Mary E. Morningstar
School of Education - Special EducationRoom 546
Room 3120
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
Education
Ph.D., Special Education, Family Studies and Disability Policy, University of Kansas
M.Ed., Special Education, Severe Disabilities, University of Maryland
B.S.Ed., Special Education, University of Georgia
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. Critical issues in intellectual and developmental disabilities: Contemporary research, practice, and policy. Washington, DC: 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. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.
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]. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. https://transitioncoalition.org/qi-survey-introduction/
Morningstar, M. E., Shogren, K. A., Lee, H. & Born, K. (2015). Preliminary lessons about supporting participation and learning in inclusive classrooms. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 40(3), 192-210. DOI:10.1177/1540796915594158
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. Lawrence, KS: 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 of Vocational Rehabilitation, 43(3), 195-208. DOI:10.3233/JVR-150769
Morningstar, M. E., & Clavenna-Deane, E. (2014). Preparing secondary special educators and transition specialists. In P. T. Sindelar, E. D McCray, M. T Brownell, & B. Lignugaris (Eds.), Handbook of research on special education teacher preparation. Florence, KY: Routledge.
Kurth, J. Morningstar, M. E., & Kozleski, E. B. (2014). The persistence of highly restrictive special education placements for students with low-incidence disabilities. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 39(3), 227-239. DOI:10.1177/1540796914555580
Morningstar, M. E. (2014). . Ensuring that work based learning aligns with the fair labor standards act training agreement. [Online instructional video]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E., & Lombardi, A. (2014). What does it take to be college and career ready? [Online instructional video]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Kim, K. H., Morningstar, M. E., & Jung, S. (2014). Preliminary study: Special education doctoral students' perceptions of self-determination. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 61(4), 388-402. DOI:10.1080/1034912X.2014.955787
Morningstar, M. E., & Mazzotti, V. L. (2014). Teacher preparation to deliver evidence-based transition planning and services to youth with disabilities. University of Florida, Collaboration for Effective Educator, Development, Accountability, and Reform Center website. http://ceedar.education.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/transition-planning.pdf
Morningstar, M. E. (2014). TASH inclusive education research agenda for advocacy. TASH Inclusive Education National Agenda Committee Washington, DC.
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. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 39(1), 65-74. DOI:10.1177/1540796914533942
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. In C. A Thoma & R. Tamura (Eds.), Demystifying Transition Assessment. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing Company.
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. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36(3), 140-151. DOI:10.1177/2165143413503365
Kim, K. Kim, J. & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Secondary special education teachers’ perceptions of preparation for and satisfaction with transition education and services. Disability & Employment, 23(1), 209-234. DOI:10.15707/disem.2013.23.1.009
Blagg-Thornton, H. & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Goal attainment scaling [Online instructional video]. Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to develop an action plan [Online instructional video]. Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to facilitate the IEP review activity [Online instructional video]. Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Ray-Oyler, S. & Morningstar, M. E. (2013). How to write a SMART 6-week goal [Online instructional video]. Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E. (2013). Indicator 13 IEP review [Online instructional video]. Transition Coalition self-study: IDEA & secondary transition. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Grillot, J. (2013). Georgia CCaRS Seminar Series. Seminar V: Interagency collaboration in transition planning [Online seminar and training resource]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Grillot, J. (2013). Georgia CCaRS Seminar Series. Seminar IV: Preparing for employment and postsecondary education [Online seminar and training resource]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. 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. Lawrence, KS: 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. Lawrence, KS: 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. . Lawrence, KS: 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. Lawrence, KS: 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. Lawrence, KS: 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. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute.
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Grillot, J. (2013). Georgia CCaRS Seminar Series. Seminar III: Family involvement and student involvement [Online seminar and training resource]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Grillot, J. (2013). Georgia CCaRS Seminar Series. Seminar II: Transition assessment [Online seminar and training resource]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. www.transitioncoalition.org
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Grillot, J. (2013). Georgia CCaRS Seminar Series. Seminar I: Introduction to transition education & services [Online seminar and training resource]. . Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. 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. 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. Teacher Education and Special Education, 36(1), 51-64. DOI:10.1177/0888406412474022
Kellems, R. O., & Morningstar, M. E. (2012). Using video modeling delivered through iPods to teach vocational tasks to young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 35(3), 155-167. DOI:10.1177/0885728812443082
Morningstar, M. E., Knollman, G. Semon, S. & Kleinhammer-Tramill, J. (2012). Accountability for what matters: Using postschool outcomes to build school and community renewal. In L. C. Burrello, W. Sailor, & J. Kleinhammer-Tramill (Eds.), Unifying Educational Systems: Leadership and Policy Perspectives (pp. 158-167). Florence, KY: 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]. Lawrence, KS: Transition Coalition, University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. DOI:www.transitioncoalition.org www.transitioncoalition.org
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. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 35(3), 132-142. DOI: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. 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. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 36(2), 96-104. DOI:10.1177/2165143412451119
Noonan, P. M., & Morningstar, M. E. (2011). Effective strategies for interagency collaboration. In M. L. Wehmeyer & K. W. Webb (Eds.), Handbook of adolescent transition education for youth with disabilities (pp. 312-328). Routledge, Taylor & Frances Group.
Kim, K. Morningstar, M. E., & Gaumer-Erickson, A. (2011). Strategies for successfully completing online professional development. International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology. , 1(2), 43-51. DOI:10.5865/IJKCT.2011.1.2.043 http://www.dbpia.co.kr/openurl/?issn=2234-0068&year=2011&volume=1&issue=2&page=43
Morningstar, M. E., Lattin, D. & Gaumer, A. (2011). Getting connected: Using online professional development resources [Online]. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas, Beach Center on Disability, Life Span Institute. DOI:www.transitioncoalition.org www.transitioncoalition.org
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. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 33(2), 80-94. DOI:10.1177/0885728809356568
Selected Presentations
Selected Grants
Selected Awards & Honors
2012 School of Education Outstanding Teacher Award
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
2012
