SHARON RICHTER
Assistant Professor
Department of Reading Education and Special Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6059
richtersm@appstate.edu
EDUCATION
2005- 2008
Ph. D., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Special Education
2002- 2005
M. Ed., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Special Education
Graduate Certificate in Supported Employment and Transition
1995- 1999
B. A., Georgian Court University, Special Education
Licenses: North Carolina Adapted Curriculum (K-12)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
2008- present Assistant Professor of Special Education
Appalachian State University
Reich College of Education
Department of Reading Education and Special Education
Boone, NC
2006-2008
Graduate Research Assistant
National Secondary Transition and Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC)
UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
2005-2006
Graduate Research Assistant
The Reading Accommodations and Interventions for Students with Emergent
Literacy (RAISE) Grant
UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
2001-2005
Teacher of secondary students with significant cognitive and multiple disabilities
Metro School, Charlotte, NC
2000-2001
Teacher of secondary students with significant cognitive disabilities
Bancroft Neurohealth, Haddonfield, NJ
1999-2000
Teacher of elementary students with mild cognitive disabilities
Laura Carnell Elementary, Philadelphia, PA
PUBLICATIONS
Refereed Journals
Flippin, M. & Richter, S. (In press). Picture exchange communication system: An
evidence-based practice for students with autism and developmental disabilities.
Richter, S., & Mazzotti, V. (2011.) A comprehensive review of the literature on Summary of
Performance. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 34, 176-186.
Richter, S., & Test, D. W. (2011). Effects of multimedia social stories on knowledge of adult
outcomes and opportunities among transition-aged youth with significant cognitive
disabilities. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 46, 410-424.
Test, D. W., Richter, S. R., Knight, V. L., & Spooner, F. H. (2011). A comprehensive review and
meta-analysis of the social stories literature. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental
Disabilities, 26, 49-62.
Mazzotti, V. L., Test, D. W., Wood, C. L., & Richter, S. (2010). Effects of computer- assisted
instruction on students’ knowledge of postschool options. Career Development for Exceptional
Individuals, 33, 25-40.
Walker, A. R., Uphold, N. M., Richter, S., & Test, D. W. (2010). A review of the literature on
community-based instruction across grade levels. Education and Training in Developmental
Disabilities, 45, 242-267.
Test, D. W., Fowler, C. H., Richter, S., White, J., Mazzotti, V., Walker, A. R., Kohler, P.,
Kortering, L. (2009). Evidence-based practices in secondary transition. Career Development
for Exceptional Individuals, 32, 115-128.
Test, D.W., Fowler, C. H., White, J., Richter, S., & Walker, A. (2009). Evidence-based secondary
transition practices for enhancing school completion. Exceptionality, 17, 16-29.
Richter, S. M. (2007). Impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on self-determination skills and
perceptions. Multicultural Learning and Teaching, 2(1), 52-60.
Book Chapters
Test, D. W., Walker, A. R., & Richter, S. M. (2008). Community functioning skills. In K. Storey,
P. Bates, & D. Hunter. (Eds.). Transition: The road ahead. St. Augustine, FL: Training
Resource Network, Inc.
Test, D. W., Richter, S. M., & Walker, A. R. (2011). Life skills and community-based instruction.
In M. L. Wehmeyer & K. W. Webb (Eds.). Handbook of transition for youth with disabilities.
Philadelphia, PA: Routledge, Taylor and Francis.
Spooner, F. H., Browder, D., & Richter, S. (2011). Community and job skills. In D. Browder & F.
Spooner (Eds.). Teaching students with moderate and severe disabilities. New York: Guilford
Press.
Mustian, A., & Richter, S. M. (2011). Bound for Success: Teaching Life Skills. In D. Test (Ed.).
Evidence-based instructional strategies for transition.
Richter, S. M., & Mustian, A. (2011). Teaching Strategies. In D. Test (Ed.). Evidence-based
instructional strategies for transition.
Test, D. W., Walker, A. R., & Richter, S. M. (In Press). Community functioning skills. In K.
