Dennis Sisco-Taylor, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of School Psychology

Dennis Sisco-Taylor, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology in the School of Education at Gonzaga University. Before coming to Gonzaga, he served as a school psychologist in K-12 public schools in the San Diego, CA and Salt Lake City, UT...

Dennis Sisco-Taylor, Ph.D.

Contact Information

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., School Psychology, University of California, Riverside

M.A., School Psychology, University of California, Riverside

B.A., Psychology & African-American Studies, California State University, Fresno


Dennis Sisco-Taylor, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology in the School of Education at Gonzaga University. Before coming to Gonzaga, he served as a school psychologist in K-12 public schools in the San Diego, CA and Salt Lake City, UT metro areas, respectively. Dr. Sisco-Taylor has a passion for teaching and training the school psychologists of the future. He teaches courses in academic assessment and intervention, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and consultation, among other topics. His interests include supporting school-based teams with multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) development and implementation; educators’ use of data and data-based decision-making; and curriculum-based measurement in reading, writing, and mathematics. Dr. Sisco-Taylor was awarded Assessment for Effective Intervention’s “Article of the Year” award in 2015 for his scholarship. 

Articles

  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2023). The impact of language proficiency in predicting oral reading fluency skills in Spanish- speaking English learners. [Manuscript in preparation]. Department of School Psychology, Gonzaga University.
  • Engler, J.R., Mayes, B.S., Sisco-Taylor, D.T., & O’Brien, D. (2023). Examining parent-child relationship characteristics: A comparison of foster and non-foster parent perspectives. [Manuscript in preparation]. Department of School Psychology, Gonzaga University.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D., Fung, W., & Swanson, H.L. (2014). Do curriculum-based measures predict performance on word problem solving measures? Assessment for Effective Intervention, 40(3), 131-142. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1534508414556504
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2014). Identifying students for intervention in math problem solving: An evaluation of fluency- based word problem solving measures (Publication No. 3682043) [Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Riverside]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2012). Pseudo-words vs. real words: Predicting reading outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse students (Publication No. 1529552) [Master’s thesis, University of California, Riverside]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database.

Professional Papers Presented

National & International

  • Soza, C.*, Folkers, B.*, & Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2024, February). Applying the good behavior game during small group interventions. Poster session accepted for the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, New Orleans, LA
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., & Carlson, M.* (2023, August). Addressing pandemic learning loss in math: An application of peer assisted learning strategies. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., Derby, K.M., Berger, D.A.*, & Meehan, B.T.* (2022, August). Legal and ethical considerations in school psychology practice: A review of due process hearings. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Minneapolis, MN.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2014, February). Integrating word problem solving fluency measures in formative assessment processes. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Washington, DC.
  • Garcia, N.M., Swanson, H.L., Sisco-Taylor, D.T., & Lussier, C. (2013, April). Cognitive predictors of English reading performance in Spanish-speaking English language learners (ELLs): A longitudinal investigation. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., Hatch, A., Garcia, N.M., & Tipton, L.A. (2013, February). Strategies for improving math computation skills: Two single case studies. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Seattle, WA.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., Rios, J.A., Garcia, N.M., & Swanson, H.L. (2012, April). Improving word problem solving in children with math disabilities: A longitudinal investigation. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2012, February). Nonsense words versus real words: Which predict best for ELLs? Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., & Garcia, N.M. (2012, February). The role of teacher acceptance in sustaining positive behavioral support. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Philadelphia, PA.

Regional & Local

  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2023, October). Evaluating tier 1 instruction: An application of the reading tiered fidelity inventory. Workshop session presented at the annual meeting of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists, Virtual.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2022, October). Developing MTSS for mathematics: Connecting universal screening to instructional decision-making. Workshop session presented at the annual meeting of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists, Seattle, WA.
  • Derby, K.M., Sisco-Taylor, D.T., Berger, D.A.*, Taylor, K.A.*, & Burckle, H.A.* (2022, October). Systematic review of due process hearings across categories and federal appeals districts. Paper session presented at the annual meeting of the Washington State Association of School Psychologists, Seattle, WA.
  • Derby, K.M., & Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2022, February). The balancing act between private and public education: When is seeking services for special education in the public school warranted? Workshop presented at the Archdiocese of Seattle Professional Development and Curriculum Day, Online.
  • Cohen, S.R., Sisco-Taylor, D.T., duBois, B., & Wong, A. (2015, May). Implications of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for children with disabilities: Issues related to assessment and curriculum implementation. Discussion panel presented at the University of California San Diego Education Studies and Center for Research in Educational Equity, Assessment and Teaching Excellence (UCSD-EDS- CREATE) Conference, San Diego, CA.

Submitted Grants

  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T., & Fainstein, D. (2023). School Psychology Renewal for All Washington Learners (SPRAWL). Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board. 2023-2025, Awarded June 2023, $30,000.
  • Sisco-Taylor, D.T. (2019). Project RECESS. Jordan School District Board of Education. 2019-2020, Awarded December 2019, $3000.

Research Interests

  • Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Implementation
  • School Psychologist Training/Preparation
  • Academic Assessment and Intervention
  • School-based Mental Health Services