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Outlook
The University of Maryland Faculty and Staff Weekly Newspaper
Volume 15 - Number 10 • October 31, 2000
Pumpkin seasons kicks off, page 4
Assistant research scientist Christopher Shuman at the South Pole, January 2000.
University Scientist on Expedition
to the South End of the Earth
To learn how the
Earth's climate has
varied in the past
and how it might
change in the future, scientist
Christopher Shuman is will-
ing to go to the bottom of
the world.
On Oct. 30, Shuman, a re-
searcher with the university's
Earth System Science Inter-
disciplinary Center, began his
fourth trip to the frozen con-
tinent of Antarctica.
Shuman, who also has con-
ducted research near the top
of the world in Greenland,
will spend more than a
month traversing 750 miles
of the western Antarctic's
Polar desert with other U.S.
members of the International
Trans-Antarctic Science
Expedition (ITASE).This will
be his second visit as part of
ITASE, a project to drill and
bring back Antarctic ice
cores for analysis.
In an interview just before
he left, Shuman explained
that studying these ice cores
allows scientists to examine
historical fluctuations in
atmospheric temperature and
other atmospheric condi-
tions. The interior of
Antarctica is an ideal place to
obtain ice core samples for
such studies because none of
the moderate amounts of
snow that fall there melts.
"Our goal is to take ice
cores... that have layers that
correspond to the year by
year accumulation," Shuman
said. "These layers preserve a
record of the atmospheric
conditions present over hun-
dreds and in some cases even
hundreds of thousands of
years."
Shuman said he and other
scientists hope that by study-
ing core samples from Ant-
arctica they will learn more
about the impact human
activities may have had on
the atmosphere over the con-
tinent.
Temperature and other
information from the last 200
years is compared with that
from years prior to the time
that mankind started burning
fossil fuels extensively in an
attempt to separate out natu-
ral variability in the atmo-
sphere over Antarctica from
human-induced changes.
One of Shuman s jobs on
the expedition will be one
most people hope every win-
ter to avoid: shoveling snow.
But this low-tech activity
is actually one of the most
important parts of the expe-
dition. Scientists studying ice
core samples estimate the
atmospheric temperature for
a given year based on the
amounts of key isotopes of
elements like hydrogen and
oxygen that are present in a
given year's layer of snow.
Because the first few
meters contain snow from
the most recent years, the
sample-based estimates for
temperature and other atmos-
pheric variables for these lay-
ers can be compared with
actual readings taken by
satellites and ground weather
stations for those years. Good
samples from the recent lay-
ers thus are essential for cali-
brating, or setting the accura-
cy for, data derived from
much older layers.
Samples from the first few
meters have to be collected
by hand, Shuman explained,
because the ice coring equip-
ment has a tendency to break
up the uppermost layers of
snow so they can't be ana-
lyzed as accurately.
Shuman said that while his
scientific expectations for
this expedition are high, they
are tempered by his knowl-
edge of the extremely diffi-
cult and potentially hazard-
ous conditions presented by
the Antarctic. Even in Novem-
ber, which is late spring for
that part of the world, tem-
peratures will be below zero
Fahrenheit. The potential for
high winds and life threaten-
ing white out conditions is
ever-present.
On an Antarctic expedi-
tion the possibility is always
there that conditions and cir-
cumstances will result in a
team having to be pulled out
without achieving their
major scientific goals.
"There is just such a
broad range of challenges to
surviving. And that's assum-
ing that everything works as
well as it can, that major
equipment failures don't hap-
pen, that major storms don't
catch you in dangerous or
difficult circumstances," he
said. "You have to be pre-
pared for the minimum
expectation, which is that
you don't get any real com-
plex science done but you
do come home safely."
Combining Reading and Science
Boosts Students' Achievement
Put a salamander in the middle
of the table in a third grade class-
room and you get the students'
undivided attendon. The questions
start coming fast and furious.
Tapping into that curiosity may
be the key to helping older ele-
mentary school children make the
transition from reading stories to
reading for comprehension and
knowledge, say a group of
researchers at the University of
Maryland.
JohnT. Guthrie, an educational
psychologist in Maryland's College
of Education, and his team are join-
ing forces with Frederick County
Public Schools to test the long-
term viability of an instructional
approach that uses hands-on sci-
ence to build interest in reading
for information. The five-year, $34
million project, recently funded by
the National Science Foundation,
will involve some 3,600 third,
fourth and fifth grade students in
16 schools across the district.