Storey, P. Bates, & D. Hunter. (Eds.). The road ahead: transition from school to adult life for
persons with disabilities. Lansdale, PA: IOS Press.
Manuscripts Submitted for Publication
Walker, Z., Dukes, L., Richter, S. & Braun, B. Impact of summary of performance professional development
on skills and knowledge among prospective educators. Manuscript in preparation.
Manuscripts in Preparation
Mazzotti, V., & Richter, S. Developing summary of performance documents with quality and compliance:
Resources and recommendations for practitioners. Manuscript in preparation.
Richter, S., & Flippin, M. Social stories: An evidence-based practice for students with autism and
developmental disabilities. Manuscript in preparation
GRANTS
Narrative Interventions for Life Engagement. (submitted, March 2014). National Institute for
Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
Unrefereed Publications
Mazzotti, V., & Richter, S. M. (2013). Department of Exceptional Children Summary of
Performance Form. Prepared for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction,
Department of Exceptional Children. (Adopted; Anticipated Dissemination, January
2014).
Richter, S. M. (2008). Summary of Performance Annotated Bibliography. Prepared for the
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center. Available at
http://www.nsttac.org/indicator13/sop.aspx
Konrad, M., Fowler, C. H., Richter, S. M., Walker, A. R., Trela, K., Uphold, N. M., & Neale, M.
(Eds.). (2007). In other sources [Column]. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals,
30, 58-64.
Konrad, M., Trela, K., Itoi, M., Neale, M., Richter, S. M., Walker, A. R., Uphold, N. M., & Luu,
K. C. T. (2007). In other sources [Column]. Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 30,
184-192.
Eversole, K., Test, D. W., Fowler, C., Richter, S., & Walker, A. (2006). Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act of 2004: Regulations related to secondary transition. Available
at http://www.dcdt.org/pdf/IDEA2004.pdf
Konrad, M., Courtade-Little, G., Diliberto, J. A., Eddy, S. E., Fowler, C. H., McCormack
(Richter), S. L., Neale, M., & Schleider, M. (Eds.). (2003). In other sources [Column].
Career Development for Exceptional Individuals, 26, 239-247.
PRESENTATIONS
International and National Presentations (Peer Reviewed)
Mazzotti, V., Richter, S., & Bartholomew, A. (2011, October). Incorporating self-determination into the
curriculum: Teaching self-determination skills across grade levels. Paper presented at the Division
for Career Development and Transition Convention, Kansas City, MO.
Richter, S., & Mazzotti, V. (2009, October). Review of the literature related to summary of performance.
Paper presented at the Division for Career Development and Transition Convention,
Savannah, GA.
Mazzotti, V., Richter, S., & Test, D. W. (2009, April). A review of the literature
of strategies to improve treatment integrity. Paper presented at the Council for Exceptional
Children Annual Convention, Seattle, WA.
Test, D. W., Richter, S., & Mazzotti, V. (2008, May). Evidence-based Practices in Secondary Transition:
What Single Subject Research Tells Us. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior
Analysis Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.
Test, D. W., Fowler, C., Richter, S., Mazzotti, V., & White, J. A. (2008, April). Evidence-based
practices in secondary transition. Paper presented at the Council for Exceptional Children
Annual Convention, Boston, MA.
Walker, A. W., Uphold, N. M., Richter, S., & Test, D. W. (2008, April). What does the literature say
about teaching life skills in community settings? Council for Exceptional Children Annual
Convention, Boston, MA.
Test, D. W., Fowler, C., Richter, S., White, J. A., & Mazzotti, V. (2007, October). The evidence-base
for secondary transition practices. Paper presented at the Division for Career Development and
Transition Convention, Orlando, FL.
Richter, S., & Test, D. W. (2007, May). Effects of multimedia social stories on knowledge of adult outcome
areas. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Convention, San
Diego, CA.
Test, D. W., Fowler, C., Richter, S., Walker, A., & White, J. A. (2007, April). Evidence-based practices
in secondary transition. Paper presented at the Council for Exceptional Children Annual
Convention, Louisville, KY.
