Research & Evaluation

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 As trained statisticians, psychometricians, and methodologists, with certifications in What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Standards, we bring extensive experience conducting rigorous research and evaluation studies. Our forte is in collaborating with our clients and sites, such as schools, to design an impact evaluation that is do-able with full buy-in from all stakeholders.   

Project highlights:

• US Department of Education National Professional Development (NPD) External Evaluation of ExcEL (Excellence for English Learners) at UCLA

• US Department of Education Skills for Success External Evaluation of KIPP Houston

We work with our clients to develop implementation and process evaluations for continuous improvement of program goals and outcomes. Our forte is in designing implementation studies that go beyond fidelity of implementation metrics to capture what was implemented as planned, and what was adapted, to provide meaningful and actionable recommendations. 

Project highlights:

• US Department of Education Supporting Effectiveness Educator Development (SEED) External Evaluation of the Rising Teachers Program at Saint Louis University

• US Department of Education National Professional Development (NPD) External Evaluation of ExcEL Leadership Academy and ExcEL Network at UCLA

We offer quantitative and qualitative analyses to inform policy, from literature reviews and scans, extant data analysis, state population data analysis, document reviews, and interviews with stakeholders. These analyses have produced dashboards, data visualizations, compendiums, and research syntheses. Our forte is in translating data into actionable information for decision makers. 

Project highlights:

• US Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) Data Analytics and Evaluation Support 

• US Department of Education National Center on Education Research (NCER) Analytic and Research Management and Support

As What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) certified researchers with significant expertise in quantitative methods and research design, we provide analytic technical assistance to support rigorous research design and statistical analysis. Our forte is in applying our deep statistical expertise with adult learning theories to best support local evaluators and data analysts.

Project highlights:

•  US Department of Labor Statistical Adjustment Model Technical Assistance Center (SAMTAC) 

• US Department of Education Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) analytic technical assistance

From collecting extant administrative data from school districts to conducting interviews and focus groups, we provide data collection and analysis capacity to any project. Our team brings proven results in building trusting relationships in order to obtain school records and other extant data, interview stakeholders, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data.  

Project highlights:

• Maryland Department of Education Weighted Student Funding

• US Department of Education Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development (OPEPD) Study of Weighted Student Funding Systems

From significant expertise in data visualization software such as Tableau to common tools such as Excel, we provide data visualization to meet client needs. Our staff have formal training from top experts in data visualization including Stephen Few and Edward Tufte, as well as decades of experience producing data visualizations to support data-driven decision making. 

Project highlights:

• US Department of Education REL Appalachia, Tennessee Data-to-Improve College and Career Preparation

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation College Readiness Indicator System (CRIS) policy landscape