Mary E. Morningstar

School of Education and Human Sciences - Special Education

Professor

mmorningstar@ku.edu

Primary office:

785-864-4954

Joseph R. Pearson Hall, 546

University of Kansas

1122 West Campus Rd

Lawrence, KS 66045-3101

Second office:

Haworth Hall, 3120

Bio
Academics
Publications
Awards/Honors

Dr. Mary E. Morningstar was an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas and Director of the Transition Coalition, which offers online transition professional development and resources for secondary special educators and practitioners. Her research agenda includes evaluating secondary teacher quality and professional development, culturally diverse family involvement in transition planning, and interagency collaboration. She is also examining the impact of inclusive secondary experiences for students with significant disabilities on postschool outcomes. Currently, she is developing a multi-dimensional model of adult life engagement for transition.

Dr. Morningstar coordinates an online masters program, focusing on preparing secondary educators across the country to provide transition education and services to youth with disabilities. She has designed and teaches several of the online classes and is currently coordinating the online masters in transition program. She also coordinates the teacher education program for teachers of students with significant disabilities, and in this role, is working with colleagues to transform special education endorsement coursework to support inclusive practices in schools and the community.

Dr. Morningstar has been involved in training, professional development and research regarding transition from school to adult life for over 25 years. Prior to moving to Kansas, she worked as a teacher for students with significant intellectual disabilities. Mary has been an active advocate for all persons with disabilities based on her experiences as a sibling of a brother with disabilities.

Dr. Morningstar specializes in secondary special education and transition to adulthood, online instruction and professional development, and education of students with significant disabilities.

Web sites:

https://kansas.academia.edu/MaryMorningstar

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary_Morningstar

https://transitioncoalition.org/

Teaching Interests

Special education
Transition from school to adulthood for youth with disabilities
Secondary transition special education
Students with significant disabilities
Inclusive education
Family and parent involvement in special education

Research Interests

Special education
Transition from school to adulthood for youth with disabilities
Secondary transition special education
Students with significant disabilities
Inclusive education
Family and parent involvement in special education

Selected Publications

Thoma, C. A., Browder, D., Lemons, C., Thurlow, M., Morningstar, M. E., Agran, M., & Cain, I. (2016). Education of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities [Other]. In Critical issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities: Contemporary research, practice, and policy. American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Lattin, D. L., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Thornton, H., Murray, A. K., & Erickson, A. G. (2016). Transition Coalition Self-Study: IDEA and Secondary Transition, National Edition. [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Morningstar, M. E., Trainor, A. A., & Murray, A. K. (2015). Examining outcomes associated with adult life engagement for youth adults with high incidence disabilities [Journal Articles]. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 43(3), 195–208. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-150769

Morningstar, M. E., Shogren, K. A., Lee, H., & Born, K. (2015). Preliminary lessons about supporting participation and learning in inclusive classrooms [Journal Articles]. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 40(3), 192–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796915594158

Morningstar, M. E., Gaumer Erickson, A., Lattin, D. L., & Lee, H. (2015). Quality indicators of exemplary transition programs needs assessment instrument. [Online assessment revised 2015] [Other]. University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D. L., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Thornton, H., Murray, A. K., Erickson, A. G., & Grillot, J. (2015). Transition Coalition Self-Study: IDEA and Secondary Transition, Missouri Edition. [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Kim, K. H., Morningstar, M. E., & Jung, S. (2014). Preliminary study: Special education doctoral students’ perceptions of self-determination. [Journal Articles]. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 61(4), 388–402. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2014.955787

Morningstar, M. E., & Lombardi, A. (2014). What does it take to be college and career ready? [Online instructional video]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Kurth, J., Morningstar, M. E., & Kozleski, E. B. (2014). The persistence of highly restrictive special education placements for students with low-incidence disabilities [Journal Articles]. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 39(3), 227–239. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796914555580

Morningstar, M. E., & Mazzotti, V. L. (2014). Teacher preparation to deliver evidence-based transition planning and services to youth with disabilities [Other]. University of Florida, Collaboration for Effective Educator, Development, Accountability, and Reform Center website. http://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/transition-pl...

Morningstar, M. E. (2014). TASH inclusive education research agenda for advocacy. [Other]. In TASH Inclusive Education National Agenda Committee.

Morningstar, M. E. (2014). Ensuring that work based learning aligns with the fair labor standards act training agreement. [Online instructional video]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Ryndak, D. L., Taub, D., Jorgensen, C. M., Gonsier-Gerdin, J., Arndt, K., & Morningstar, M. E. (2014). Policy and the impact on placement, involvement, and progress in general education: Critical issues that require rectification [Journal Articles]. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 39(1), 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796914533942

Morningstar, M. E., Clavenna-Deane, E., Brownell, M. T., & Lignugaris, B. (2014). Preparing secondary special educators and transition specialists [Book Chapters]. In P. T. Sindelar & E. D. McCray (Eds.), Handbook of research on special education teacher preparation. Routledge.