Co-investigators include Allan
Wigfield, Department of Human
Development, and Pedro Barbosa,
Department of Entomology.
The study is prompted by a
growing national concern that too
many students are deficient in
comprehension skills. The
National Assessment for
Educational Progress (NAEP), for
example, reports that 40 percent
of grade four students score
"below basic" on the national read-
ing assessment.
"We know that reading compre-
hension is influenced by both cog-
nitive and motivational factors,"
says Guthrie. "Students must poss-
es both specific reading skills and
strategies as well as confidence
and desire to read the new infor-
mation."
The approach of concept-ori-
ented reading instruction (CORD
provides motivation with themed
continued on page 3
Economist Guillermo Calvo Awarded
King Juan Carlos Prize in Economics
The setting was formal —
"terribly formal," as Guillermo
Calvo puts it.
In the imposing Madrid
headquarters of the Bank of
Spain, at a ceremony rich in
protocol, the director of the
University of Maryland Center
for International Economics
and Distinguished University
Professor received die King Juan
Carlos Prize,
The prestigious award goes to
internationally recognized econo-
mists, generally to individuals of
Spanish or Latin American origin.
Calvo, a native of Argentina, ac-
cepted the prize from the king
with a formal bow on Oct. 26.
Last week's solemnity and re-
cognition contrasted with the
atmosphere at another distin-
guished gathering of economists
nearly six years ago— a meeting
that eventually helped solidify
Calvo 's reputation. But on that
April day in 1994, "a hush fell over
the room when I spoke.They
thought I'd lost my mind," he says.
At a Brookings Institution
panel discussion on economic
activity, Calvo said a monetary cri-
sis loomed in Mexico, and he pre-
Guillermo Calvo
dieted the
collapse of
the Mexican
peso. As if
that were
not enough,
Calvo said
the crisis
would be so
significant
for the global economy that the
United States would end up spen-
ding $25 billion to keep Mexican
banks afloat.
Most other economists in the
room were stunned and thought
Cairo's prediction outlandish.
Trade figures showed a healthy
movement of products in and out
of Mexico. "The conventional wis-
dom said Mexico was doing
everything right," he explains.
But Calvo looked at a different
set of figures. At the time, as a sen-
ior analyst at the International
Monetary Fund, he and colleagues
were looking not at the flow of
trade, but the movement of capital.
Just a few years earlier — when
the U.S. economy was in reces-
sion — American dollars moved
south into Mexican banks. By mid
'94, though, the U.S. economy had
continued on page 2
October 31, 2000
Calvo Earns Economics Prize
continued from page 1
Maryland
november
12:15*1 p.m., Discussion:
"Public History and History
Advocacy: The View from the
National Coordinating Com-
mittee for the Promotion of
History," with Bruce Craig.
Please feel free to bring your
lunch to this informal session.
01 25 Key Hall. For information,
contact Dr. Bruce Dearstyne
at bd58@umail.umd.edu.
4-5 p.m. .Astronomy Colloqui-
um; "Infrared and Microwave
Emission from Ultrasmall
Interstellar Dust Grains."WIth
Dr. Bruce Draine, Princeton
University. 2400 Computer &
Space Science. Contact Derek
Richardson at 5-8786 or at
coIl-request@astro . umd . edu.
7:30 p.m., Performance: "L'EB-
sir d'Amore" by Donizetti.
Maryland Opera Studio with
Francois Loup, director and
Louis Salemno, guest conduc-
tor. Ulrich Recital Hall, Tawes
Theatre. Also Nov. 3 and 4 at
7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 3 p.m.
Contact Shawn Eigenbrode, 5-
7283 or seigenbr@deans.umd.
edu. For tickets, call 5-7847.*
7:30-10 p.m., Poetry Reading:
"Voices from the African Dia-
spora "featuring Ethelbert Mil-
ler, Merle Collins, Lillian Alien,
Abena Busia.Tanya Shirley and
Hayes Davis. 2203 Art/Socio-
logy Bldg. Sponsored by the
Committee on Africa & the
Americas, 5-6835.
novem
10-11 a.m., Workshop: "Helpful
Counseling Referral Resource."
Faculty and staff may refer stu-
dents needing assistance cop-
ing with issues common among
college students to the Coun-
seling Center's Life Skills work-
shops. Five 1-hour weekly ses-
sions begin Nov. 2 and address
stress, self-esteem, assertive-
ness, conflict and anger, and
relationships. Shoemaker Bldg.
