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SU alumna recognized for outstanding doctoral dissertation by professional educators’ associationJanuary 26, 2005Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK), a professional association for educators, has named Syracuse University alumna Donna J. DeSiato G’04 a winner in its 2004 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation competition for the region covering the northeastern United States, Canada and much of Europe.

DeSiato’s 2004 dissertation, completed while she was a student in the SU School of Education’s Educational Leadership Program, examines the impact of different kinds of public school pre-school programs on children’s readiness for and experience in kindergarten. The award includes a $500 prize and a certificate of recognition from (PDK). More significantly, it symbolizes the high regard DeSiato’s peers and colleagues have for her work in the field of education.

“Those of us on SU’s School of Education faculty were proud and privileged to have worked with Dr. DeSiato on her dissertation study,” says Professor Joseph Shedd, chair of SOE’s Teaching and Leadership Programs. “Her study documented that young children who had had a year of half-day pre-school experience were both better prepared and more successful in kindergarten than were those who had had no pre-school experience, and that those who attended pre-school all day for a full year were more prepared and successful than those who had only attended on a half-day basis.” Shedd adds that DeSiato’s work is an excellent example of a work of serious scholarship that has direct relevance for both public policy and local practice.

DeSiato is a well-respected leader in teaching and learning in urban environments, instructional administration and educational leadership.

Her professional experience includes strategic planning at local and state levels, organizing and directing comprehensive programs, leading systemic reform efforts and designing professional development.

She is currently the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instructional services in the Syracuse City School District and has held a variety of other positions in the district, including director of elementary education, principal, vice principal, instructional specialist and teacher. DeSiato also serves on the advisory board of the School of Education’s Living SchoolBook project.

DeSiato is a graduate of the Syracuse City School District. In addition to her doctoral degree from SU, she holds an associate’s degree from Onondaga Community College, a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Miami, a master’s degree in education from State University College at Cortland, and a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Oswego.