Test, D. W., & Richter, S. (2007, January). Secondary transition practices: What is the current evidence
base? Paper presented at the Council for Exceptional Children Division on
Developmental Disabilities, 10th International Conference, Keauhou-Kona, HI.
State and Local Presentations (Peer Reviewed)
Richter, S., Smith, C., Moore, T., Patton, D. (2014, April) Inclusive college for students with
intellectual disabilities. Paper presented at North Carolina Division for Career
Development and Transition Annual Conference, Greensboro, NC.
Richter, S., Smith, C., & Moore, T. (2013, November). Transition from high school: Opportunities for
students with disabilities. Paper presented at the Western Regional Council for Exceptional
Children Conference, Boone, NC.
Richter, S., Mazzotti, V. L., & Christenbury, N. (2011, April). Summary of performance: Practical
strategies to improve quality and compliance. Paper presented at North Carolina Division for
Career Development and Transition Annual Conference, Greensboro, NC.
Mazzotti, V. L. & Richter, S. (2011, April). Strategies for teaching self-determination skills across grade
levels. Paper presented at North Carolina Division for Career Development and Transition
Annual Conference, Greensboro, NC.
Richter, S. & Mazzotti, V. L. (2010, April). Summary of performance: Strategies to improve quality and
compliance. Paper presented at North Carolina Division for Career Development and
Transition Annual Conference, Raleigh, NC.
Mazzotti, V. L. & Richter, S. M., (2009, April). Using computer-assisted instruction to teach students with
disabilities about opportunities for adult life. Paper presented at North Carolina Division for
Career Development and Transition Annual Conference, Raleigh, NC.
Richter, S. M., Mazzotti, V. L., & Wood, C. L. (2009, February). Preparing for transition: Using
computer-assisted instruction to teach students with disabilities about opportunities of adult life. Paper
presented at North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Wilmington,
NC.
Richter, S., White, J. A., & Mazzotti, V. (2008, January). Improving secondary transition services: Meeting
the minimum requirements of Indicator 13. Paper presented at North Carolina Council for
Exceptional Children Conference, Wilmington, NC.
State and Local Presentations (Invited and Other)
Richter, S. (2012, February). Facilitating post-secondary educational success for all students with disabilities.
Paper to be presented at the Western Region Meeting for the North Carolina Division for
Career Development and Transition, Morganton, NC.
Christenbury, N. & Richter, S. (2010, November). Developing the Summary of Performance. Public
Schools of North Carolina 60th Conference on Exceptional Children. Greensboro, NC.
Richter, S. (2009, March). Writing measurable IEP goals. Professional development seminar
presented to Exceptional Children’s Program at Watauga County Schools, Boone, NC.
Richter, S. (2008, December). From compliance to quality: Developing appropriate summary of performance
documents. Paper presented at the Western Region Meeting for the North Carolina
Division for Career Development and Transition, Asheville, NC.
Richter, S. Mazzotti, V., White, J. (2008, April). Bridging the research to practice gap in secondary
transition. North Carolina Division for Career Development and Transition Annual
Conference, High Point, NC.
Richter, S. Mazzotti, V., White, J. (2008, April). Improving secondary transition services: Meeting the
minimum requirements of Indicator 13. Paper presented for the North Carolina Division for
Career Development and Transition Annual Conference, High Point, NC.
Mazzotti, V., Richter, S., & White, J. A. (2008, January). Best practices in secondary transition. Paper
presented at the Western Region Meeting for the North Carolina Division for Career
Development and Transition, Statesville, NC.
Test, D. W., Fowler, C., Richter, S., White, J. A., & Mazzotti, V. (2007, October). The evidence-base
for secondary transition practices. Paper presented at Building Bridges Special Education
Conference, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC.
Richter, S., & Walker, A. W. (2007, May). Evidence-based practices in student development. Paper
presented at NSTTAC Secondary Transition State Planning Institute, Charlotte, NC.
Richter, S. (2006, October). Impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on self-determination. Paper
presented at Building Bridges Special Education Conference, University of North
Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC.