Contact Dr. David Petersen, 4-
9792 ordp91@umail.umd.edu.
4-5 p.m., Lecture: "Zinc and
Thyroid Hormone: Do the mo-
lecular predictions hold true?"
by Dr. Hedley Freake, Dept. of
Nutrition Science, University
of Connecticut. 0200 Stunner.
Sponsored by the The Gradu-
ate Program in Nutrition, Con-
tact Dr. Phylis Moser-Veillon at
5-4502 or pv6@umail.umd.edu.
Your Guide to University Events
November 1-9
4:3&6:30 p.m., Wellness Fair.
"Walk Down the Path to Well-
ness." Test your body composi-
tion, heart rate, flexibility, nutri-
tion IQ, body awareness, and
stress level. Prizes will be given
to each individual who finishes
each test. Center for Health and
Wellbeing, 0121 Campus Recre-
ation Center. For more informa-
tion or to register, 4-1493 or
Treger@health.umd.edu.
4:30 p.m., Presentation: "Culture
Wars in Brazil, or How I Came
to Love a Populist-Dictator Who
Committed Suicide and Became
a National Icon," a multi-media
presentation for undergrads,
graduate students and faculty.
Pizza follows. Sponsored by the
Department of History. 0106
Key Hall. For more information,
contact Robyn Muncy at 5-
4272 or rm87@umail.umd.edu.
8 p.m., Performance: "Maryland
Dance Ensemble." Tawes Theatre.
For information, call 5-7847.*
november
7:30 p.m., Performance: "LElisir
d'Amore" by Donizetti. Maryland
Opera Studio. (See description
in Nov. 1 listing.)*
8 p.m.,Performance:"Maryland
Dance Ensemble." Tawes Theatre.
For information, call 5-7847.*
novem
1 1 a.m. to 1 p.m., Reception:
"Love Makes a Family: Lesbian,
Gay and Transgender People
and Their Families ." At the
Parents'Association Gallery,
Stamp Student Union. (Details
in For Your Interest, p. 4.)*
12 noon, "Joint Service Project."
A half day of community service
with individual students, depart-
ments, and student organizations.
At the Nyumburu Cultural Ctr.
Contact Toby Jenkins at 4-8439.
7:30 p.m.,Performance:"L'FJisir
d'Amore" by Donizetti. Maryland
Opera Studio. (See Nov. 1.)*
noM
3 p.m.,Performancc:"L'Elisir
d'Amore" by Donizetti. Maryland
Opera Studio. (See Nov. L>*
november 6
4-6 p.m.,Colloquium:"Environ-
mental versus Genetic Effects
on Phenolic Variation in Oaks:
Consequences for Herbivorous
Insects," with Rebecca Klaper,
Dept. of Entomology. 1 140
Plant Sciences. Contact 5-3938
or db40@umail.umd.edu,
november 7
2 p.m.,Lecture:"When C-
Command Fails: Principles of
Priority and Finality." With
Derek Bickerton, University of
Hawaii. Sponsored by the Dept.
of Linguistics. Contact Graciela
Tesan, graciela@wam.umd.edu.
6-9 p.m., OIT Workshop, "Intro-
duction to Adobe Photoshop."
4404 Computer and Space
Science. Call 5-2938, or register
online at www.umd.edu/PT.*
november 8
12-1 p.m., Brown bag lecture
and discussion: "Enhancing the
Campus Climate for Racial/
Ethnic Diversity: A Framework
for Institutional Success," with
Dr. Jeffery Milem, associate pro-
fessor, Counseling and Person-
nel Services. 01 14 Counseling
Center, Shoemaker Bldg. For
more information, contact
Stacey Holmes at seholmes®
wam.umd.edu or 4-7690,
12:30-2 p.m., Panel Discussion:
"Environmental Security in
Southern Africa." The Harrison
Speaker Series presents Dr.
Helen Purkitt, U.S. Naval Aca-
demy. CIDCM Conference
Room, 01 39 Tydings Hall. For
more information, 5-7490 or
kcousins@gvpt . umd .edu
5 p.m., Symposium: "Context
and the Community: Race, Eth-
nicity and Masculinity." With
David Savran, Brown Univ., and
Harry Ham, Stanford Univ. In
conjunction with 8 p.m. perfor-
mance of SubUrbia (details in
For Your Interest, page 4.).
