RESEARCH PARTNERS
The Value-Added Research Center works with many different schools and organizations to promote research in a variety of areas. One of the features that characterizes VARC engagement is that we focus on areas in which we can provide full spectrum support. By this we mean that we can support the full range of engagement in that area—from basic science, through applied research, to implementation evaluation. The work with state education agencies builds on our fundamental work on the science behind value-added analysis and a scholarly engagement with the issues behind data system design and data-informed decision making.
In the case of our work with the Milwaukee Public Schools, we have gone beyond this level of partnership to place an embedded researcher in the Research Assessment and Accountability office three days a week. In Milwaukee we are working to provide full breadth support across the various major dimensions of schooling in an urban district. We began with value-added analysis of student outcomes. We then added studies of teacher and principal practices and the roll out of literacy coaching in the district. The next areas of work we plan to add are leadership and teacher training and the inclusion of human resources and financial data into outcome evaluations. In each of these areas, we are connecting the practical needs of the district with subject area experts at the university with high quality evaluation models.
Our work with Chicago Public Schools also began with value-added analysis of student test scores in the elementary and middle grades. As part of this project, we have an embedded researcher who works in the Department of Research, Evaluation and Accountability (REA) three days per week. This researcher contributes to the value-added project and works on other projects as needed by REA. These projects have included analysis of high school outcomes, credit recovery, and the reliability of elementary and high school grades.
Research partners also include:
Funding Sources:
