Annmarie Urso
Professor
South Hall 228C
(585)245-5468
urso@geneseo.edu
her/hers
Dr. Urso (preferred pronouns: she, her/s) is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service (2019), and has been a member of the Geneseo faculty since 2008. Dr. Urso is a Past President of the New York State Council for Exceptional Children, a Past-President and Fellow of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, Project Director of the Soaring Stars Program at SUNY Geneseo (2012-2025), co-advisor to Kappa Delta Pi’s Epsilon Tau Chapter, and a past chair and member of the SUNY Geneseo Research Council.
Dr. Urso’s curriculum and program development for the college is broad-based and active. Dr. Urso set up the Bogazici University Faculty and Student Exchange Program and coordinated the TESOL sequence. She is the author of the undergraduate and graduate Integrative Curriculum Microcredential in Dyslexia and the credential’s coordinator. Dr. Urso was actively involved in program revisions for the All-Ages Special Education with Childhood Education dual certificate program.
Dr. Urso has an active service and scholarly research agenda involving cognitive profiles of students with learning disabilities and reading fluency intervention. She is the recipient of over $1.8 million in local, regional, and state funding to support projects in the local schools and community, as well as to conduct research. Dr. Urso is an expert in assessment and intervention for individuals with learning disabilities, specializing in dyslexia. She teaches coursework at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Dr. Urso recently coauthored a text, Writing a Legal, Robust, and Useful IEP: The Foundation of a Special Education Program, published by Routledge.
Dr. Urso is active in the community. She is the past chairperson and current member of the Livingston County Community Services Board Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee. In 2022, Dr. Urso began working closely with the Student Success Project, an initiative of EnCompass Resources for Learning in Rochester, to develop parent advocacy materials on special education topics. Students who are interested in participating in the project for credit can contact Dr. Urso at urso@geneseo.edu.
Dr. Urso’s Google Scholar profile can be found here
Dr. Urso is the Department Chair of the Adolescence and Special Education Programs.
Office Hours
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Ph.D., University of Arizona
M.S.Ed., SUNY College at Oneonta
B.S., College of St. Rose, Albany NY
Employment
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Affiliations
Fellow and Past-President of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities
Past-President of the New York State Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children
Program Reviewer, International Dyslexia Association
Member and Past Chair Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee, Livingston County Community Services Board
Student Success Project Steering Committee, EnCompass: Resources for Learning
Editorial Board of Reading Psychology
Editorial Board of the International Journal for Research in Learning Disabilities
Editorial Board of Learning Disabilities, A Multidisciplinary Journal
International Dyslexia Association, Member and Accreditation Reviewer
Council for Exceptional Children, Member and Accreditation Reviewer. Subdivision membership: Division of Learning Disabilities, Division of Research, Division of Diverse Exceptional Learners, and Division of Teacher Education
New York State Association of School Psychologists (Associate Member)
Learning Disabilities Association
2010-2012 Secretary, Division for Learning Disabilities, Council for Exceptional Children
Publications
Urso, A., & Berlinghoff, D. (2025). Writing a legal, robust, and useful IEP: The foundation of an effective special education program. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Writing-a-Legal-Robust-and-Useful-IEP-The-Foundation-of-an-Effective-Special-Education-Program/Urso-Berlinghoff/p/book/9781041129295?utm_source=cjaffiliates&utm_medium=affiliates&cjevent=cbf28bf588f411f0834100250a82b838
*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., & Hamlin, D. (2020, January). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for mathematics – Grade 8. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade8mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., & Hamlin, D. (2020, January). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for mathematics – Grade 7. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade7mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
•*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., & Hamlin, D. (2020, January). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for mathematics – Grade 6. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade6mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 3. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade3elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-author, **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 4. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from:
http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade4elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-author, **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 5. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade5elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-author, **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Keegan, K., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 6. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade6elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Keegan, K., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 7. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade7elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Keegan, K., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for English Language Arts– Grade 8. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade8elascaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator **Primary Author
*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for Mathematics– Grade 3. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade3mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-Author **Co-Authors
*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for Mathematics– Grade 4. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade4mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-Author **Co-Authors
*Urso, A., **Riccomini, P.J., **Berlinghoff, D., & Hamlin, D. (2019, September). Scaffolding instruction for all students: A resource guide for Mathematics– Grade 5. The University of the State of New York State Education Department Office of Curriculum and Instruction and Office of Special Education. Retrieved from: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/grade5mathscaffoldingguide.pdf *Principal Investigator & Co-Author **Co-Authors
Urso, A. & *Blair, E. (2015). Intertwining technology and ELA Common Core Learning Standards: Increasing access and opportunity. Exceptional Individual, 37(2), 9-14. * Emma Blair is an undergraduate student in the School of Education at SUNY Geneseo.
Urso, A. & Rozalski, M. (2014). Developing training programs to save lives: Serving students with complex or emergency health care needs. Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services, 33(1), 39-52.