Laboratory Theatre, 2740 Cla-
rice Smith Performing Arts Cen-
ter. To reserve a space, contact
Theatre Prof. Catherine Schuler,
5-6688 or cs93@umail.umd.edu.
6-9 p m., OIT Workshop: "Inter-
calendar guide:
Calendar phone numbers listed as 4-xxxx or 5-xm stand tor the prefix 314 or 405. Events are free
and open to the public unless noted by an asterisk (*), Calendar information for Outlook is compiled
from a combination of intorM's mssler calendar and submission; to Ihe Outlook office.
To reach the calendar editor, call 4057615 or e-mail to outtooh@accrnail.ijmd.edu.
■
rebounded and American dollars were moving north again.
Mexican banks might not have the capital they'd need to pay
off depositors.
By the end of the year, his prediction would turn out to be
correct— right down to the $25 billion dollar bailout. From
then on, Calvo was looked at as something of an economic
prophet. "Intellectual resistance kept people in policy circles
from recognizing the full implications of globalization of the
economy," he says.
Last week, in his acceptance speech, Calvo pointed to
another emerging trend also the result of globalization: global
money. Panama, for instancle, has adopted the U.S. dollar as
the basis of its economy, and he predicts other countries will
follow. "The idea is less crazy than it sounds, and not a bad
one." Eventually, the dollar and the Euro-dollar might link up,
he says. "The world would begin to look like a single country
from an economic point of view"
But to keep globalization steady will require discipline. In
his Madrid presentation last week, Calvo called it "time consis-
tency," Policymakers need to follow through with their eco-
nomic policies. "They need to stick to schedules and do what
they promised. If they don't, they will lose credibility and
weaken their ability to manage their economies," he says. The
success of efforts to stabilize developing economies, including
those in Eastern Europe, depends on this kind of discipline, he
says. "It's a hard lesson to teach, though. It's a case where a
soft heart and good intentions can lead you astray.''
november 5
Terps take on the
Wolfpack
3:30 p.m. is kickoff time
for the Maryland home
game vs. North Carolina
State, which will be tele-
vised regionally by ABC-
TV The game will be played at
Byrd Stadium.
mediate Microsoft Excel." 4404
Computer and Space Science.
Call 5-2938, or register online at
www. umd. ed u/PT. *
8 p.m.,Performance:"SubUrbia,"
opening night. Eric Bogosian's
taut exposure of the American
dream. Pugliese Theatre. (Details
in For Your Interest, p. 4.)*
n
3-4 p.m., Distinguished Scholar
Teacher Lecture: "Beyond This
Point, There Be Dragons: Map-
ping the Journey to Expertise,"
by Patricia Alexander, Dept. of
Human Development. The
Atrium, Stamp Student Union.
Reception follows the lecture.
For more information, contact
Rhonda Malone, 5-2509 or
rmalone @d e ans . umd . edu .
4:30-7:30 p.m., OIT Workshop:
"Introduction to Microsoft
Powerpoint." 3330 Computer
and Space Science. Register
online at www.umd.edu/PT, or
call 5-2938.*
8 p.m.,Performance:"Mestra
Cobra Mansa," a demonstration
and participatory workshop on
the Brazilian martial arts form
capoetra. (See details in For
Your Interest, page 4.)*
Outlook
Outlook is the weekly faculty-staff
newspaper serving the University of
Maryland campus community.
Brodte Remington 'Vice President for
University Relations
Teresa Flannery • Executive Director
of University Communications and
Director of Marketing
George Calrjcart • Executive Editor
Cynthia Mite he! * Assistant Editor
Patty Henetz • Graduate Assistant
Letters to the editor, story suggestions
and campus information are welcome.
Please submit all material two weeks
before the Tuesday of publication.
Send material to Editor, Outlook, 2101
Turner Hall. College Park, MD 20742
Telephone- (301)405-7615
Fax ■ (301) 314-9344
E-mail * ourJook@aeeiruil.umd.edu
Qittloak tan be found online at
urutu. infomi.iimd.edu /outlook/
Ry\.K
Outlook
Judy Shepard on Campus for "Building Bridges"
A little more than two years
ago, University of Wyoming
student Matthew Shepard
was beaten, tortured,
robbed and tied to a wooden fence
near Laramie, Wyo. He lay in a hospi-
tal on full life support until he died
five days later without regaining
consciousness.
His assailants, now serving life
sentences without parole, said
they attacked Shepard because he
was gay.
In the aftermath of their son's
death, Dennis and Judy Shepard
established the Matthew Shepard
Foundadon to honor the causes
Matthew Shepard espoused, espe-
cially gay and lesbian equality and
prevention of hate crimes.
On Nov. 10, Judy Shepard will be
a featured speaker at the campus-
wide "Building Bridges: Looking
Back, Looking Forward" presenta-
tion. The week-long event will pro-
vide the university and surrounding
communities with opportunities to
increase awamess and understand-
ing of hate and bias crimes and how
to prevent them.
Organizers said the week's
events will focus on local, national
and international issues to help the
campus community collaborate on
more effective ways to redress hate
and bias.
"Budding Bridges" begins with an
opening ceremony at 6 p.m. on Nov.
6 at the Nyumburu Amphitheater.
Immediately following the ceremo-
ny will be a candlelight vigil to
remember and honor victims of
hate crimes. At noon on Nov. 6, the
campus police department will
sponsor a "human circle" on
McKeldin Mall.
Matthew Shepard 's story will be
the subject of three talks. The first,
on Thursday, Nov. 9, will feature
James Hurst, University of Wyoming
vice president for student affairs.
Hurst was the campus spokesman
who handled the media deluge
when Shepard was murdered and
during the trials of the two men
who killed him.
"The case study is an administra-
tive overview. We are looking at it
through an administrative lens," said
Jeanne Steffes, coordinator for
Resident Life training and academic
support programs. "We're trying to
use that potentially as a training tool
for others who work with hate
crimes. What can we learn from the
Madihew Shepard case as a case
study?"
Judy Shepard will join Hurst at
noon on Friday, Nov 10, to speak
about Matthew Shepard's legacy.
She also will be the sole speaker at
a 3 pm. forum where she will talk
about her personal journey.
"Here's a mother who lost her
son, murdered just for being gay,"
Steffes said. "She brings the mother
and famtty perspective."
Syndicated columnist Roberto
Rodriguez also will describe his per-
sonal journey through hate as pan
of the "Crossing Borders to Build
Community at UMCP" which is
running concurrendy with the
"Building Bridges" event. After
Rodriguez' address, sched-
uled for 4 p.m. in the
Nyumburu multi-purpose
room, there will be an
open dialogue on race
relations on campus and
in the community.
"WeVe moved out of
the awareness stage and
we're trying now to do
some knowledge-build-
ing," said Christine
Clark, executive direc-
tor of the Office of
Human Relations Pro-
grams. "Students want
opportunity for dia-
logue."
Other events will
include worship services,
photo and text exhibits,
discussions on issues such
as diversity, violence and the
gay and lesbian campus expe-
rience.
A complete listing of events
and sponsors can be found at
www. inform .umd . edu/
nowandthen/news/bb.html/. For fur
ther information, call 301-314-7608.
From
Confrontation
to Connection
k
Syndicated columnist Roberto Rodriguez
will describe his "Journey Through Hatred" in
the second of four events in the series "Crossing
Borders to Build Community at UMCP" from 4-6
p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. in the Nyumburu Cultural
Center Multi-Purpose Room.
i
Rodriguez will tell the story of being beaten to within
inches of his life by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs De-
partment for filming their beating of another man and how
he reclaimed his own humanity in an all-consuming 20-year
struggle with hatred of police officers and white people.
"Rodriguez's deeply moving presentation details the road he
has traveled to heal himself and his communities of origin,
and the work he does today to bring people together across
social identity groups with dignity and respect to work for a
more just future," said Christine Clark, executive director of
the Office of Human Relations Programs, which is sponsor-
ing the "Crossing Borders" series as part of the Diversity
Initiative.
immediately following this program, from 6-8 p.m., in
the same location, Rodriguez will participate in
"Connecting, Confronting, Understanding Across
Races; An Open Dialogue on Race Relations" with
interested members of the campus and larger
local communities. Both the program and the
dialogue are a part of the campus-wide
"Building Bridges: Looking Back,
Moving Forward" week of events
aimed at combating hate on
campus and beyond.
"
r
Academy of Leadership Presents
First Alumni Achievement Award
Brian Woolfolk, class of
'92, received the James
MacGregor Bums Aca-
demy of Leadership's first
annual Distinguished Alumni
of the Year Award at an alum-
ni dinner held on Oct. 20 in
the Founder's Room at the
Inn & Conference Center.
