Benchmark School Presents Patricia Alexander, Ph.D., with the Benchmark Compass Award

MEDIA, Pa. (May 27, 2016) – Benchmark School was honored to present Patricia Alexander, Ph.D., with the Benchmark Compass Award on May 12 for her significant contributions to the direction and development of curriculum and instruction at Benchmark School over the past two decades.

Dr. Patricia Alexander is the Jean Mullan Professor of Literacy and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology at the University of Maryland. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the Society for Text and Discourse, and was a Spencer Fellow of the National Academy of Education.

Recently named one of the five most influential educational psychologists, her honors include the Oscar S. Causey Award for outstanding contributions to literacy research from the National Reading Conference (2001), the E. L. Thorndike Award for Career Achievement in Educational Psychology from APA Division 15 (2006), and the Sylvia Scribner Career Award from AERA Division C (2007). In addition, she has received various national, university, and college awards for teaching and mentoring.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor Patricia's extensive contributions to Benchmark School,” said Benchmark Head of School Robb Gaskins. “Since the school's founding 46 years ago, only five other individuals have received the Benchmark Compass Award, and Patricia is a deserving addition to this esteemed group of recipients. As a result of regular discussions, yearly presentations, and exciting collaborations on research projects, Patricia has significantly shaped the curriculum and instruction at Benchmark School. We are tremendously grateful to have worked so closely with such a brilliant and dynamic thinker and we look forward continuing to work with Patricia long into the future.”

Following the award presentation in Benchmark School’s A. Palmer West Performing Arts Center, Alexander led a compelling public presentation, Getting It Right! The Education Our Children Need and Deserve, in which she described how teachers, parents, and children must confront the realities of our changing culture and adapt how we live and learn.

About Benchmark School: Benchmark School, located at 2107 N. Providence Road, Media, Pa., is an independent, not-for-profit day school serving students in grades 1-8. Founded in 1970, the school is committed to helping bright students who have yet to reach their academic potential become confident and strategic thinkers, learners, and problem solvers who meet with success in school and life. For more information about Benchmark School, please call 610-565-3741 or visit BenchmarkSchool.org.