George W. Fair
George Fair

 

Expertise

  • elementary math
  • math education
  • educating homeless children
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
  • Academic Bridge program
  • special education
  • educational research
  • Jumpstart program
  • dropout prevention
  • college readiness

Contact

Emily Martinez
214-905-3049

Expert at a Glance

George W. Fair, PhD School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Professor and Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies

Dean George Fair is an advocate for public education and the attainment of quality education regardless of background or socioeconomic status.

An expert on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which was later made a part of the No Child Left Behind Act, Fair works with North Texas school districts to obtain and apply grant funds to educate homeless children.

Fair translates his passion for education into action with three UT Dallas programs, the Academic Bridge Program, the new College Readiness Initiative and Jumpstart.

Academic Bridge transitions high school graduates from metropolitan schools to a university setting by enrolling them in summer courses in a nurturing environment. Courses are supplemented by tutoring and staff support for the duration of participants’ undergraduate academic careers at UT Dallas.

The College Readiness Initiative identifies high school students interested in attending college and teaches them skills they will need to succeed. Beyond the importance of class rank, GPA and SAT scores, analytical thinking and leadership skills are emphasized.

Designed as an intervention for pre-school children, Jumpstart pairs service-oriented college students with day-care centers in disadvantaged neighborhoods to enhance youngsters’ reading and social skills in a way that prepares them for kindergarten.

Dean Fair received his PhD in special education and educational research from the University of Pittsburgh.

 

Updated: November 29, 2011