Woolfolk is the founder of
Mattox & Woolfolk, a Washing
ton, D.C., government
relations and lobbying
firm dedicated to pro-
viding services to
minority-owned busi-
nesses and diversity
training programs to
corporations.
"It's clear that Brian
Woolfolk took the mes-
sage and die mission
of the Academy to
heart," says Academy
Director Nance Lucas.
"Using his own prodi-
gious talents and lead-
ership, Brian has
moved forward to
develop the leadership
of others, particularly
those who have been histori-
cally underrepresented in
public life."
After receiving his Bache-
lor of Arts degree in criminal
justice from the university,
Woolfolk earned a law degree
from the Marshall- Wythe
School of Law at the College of
William and Mary. Before open-
ing his own firm, Woolfolk
worked on Doug Wilder's pres-
idential campaign, was a legis-
lative assistant to Congressman
Robert Scott, and served as a
Democratic counsel on the
House Judiciary Committee.
Founded in 1981,The Aca-
demy of Leadership fosters
Brian Woolfolk '92 (right) is congrat-
ulated by Kathy Whitmire, former
Houston mayor and Academy senior
fellow, and Maryland Delegate Paul
Carlson, also an Academy alum.
principled leadership through
scholarship, education and
training, with special atten-
tion to advancing the leader-
ship of groups historically
underrepresented in public
life. For more information,
www. acad emy. umd . edu .
Combining Reading and Science Boosts Student Achievement
continued from page 1
science lessons along with spe-
cific instruction in reading
strategies aimed at building
comprehe nsion .
It was developed by Guthrie,
working with a small group of
Prince George's County teach-
ers from 1993 to 1997. Guth-
rie's data-driven theory shows
how context increases all
aspects of reading.
Students tested in the CORI
program showed increased
reading comprehension on
both program and state tests, in-
creased motivation to read, in-
creased curiosity about all areas
of science and increased knowl-
edge of science concepts.
"By integrating science and
reading, we introduced a power-
ful motivating force that pushed
children to seek out answers to
their own questions," says Guth-
rie. "They became self-motivat-
ed readers and also mastered
the subject matter outlined in
the science curriculum."
The Frederick County proj-
ect is an effort to see if those
successes can be replicated on
a larger district-wide scale in
every-day classroom settings
and to determine whether
there is a cumulative benefit
over time.
The CORI model will be test-
ed against a straight "strategy
instruction" approach that is
not integrated with any other
subject matter. Strategy instruc-
tion is expected to increase
reading skills, but not the long-
term motivation for reading.
The CORI and strategy
instruction models will be com-
pared to the "traditional instruc-
tion" approach which empha-
sizes reading a variety of infor-
mation sources with the expec-
tation that students develop
better strategies over time.
"From our earlier work we
know that not all students are
able to develop good reading
strategies on their own with
the traditional teaching meth-
ods," says Guthrie. "These are
the students who seem to bene-
fit most from CORI. But for all
students, stronger reading moti-
vation leads to higher reading
comprehension."
Frederick County is a good
test site because students have
not achieved at the desired lev-
els on the state reading and sci-
ence assessments. In 1999,49.3
percent scored "below satisfac-
tory" in reading, and 52.2 per-
cent were "below satisfactory"
in science on the statewide
assessment. Although the coun-
ty is improving, Guthrie notes
they are seeking innovations in
instruction.
The project will begin with
12 third-grade classrooms in the
fall of 200 1 . A three-year longi-
tudinal study evaluating
progress in reading strategics,
reading motivation and science
knowledge will track students
from third through fifth grades.
Children's development will
be charted using statistical tech-
niques of growth curve model-
ing. The district's teachers and
reading specialists will receive
specialized i raining to enable
them to implement the instruc-
tional model in their classes
and to sustain the program
upon conclusion of the project,
"The Concept Oriented
Reading Instruction study is a
perfect example of the way in
which College of Education fac-
ulty can help the state improve
K-12 student achievement," says
Dean Edna Szymanski. "The
study uses research-based
strategies to improve student
learning and applies rigorous
research methodology to evalu-
ate how well those strategies
actually work."
Other members of the inter-
disciplinary research team
include Patricia Richardson, a
policy specialist and the super-
intendent of schools in St.
Mary's County, Maryland, and
Clare Von Seeker, a statistician
in the Department of Measure-
ment and Statistics, in addition
to seven graduate students.
