Spalding, Norma V. (1921-2008)
Date Updated
10-23-2019
Department
Special Education
Academic Rank
Professor
Year Retired from SJSU
1992
Educational Background
University of California, Berkeley, 1972 Ed.D.
Stanford University, 1963 Sec. Cred.
San Jose State College, 1962 MA
University of California, Berkeley, 1942 BA
Modesto Junior College, 1941 AA
Teaching Experience
San Jose City College, 1967-1995
San Jose State University, 1962-1992
Woodbury High School, New Jersey, 1945-1947
Oakdale High School, California, 1943-1944
Administrative and Professional Experience
Established a Parents‑Participating Nursery School.
Established READS (a Learning program for Out‑of‑School youth from California Youth Authority and the community who had no other alternative school programs).
Selected Publications
Quick Neurological Screening Test. This test was first marketed in 1974 for teachers, nurses, and Learning Disabilities Specialists. It was updated in 1978. It has been translated into Spanish, French and Chinese, and is being used worldwide.
Many articles on the QNST, Gifted Education and Learning Disabilities.
Files
Personal Commentary
As you can surmise by reading the vital statistics of my life, it has revolved around my family and it still does; however, I have had a busy academic life, too. I obtained my MA after having my five children. When the youngest was in nursery school, I began to take classes at SJSU. I was able to obtain my MA degree in two and onehalf years. For the Special Education Department, I established the Reading Laboratory to provide classes for the large number of students who arrived at the university without adequate preparation for college level work, or were learning disabled. In 1972, I completed a doctoral degree at the University of California, Berkeley. With a degree in Curriculum and Instruction, I developed coursework in vocabulary, speed reading, spelling, critical reading, as well as adjunct classes to assist students who needed help in specific coursework, such as Biology and History.
When probation officers from the California Youth Authority asked for help for young people who were returning from prison without adequate reading skills to qualify for jobs, I obtained federal and state grants and money from various private sources. We broadened the scope of the project, and used students from the Learning Disability Specialist Program as tutors to help disabled readers to acquire the qualifications for the jobs that were open to them.
When I retired from SJSU in 1992, I was offered work as a consultant at San Jose City College where I had taught for 25 years in their evening program. I helped revise the Curriculum in the Reading laboratory program to conform to the specifications of a 5‑year federal grant.
I am a lifetime member of P1 Lambda Theta, an Education Honor Society. I have been a member of the Deiphian Society since 1960. This is an organization of women who actively study and learn topics of interest in modern life.
My main hobbies are reading and gardening. (What else does a Reading Specialist do except read?) I am also an avid fan of opera. I have seen Wagner's Ring cycle four times. I have subscriptions to San Jose Opera and San Francisco's Opera. I love to travel.
I baby‑sit my young grandchildren, take them to the ballet and the American Musical Theater.
This year I am president of the Emeritus Faculty Association and on the Board of my Townhouse Association.
Date Completed: 10/96
Adapted from: Biographies of Retired Faculty San Jose State University 1997: A Project of the Emeritus Faculty Association of San Jose State University. San Jose, CA: The University, 1997.