Ursula M. Sexton
Senior Research Associate

Tel: 650.381.6442 650.381.6401 Email: usexton@wested.org Mailing Address:

Senior Research Associate Ursula Sexton conducts research and manages projects that investigate the roles that cultural diversity and language play in K–12 mathematics and science assessment development, testing, and instructional practices. As a member of WestEd's Center for the Study of Culture and Language in Education, housed within the agency's Mathematics, Science, and Technology Program, Sexton is involved in school reform, teacher continuum professional development, and the use of technology in education. Her work focuses on research, evaluation, and development that impact English learners and other underserved minorities, including indigenous communities. As a result of Sexton's leadership on the Culture and Context in STEM Education project, a network of teachers and administrators from New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and the Pacific has been established to support excellence in teaching indigenous students. A nationally recognized teacher, Sexton supports standards-based exemplary practices, provides academic access for English learners, and enhances teacher quality training through research of assessment models, products, and professional development. As a result of these efforts, new partnerships and resources are being developed, along with presentations at state and national conferences serving as means of dissemination. Sexton is also called to serve on review panels for projects of national scope and as evaluator of culturally based programs. She is a published author in science education journals, teacher textbooks and guides, and serves as editor and advisor of children's science books and education modules. As coauthor of WestEd's Making Science Accessible to English Learners: A Guidebook for Teachers, Sexton presents workshops in conjunction with the book, which succinctly and clearly describes highly effective strategies for teaching language within the content of science, offering many examples in grades 6–12. Also, offering adaptations for upper elementary levels. As a teacher leader and researcher, Sexton motivates and encourages people at all levels of the educational system to reflect on their beliefs and practices, serving as a bridge between research and practice. Her projects have a national scope, and also extend to U.S. Territories and Native American nations. As presenter at the 2007 Pacific Educators Conference (PEC), Language Acquisition: Knowledge That Empowers, Sexton was published in the most recent proceedings publication by Pacific Resources for Education and Learning, addressing specific needs in this region. The publication is the first collection of summaries presented during PEC by experts in their fields from throughout the Pacific and the United States. She was also an invited presenter to teachers in Guam. She was appointed as the educator representative by the White House for the Ocean Education Conference and Presidential Exploration Charter panels, and as a reviewer in the U.S. Department of Education's Mathematics and Science Expert Panels and the National Science Foundation programs. She served as evaluator for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing on criteria for California teacher certification and cultural competency training, and as collaborator and trainer on Stanford University research projects for classroom and teacher certification performance assessments. She collaborates across the agency as advisor and active participant in Title III drafting, assessment and PD design and implementation. (ASCS, PASS, Calipers, CAESL). She also developed, translated, and scored large-scale science assessments for a multi-state consortium. Sexton is an advisor, presenter, and writer for state, national, and international science education projects and organizations; for example, she serves as advisor for math and science curriculum and professional development programs in Alaska, New Mexico, and California. She is the 1994 California Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the California State University-Hayward Teacher of the Year 1999, and the National Science Teacher of the Year 1998. She is also an appointed member of the Multicultural Science Education Committee for the National Science Teachers Association. As a former bilingual/science teacher, Sexton coordinated and developed science programs, led professional development and curriculum reform, and taught K–14 students and teachers. Sexton received a BA in biological sciences from Holy Names University, and both a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with Bilingual Emphasis (Spanish) and a Life Science K–12 Certification from California State University, East Bay.

Which Projects involve Ursula? California Commission on Teaching Credentialing Cultural Validity in Assessment Project Culture and Language in Education Research