October 31,2000
Fnr Yniir Inters
Simmering in SubUrbia
The upcoming University Theatre production
"SubUrbia" is a graphic look at today's youth and the
world as seen through their eyes, directed by Karl
Kippola. Performances of Eric Bogosian's taut expo
sure of the American dream begin on Nov, 8.
The scene for "SubUrbia" is the parking lot of a
mini-mall convenience store in middle America. Three
twenty-something friends reminisce about high school
glory days and examine their stagnant lives while
awaiting the arrival of their friend who has made it big
as a rock star. Through humor, anger and angst, the
playwright exposes some truths about young people
in today's America.
The frustrated characters in "SubUrbia," who know
what they want but are not as aware of how to go
about getting it, are waiting for good things to happen
to them while taking no action to improve their situa-
tions. The play contrasts these people with the owners
of the convenience store, who embody the traditional
pursuit of the American dream. They work hard and
have goals, but are seen as outsiders intruding on the
world of the young men and women who are at the
play's center.
Audience members will have the opportunity to
discuss "SubUrbia" with cast and faculty members after
each performance. A discussion examining "Who is
En tided to Participate in the American Dream?" will be
held Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Department of
Theatre Conference Room, 2804 Clarice Smith
Performing Aits Center.
Performances take place Nov. 8-1 1 and Nov. 14-18 at
8 p.m., and on Nov, 12 and Nov, 19 at 2 p.m., at the
Pugliese Theatre. For tickets and information, call the
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, 301405-7847.
Make Dance, Not War
Mestra Cobra Mansa, a demonstration and participa-
tory workshop on the Brazilian martial arts form
capoeira, is coming to Maryland courtesy of the Inter-
national Capoeira Angola Foundation. Capoeira is, by
origin, a martial art said to be developed by African
slaves, who disguised it as dance in order to practice
the art without arousing the fears of their enslavers. Its
acrobatic and ritualized dance has long been associat-
ed with education and liberation.
The demonstration will take place on Thursday,
Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts
Center, Dance Studio Two. A post-performance discus-
sion will follow. Limited seating is available. For infor-
mation, call the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center,
301405-7847.
The Art and Science of Bach
Professor Christoph Wolff, William Powell Mason
Professor of Music and Curator of the I sham Memorial
Library at Harvard University, will give the first of the
Graduate School's Distinguished Lectures for this year.
He will lecture on "Bach's Music and Newtonian
Science: A Composer in Search of the Foundations of
His Art."
Wolff has written extensively on the history of
music from the 15th to the 20th centuries. His Jobann
Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician (2000) is to
date the most complete biography of Bach, addressing
the development of the compose rs musical mind and
of all his musical gifts— those of the harpsichordist,
organist, organ expert, music teacher, composer, con-
ductor and music director. He emphasizes Bach's role
as musical equivalent to Isaac Newton's striving as a
physicist in the era of exploration between the 17th
and the 18th century.
The lecture will take place on Monday, Nov. 1 3 at 4
p.m. in 200 Skinner.
Jumpin Jack-o'-lanterns!
The De-
part-
ment of
Natural
Resource
Sciences and
Landscape
Architecture, intent
on attracting the attention of
prospective students in creative ways, sponsored a pumpkin-
carving contest on Oct. 25 on Hornbake Plaza, iack-o -lantern
fans turned out enthusiastically for the event, which featured
a timed carving contest, apple cider and pumpkin pie. Faculty
staff and student carvers and their compatriots voted on the
final sculptures — and then, presumably, took them home to
embellish their front lawns for the holiday.
A Win-Win Proposition
Have a research project undergraduates could help
develop or execute? Consider joining the more than
300 faculty and staff members who are part of the
Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP).
URAP, administered by the Office of the Dean for
Undergraduate Studies, introduces undergraduates to
the discipline and rewards of scholarly research.
Students spend four to six hours a week working with
or under the direction of a faculty mentor on that fac-
ulty member's research. At the conclusion of the
assistantship, they will receive an Undergraduate
Research Assistant notation on their transcript. Partici-
pation in the program "makes the big store small" for
undergraduates, since it allows them to work closely
with faculty members outside the classroom and gives
them the opportunity to make significant contribu-
tions to faculty research. It also allows faculty mem-
bers to get the serious and skilled help they need.
