming back.

Dr. Charles Degeneffe Elected New Chair of ARPE Department

By Michael Klitzing

For the first time in nearly 13 years, San Diego State University’s Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (ARPE) is about to be under new management. 

Dr. Charles Degeneffe, professor of rehabilitation counseling, has been elected the new chair of ARPE. As of July 1, 2021, he will succeed the retiring Dr. Caren Sax, who has served as chair since 2008. 

New Center Focuses on Early Childhood Development, Education, Mental Health

By Michael Klitzing

A new center to improve well-being in early childhood and create a coordinated network of care is being created at San Diego State University’s Department of Child and Family Development (CFD). 

The Center for Excellence in Early Development (CEED) will work to bring together school districts, pediatricians, care providers, policymakers and scholars with a focus on early childhood. The center will also facilitate research and contribute to the preparation of the early childhood workforce. 

JDP Students Shine at 2021 SDSU Student Research Symposium

From left: Reka Barton, Nora Leyva and Amir Zargar.

By Michael Klitzing

Three students in San Diego State University’s Joint Doctoral Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University were honored for their research excellence at the 2021 SDSU Student Research Symposium (SRS). 

Nora Leyva, Reka Barton and Amir Zargar were all recipients of the College of Education Dean’s Award at the annual public forum where SDSU students present their research, scholarship and creative activities. SRS took place virtually on March 19 and 20. 

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Amy Rascop

You might know Amy Rascop as the hard-working executive assistant to Dean Y. Barry Chung. But did you know you’re likely to find her rollerskating, hiking in the wilderness or cruising on the back of a Harley? Find out more in this edition of 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Faculty and Staff. 

School Back in Session, Dr. Tonika Green Offers Advice to Parents on CBS 8, NBC 7

With in-person instruction resuming in San Diego schools, Dr. Tonika Green, professor in counseling and school psychology, joined CBS News 8 over the weekend to talk about what parents need to know about preparing their kids to return to the classroom.

Faculty Focus: A Powerful Voice Against Anti-Asian Racism

By Michael Klitzing

Dr. Nellie Tran was already writing her congressional testimony on anti-Asian discrimination and violence when news broke about the killing of eight people — six of them Asian American women — in a series of mass shootings in Georgia. The Mar. 16 incident put a horrific spotlight on the surge of racism and violence targeting Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Two days later, Tran — associate professor in counseling and school psychology at San Diego State University and vice president of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) — and Anne Saw from DePaul University submitted the AAPA’s written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Discrimination and Violence Against Asian Americans. The document provided both historical context for anti-Asian racism as well as recommendations for federal action.