Robert E. Valett facts for kids

Robert E. Valett (born November 22, 1927 – died November 14, 2008) was an American psychology professor. He wrote over 20 books, mostly about educational psychology. This field studies how people learn and how to make teaching better. Dr. Valett was honored for his work. He received a special award from the San Joaquin Psychological Association. He also led the California Association of School Psychologists.

Early Life and Education

Robert Edward Valett was born in Clinton, Iowa on November 22, 1927. His father worked for the railroad. His mother was a saleswoman. Young Robert went to Clinton High School. He also became an Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.

During World War 2, he served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. After the war, he went to college. He studied at the University of Iowa and George Williams College. Later, he earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1951. He also got a special doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in educational psychology. He earned this from the University of California in Los Angeles.

Valett's Career as a Professor

Dr. Valett taught psychology at several universities. He was a professor at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California. He also taught at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. From 1970 to 1992, he taught at California State University, Fresno. There, he became a Professor Emeritus. This means he was honored for his long service.

He wrote many books about how kids learn. His books covered topics like learning disabilities. He also wrote about child development and dyslexia. He studied attention problems, including ADHD. In 1982, he received a special award. The San Joaquin Psychological Association named him a distinguished psychologist. He also served as president of the California Association of School Psychologists from 1971 to 1972.

Personal Life

In 1950, Robert Valett married Shirley Bellman. They had five children together. He passed away on November 14, 2008. He died in Fresno, California.

Books by Robert Valett

Dr. Valett wrote many important books. These books helped teachers and parents understand how children learn. They also offered ways to help kids with learning challenges.

Here are some of his books:

• The Remediation of Learning Disabilities (1967)
• A Psychoeducational Inventory of Basic Learning Abilities (1968)
• Developmental Task Analysis (1969)
• Programming Learning Disabilities (1969)
• Modifying Children's Behavior: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (1969)
• Determining Individual Learning Objectives (1972)
• A Basic Screening and Referral Form for Children with Suspected Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (1972)
• Learning Disabilities: Diagnostic-Prescriptive Instruments (1973)
• Self-actualization: A Guide to Happiness and Self-Determination (1974)
• The Psychoeducational Treatment of Hyperactive Children (1974)
• Affective-Humanistic Education; Goals, Programs & Learning Activities (1974)
• Humanistic Education: Developing the Total Person (1977)
• Developing Cognitive Abilities: Teaching Children to Think (1978)
• The Dyslexia Screening Survey: A Checklist of Basic Neuropsychological Skills (1980)
• Dyslexia, a Neuropsychological Approach to Educating Children With Severe Reading Disorders (1980)
• Valett Inventory of Critical Thinking Abilities (VICTA) (1981)
• How to Write an I.E. (with John Arena, 1989)
• The Valett Perceptual-Motor Transitions to Reading Program (with Shirley Bellamn Valett, 1990)
• Spiritual Guide to Holistic Health and Happiness (1997)