Urso, A. (2013). Introduction to special issue on response to intervention. Reading and Writing Quarterly, 29 (1).
Abu-Hamour, B., Urso, A., & Mather, N. (2013). The application of standardized assessments and CBM measures on a student with severe reading disability. Reading and Writing Quarterly, 29(1).
Abu-Hamour, B., Urso, A., & Mather, N. (2012). The relationships among cognitive correlates and irregular word, non-word, and word reading. International Journal of Special Education, 27(1), 144-159.
Mather, N., & Urso, A. (2011). Assessment of Academic Achievement. In. S. Goldstein & J. Naglieri (Eds). Learning and Attention Disorders in Adolescence and Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners (2nd ed., pp. 155-182). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
Mather, N., & Urso, A. (2010). Learning Disabilities. In I. Weiner & E. Craighead, Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology (pp. 919-921). (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.
Hale J., Alfonso, V., Berninger, V., Bracken, B., Christo, C., Clark, E, … Urso, A.,Yalof, J. (2010). Critical issues in response-to-intervention, comprehensive evaluation, and specific learning disabilities identification and intervention: An expert white paper consensus. Learning Disabilities Quarterly, 33, 223-235
Urso, A. (2008). Literacy instruction for English language learners. In N. Mather & S. Goldstein, Learning disabilities and challenging behaviors: A guide to intervention and classroom management. (2nd ed., pp. 310-312). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc.
Mather, N., & Urso, A. (2007). Teaching Younger Readers with Reading Difficulties. In R. Morris & N. Mather (Eds.). Evidence-based Interventions for Students with Learning and Behavioral Challenges (pp. 163-192). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Liaupsin, C., Umbreit, J., Ferro, J., *Urso, A., & Upreti, G. (2006). Improving academic engagement through systematic, function-based intervention. Education and Treatment of Children, 29, 573-592.
*Conducted FBA
More About Me
Research Interests
Dr. Urso’s research interests include the role of processing speed and other cognitive correlates in poor readers and the development of effective reading interventions for students with dyslexia who have failed to respond to intervention. Dr. Urso also studies the role of cognitive profiles in Response to Intervention (RTI)/Multiple Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) models. She is committed to the preparation of culturally responsive practitioners in clinically rich settings and is actively involved in supporting local school districts in their efforts to support students with learning differences.
New York State Education Department RFP# SA-16, Scaffolding for Students with Disabilities in NYS’s P-12 ELA and Math Common Core Curriculum
As principal investigator, Dr. Urso and a team of Co-PIs were awarded the RFP in the amount of $383,052. Co-PIs include Dr. Paul Riccomini, Penn State, and Dr. Dawn Hamlin, SUNY Oneonta. A major subcontractor of the RFP is Dr. Dee Berlinghoff, Mount Saint Mary’s College.
Abstract: A team of experts in educating students with disabilities, common core learning standards, instructional design, and professional development will design effective scaffolds across the common core ELA (grades 3-8) and Math (P-12) modules. Through the implementation of research-based methodologies on explicit instruction for students with disabilities, the vendor will collate and scaffold a developmentally appropriate set of iterative strategies that enable teachers to remove barriers to the curriculum, provide efficient and explicit, research-based instruction, and support the independent mastery of skills.
Media
- Fernández-Pello, E. (2022, Oct 4). Los niños de ahora tienen un cerebro totalmente distinto a los del pasado. La Nueva España, 39.
- (2021, May 10). Education Professors Provide De-Escalation Training to Steuben County Sheriff’s School Officers. SUNY GENESEO NEWS.
- (2017, August 5). SUNY Geneseo’s “Soaring Stars” program benefits students from rural areas. The Livingston County News
- (2015, September 11). Soaring Stars summer camp grows avid young learners. The Livingston County News.
- Murphy, J. (2014, December 20). Geneseo professor leads learning effort. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, pp. A19.
- Leader, M. (2014, September 9). Summer program helps students soar. The Livingston County News.
- 8/2013 WXXI Public Radio Morning Edition: Soaring Stars Aims to Help Students Prepare for Success
- 12/2011 Special Needs Radio Interview: Response to Intervention: Maximizing Your Child’s Potential on Special Needs Talk Radio– (Click for link to podcast).
Additional Information
Useful Academic Websites I use in my courses:
- Universal Design for Learning
- Evidence and Research Based Best Practices
- Information and Resources on Disabilities
- Modules and Trainings for Teachers
- What Works Clearinghouse
- Council for Exceptional Children(CEC)
- International Academy of Researchers on Learning Disabilities
- International Dyslexia Association
- New York State Chapter of CEC
- NY State Education Website
- National Center on Culturally Responsive Educational Systems
- Read Dr. Urso’s blog entry on the Equity Alliance Blog at Standford University’s Graduate School of Education: The Road to Intolerance is Paved with Good Intentions.
- The National Center on Intensive Intervention