GRANTS
McKinney, C., Richter, S. M., & Brinko, K. T. (2011). Scholars with diverse
abilities: An inclusion program at Appalachian State University. Submitted to
Western Carolina University, University Participant Satellite Program Competition.
[Funding awarded in April 2011; anticipated annually thereafter, October 2011-2015].
UNIVERSITY TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS
Appalachian State University
Spring 2014
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students; 2 sections
Community Access Course
Course for students with moderate intellectual disabilities attending Appalachian
State University
Fall 2013
SPE 4420 Methods for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Undergraduate students
SPE 4900 Supervision of Student Teachers
Undergraduate students
Spring 2013
SPE 3370 Introduction to Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Undergraduate students
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students
SPE 5900 Graduate Internship
Graduate students
Summer 2012
SPE 5626 Advanced Studies in Intellectual Disabilities
Graduate students
Spring 2012
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students
SPE 5626 Advanced Studies in Intellectual Disabilities
Graduate students
SPE 5900 Graduate Internship
Graduate students
Fall 2011
SPE 4420 Methods for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Undergraduate students
SPE 4498 Practicum II
Undergraduate students
SPE 5030 Research Informing Practice in Special Education
Graduate students
Summer 2011
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students
Spring 2011
SPE 3370 Characteristics, Theories, and Diagnoses of Students with Cognitive Differences
Undergraduate students
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students
SPE 4900 Supervision of Student Teachers
Undergraduate students
Summer 2010
SPE 5640 Individual Planning at the Secondary Level
Graduate Students
Spring 2010
SPE 4900 Supervision of Student Teachers
Undergraduate students
SPE 4570 Advocacy and Legislation
Undergraduate students
SPE 5626 Advanced Studies in Intellectual Disabilities
Graduate students
Fall 2009
SPE 3370 Characteristics, Theories, and Diagnoses of Students with Cognitive Differences
Undergraduate students
SPE 4420 Methods for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Undergraduate students
SPE 4498 Practicum II
Undergraduate student (1)
SPE 4900 Supervision of Student Teachers
Undergraduate student (1)
SPE 5500 Research regarding Music Therapy Interventions for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities
Graduate student (1)
SPE 5626 Advanced Studies in Intellectual Disabilities
Graduate students (2)
SPE 5900 Graduate Internship
Graduate students (3)
Summer 2009
SPE 5626 Advanced Studies in Intellectual Disabilities
Graduate students
SPE 5500 Current Research regarding Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Independent Study, Graduate student
Spring 2009
SPE 3370 Characteristics, Theories, and Diagnoses of Students with Cognitive Differences
Undergraduate students
SPE 4900 Supervision of Student Teachers
Undergraduate students
SPE 5640 Individual Planning at the Secondary Level
Graduate students
SPE 5530 Current Research in Autism
Independent Study, Graduate student
Fall 2008
SPE 4420 Methods for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Undergraduate students
SPE 4498 Practicum II
Undergraduate students
SPE 5640 Individual Planning at the Secondary Level
Graduate students
UNC Charlotte
SPED 6351 Interagency Collaboration
Supervised graduate students in self-paced course
SPED 6111 Supported Employment
Supervised graduate students in self-paced course
SPED 6321 Community Based Instruction
Supervised graduate students in self-paced course
SPED 6316 Transition and Service Delivery (independently taught)
Graduate students
RSCH 7113/8113 Single Subject Research (co-taught)
Graduate students
SPED 6316/5316 Transition and Service Delivery (co-taught)
Graduate students and undergraduate students
SPED 5274/4274 General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (co-taught)
Graduate students and undergraduate students
SPED 3100 Introduction to General Curriculum for Students with Special Needs (co-taught)
Undergraduate students
Guest Lectures
Appalachian State University
RM 3210 Special Recreation
UNC Charlotte
RSCH 7113/8113 Single Subject Research
SPED 8471 Professional Writing
SPED 6691 Seminar in Professional Development and Leadership
SERVICE
August 2008- Present (Appalachian State University)
2013-present Reviewer, Autism
2013- present, Board Member; KAMP’N (Kids with Autism Making Progress in Nature)
2012-2013 Co-chair of Search Committee for Assistant Professor in Special Education
2011-present, Member of Dissertation Committee for Jennie McGuire, a Doctoral Student in the