For more information, visit the URAP Web site
(www.inform.umd.edu/ugstAJRAP) or call Penny Asay,
coordinator for research programs, at 301-405-9342.
I inclusive Family Values
In celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans-
gender families, the Office of Campus Programs, the
Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equi-
ty, the Parents Association Art Gallery, and Student En-
tertainment Events are hosting the critically acclaimed
photo- text exhibit "Love Makes a Family:
Lesbian, Gay and Transgender People and
Their Families.''
Photographs by Gigi Kaeser depict a
variety of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans-
gender families of all races in familiar
family settings. The black and white pho
tos arc accompanied by text edited by
co-creator Peggy Gillespie from in-depth,
candid interviews with family members
about their lives, their relationships, and
the ways they cope with the realities of
prejudice, bias, and intolerance on a day-
to-day basis.
The exhibit is currently on display in
the Parents Association Gallery of the
Stamp Student Union through November
12th.The Art and Learning Center will
host the opening reception on Saturday,
Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. This reception coincides
with the University of Maryland Family
Weekend. Family Weekend provides an
opportunity for families to visit their stu-
dents and participate in activities across
campus. For more information, contact
Will Simpkins, Coordinator, LGBT Student
Involvement and Community Advocacy at 301-314-
7174 or wsimpkins@union.umd.edu.
Windpipes and Wind Instruments
Under the direction of Edward Maclary, the Mary-
land Chorus performs choral masterpieces by Mozart
and Copland, featuring acclaimed faculty soprano
Linda Mabbs and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Join the Chorus on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. in the
Memorial Chapel for this free event.
On Sunday, Nov. 6, in the Tawes Theatre, conductor
John E. Wakefield leads die Maryland Symphonic Wind
Ensemble's program including works by Vaughan Wil-
liams, Handel and Hoist. For information, 301-405-5542.
Assessing the Educational Experience
Last spring, a team of Campus Assessment Working
Group members and graduate students held a series of
focus groups with university seniors on their experi-
ence with academics and diversity, and their transition
out of the university. To follow up, CAWG is sponsor-
ing "Senior Voices: Reflections on Academics, Diversity
and Transition," where the findings of this project will
be presented and participants will be invited to dis-
cuss the implications.
The forum will take place on Friday, Nov. 3 from 12
noon-1 : 30 p.m. in the Maryland Room, Marie Mount
HalLA light lunch will be served. For more informa-
tion, contact the Campus Assessment Working Group
at CAWG@umail.umd.edu or 301-405-5590, or visit
their Web site at www.umd.edu/cawg.
Decisive Differences
The Whiting Turner Lecture Series for Entrepre-
neurs Fall Series presents Thomas Scholl, chairman of
Paratek Microwave, Inc., for his lecture "Decision-
Making: Entrepreneurs Rush in Where Bureaucrats
Fear to Tread!"
Mr. Scholl will describe what it's like to start a high-
tech company. He'll provide anecdotal examples of
some of the differences between working at a high-
tech start-up company versus a Fortune 500 company,
particularly with regard to decision-making.
The lecture takes place on Wednesday, Nov 8 at 4
p.m. in Room 1 202 of the Glenn L. Martin Classroom
Building. Refreshments will be served. For more infor-
mation, contact Cornelia Kennedy at 301-405-2150, or
ckennedy ® accmail . umd . edu .
Focus on Early Modern Women
The Center for Renaissance and Baroque Studies is
sponsoring "Attending to Early Modern Women:
Gender, Culture and Change," from Nov. 9-11.
The conference is the fourth in a series that explores
the lives and work of early modern women from an
interdisciplinary perspective. Participants will reflect
on the history and future of early modern women's
studies, asking what has been learned during the last
25 years of research on women and how technology
can best be utilized to facilitate research and teaching.
In addition to the future of scholarship in the field,
the symposium will focus on the complex interaction
between women and gender, considering when a
focus on women is appropriate and when it is more
fruitful to discuss gender.
Several distinguished scholars will present research
and lead workshops as they approach different topics
from a variety of disciplines, including English and
world literatures, art and history, philosophy, theater
and the history of science. Professors and graduate stu-
dents are invited to attend lectures and participate in
interactive workshops, which are structured around
four central themes: stories, goods, faiths and pedagogy.
For registration information, e-mail crbs@umail.
umd.edu, call CRBS at 301-405-6830 or visit the confer-
ence Web site at wwwinform.umd.edu/crbs.
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