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Grillot, J. (2013). Seminar V: Interagency collaboration in transition planning [Online seminar and training resource]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., Cameto, E., Test, D. W., & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Identifying and promoting transition evidence-based practices and predictors of success: A position paper of the Division on Career Development and Transition. [Journal Articles]. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36(3), 140–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143413503365

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Grillot, J. (2013). Seminar IV: Preparing for employment and postsecondary education [Online seminar and training resource]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Grillot, J. (2013). Seminar III: Family involvement and student involvement [Online seminar and training resource]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition facilitator guide, Georgia edition [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition facilitator guide, Kansas edition [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition facilitator guide, Missouri edition. [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition team guide, Georgia edition [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition team guide, Kansas edition [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Lattin, D., Morningstar, M. E., Ray-Oyler, S., Blagg-Thornton, H., Gaumer Erickson, A., Grillot, J., & Paradise, J. (2013). Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA and secondary transition team guide, Missouri edition. [Other]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Grillot, J. (2013). Seminar II: Transition assessment [Online seminar and training resource]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Grillot, J. (2013). Seminar I: Introduction to transition education & services [Online seminar and training resource]. [Software or Multimedia]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Trainor, A. A., Morningstar, M. E., Murray, A. K., & Kim, H. (2013). Social capital during the postsecondary transition for young adults with high incidence disabilities. [Journal Articles]. Prevention Researcher, 20(2), 7–10.

Morningstar, M. E., & Benitez, D. (2013). Teacher training matters: The results of a multistate survey of secondary special educators regarding transition from school to adulthood. [Journal Articles]. Teacher Education and Special Education, 36(1), 51–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/0888406412474022

Blagg-Thornton, H., & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Goal attainment scaling [Online instructional video]. [Software or Multimedia]. In Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to develop an action plan [Online instructional video]. [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. In Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to facilitate the IEP review activity [Online instructional video]. [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. In Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Ray-Oyler, S., & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to write a SMART 6-week goal [Online instructional video]. [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. In Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Indicator 13 IEP review [Online instructional video] [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. In Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. http://www.transitioncoalition.org

Madaus, J. W., Dukes, L. L., Martin, J. E., & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Postsecondary education assessment: Practices to document student progress, preferences, and interests related to postsecondary education and learning. [Book Chapters]. In C. A. Thoma & R. Tamura (Eds.), Demystifying Transition Assessment. Brookes Publishing Company.

Kim, K., Kim, J., & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Secondary special education teachers’ perceptions of preparation for and satisfaction with transition education and services. [Journal Articles]. Disability & Employment, 23(1), 209–234. https://doi.org/10.15707/disem.2013.23.1.009

Kellems, R. O., & Morningstar, M. E. (2012). Using video modeling delivered through iPods to teach vocational tasks to young adults with autism spectrum disorders [Journal Articles]. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 35(3), 155–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728812443082

Morningstar, M. E., Bassett, D. S., Kochhar-Bryant, C., Cashman, J., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2012). Aligning transition services with secondary education reform: A position statement of the Division on Career Development and Transition. [Journal Articles]. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 35(3), 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143412454915

Kang, M. J., Petr, C. G., & Morningstar, M. E. (2012). Improving the transition-to-adulthood outcomes of youths with emotional and behavioral disabilities [Journal Articles]. School Social Work Journal, 37(1), 54–74.

Noonan, P. M., Gaumer Erickson, A., & Morningstar, M. E. (2012). Effects of community transition teams on interagency collaboration for school and adult agency staff. [Journal Articles]. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36(2), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143412451119

Morningstar, M. E., Knollman, G., Semon, S., & Kleinhammer-Tramill, J. (2012). Accountability for what matters: Using postschool outcomes to build school and community renewal. [Book Chapters]. In L. C. Burrello, W. Sailor, & J. Kleinhammer-Tramill (Eds.), Unifying Educational Systems: Leadership and Policy Perspectives (pp. 158–167). Routledge, Taylor & Frances Group.

Morningstar, M. E., Gaumer Erickson, A., Lattin, D. L., & Wilkerson, D. (2012). Enhancing employment outcomes for youth with disabilities. [Online training module] [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. https://doi.org/www.transitioncoalition.org

Noonan, P. M., Morningstar, M. E., & Webb, K. W. (2011). Effective strategies for interagency collaboration. [Book Chapters]. In M. L. Wehmeyer (Ed.), Handbook of adolescent transition education for youth with disabilities (pp. 312–328). Routledge, Taylor & Frances Group.

Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D., & Gaumer, A. (2011). Getting connected: Using online professional development resources [Online] [Web Publishing (article, blog, etc.)]. University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. https://doi.org/www.transitioncoalition.org

Kim, K.-H., Morningstar, M. E., & Gaumer-Erickson, A. (2011). Strategies for successfully completing online professional development [Journal Articles]. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology. , 1(2), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.5865/IJKCT.2011.1.2.043

Morningstar, M. E., Frey, B. B., Noonan, P., Ng, J., Clavenna-Deane, E., Graves, P., Kellems, R., McCall, Z., Pearson, M., Bjorkman Wade, D., & Williams-Diehm, W. (2010). A preliminary investigation of the relationship of transition preparation and self-determination for students with disabilities in postsecondary educational settings [Journal Articles]. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 33(2), 80–94. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885728809356568

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