Educational Leadership Program
2011-present, Member of Dissertation Committee for Connie Cole, a Doctoral Student in the
Educational Leadership Program
2011-2012, Member of Thesis Committee for Sarah Roberts, a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy
Student
2011 Life Centered Career Education Curriculum Revision Team, Council for Exceptional
Children’s Division of Career Development and Transition
2010 Professional Development Presentation for North Carolina Public Schools: Developing the
Summary of Performance
2010 Facilitator of State Teams, Secondary Transition State Planning Institute Hosted by the
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, the National Drop Out
Prevention Center, and the National Post-school Outcomes Center in Charlotte, NC
2010-present, Member of Dissertation Committee for Stephen Fischer, a Doctoral Student in the
Educational Leadership Program
2009-present Team member, Student Teaching Pilot Program, under guidance of Dr. Roma
Angel
2009-2010, Co-chair of Search Committee for Assistant Professor in Special Education
2009-2010, Member of Thesis Committee for Jessica Hoyle, a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy
Student
2009-2010 Faculty Fellow for the Department of Housing and Residence Life, White Hall
2009-2010 Host family for ASU International Student from Belgium (Fall 2009 semester)
2009 Facilitator of State Teams, Mid-Year Check and Connect Secondary Transition State
Planning Institute Hosted by the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance
Center in Savannah, Georgia
2009 Reviewed training materials designed for national dissemination for the National Secondary
Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC)
2009 Guest Lecture for Recreation Management Class 3210, Special Recreation in Department of
Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science. Topic: Recreation for Individuals with Intellectual
Disabilities
2009 Team member, Revisioning Undergraduate Special Education Program, under guidance of
Dr. Monica Lambert
2009 Facilitator of State Teams, Secondary Transition State Planning Institute Hosted by the
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center, the National Drop Out
Prevention Center, and the National Post-school Outcomes Center in Charlotte, NC
2009 Professional Development Presentation for Watauga County Schools: Writing Measurable
IEP Goals
2008-present Member, Reich College of Education International Studies and Activities
Committee
2008-present Faculty Advisor, Student Council for Exceptional Children
2008-present Reviewer, Career Development for Exceptional Individuals
2008-present Reviewer, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Handicaps
2008 Professional Development Presentation for North Carolina Division for Career
Development and Transition-Western Region: From compliance to quality: Developing
Appropriate Summary of Performance Documents
2008-2009, Member of Thesis Committee for Laura Brown, a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy
Student
2008-2009 Member of Faculty Search Committee for Assistant Professor in Special Education,
Emotional and Behavior Disabilities
2008-2009 Member of Faculty Search Committee for Assistant Professor in Special Education,
Intellectual Disabilities
2008-2009 Member of Faculty Search Committee for Assistant Professor in Special Education,
Learning Disabilities
2008 Prepared Summary of Performance Annotated Bibliography for the
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
Prior to August 2008 (UNC Charlotte)
2007 Field-tested rubrics for Council for Exceptional Children Division of Research, Evidencebased Practices Subcommittee
2007 Identified evidence-based practices for Transition Specialist Knowledge and Skills for
Council for Exceptional Children’s Division of Career Development and Transition and
Professional Standards Committee
2007 Guest Reviewer, Journal of Special Education
2007-present, Signal Book Reviewer, Young Adult Books
2006 Reviewer, Bubel-Aiken annual Grant Competition
2006 Panelist, Panel presentation for UNC Charlotte Ronald E. McNair Scholars
2006-2007, ARC of Mecklenburg County Impact Volunteer
2006-2008, Copy Editor, Teacher Education and Special Education
2006-2008, Reviewer, LEAD Grant Competition
2006-2008, Student Reviewer, Career Development for Exceptional Individuals
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Council for Exceptional Children
Division on Career Development and Transition - Research Committee Member
Division for Research
Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities
TASH
Association for Behavior Analysis
North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children
North Carolina Division for Career Development and Transition