Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, & Professional Learning Miami University New Faculty Orientation August 20, 2015

Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, & Professional Learning

Miami University • New Faculty OrientationAugust 20, 2015

NEW CENTER ESTABLISHMENT….

The new Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, & Professional Learning was established in 2015 through the formal merger of two reputable and long-standing Ohio Centers of Excellence…

The Discovery Center

Est. 1991

FORMAL MERGER OF….Ohio’s Evaluation & Assessment Center

Est. 2003 &

HISTORY OF CENTER WORK….

Since 1991, The Discovery Center has

provided face-to-face and virtual (iDiscovery) mathematics and science professional development (PD) to over

20,000 urban, suburban, and rural Ohio teachers.

HISTORY OF CENTER WORK….

Since 2003, the Ohio’s Evaluation &

Assessment Center has served the research, evaluation, and assessment

needs of over 160 state- and federally-funded mathematics and science project and programs.

WHY OUR CENTERS MERGED….

The Discovery and E & A Centers’

efforts over the past 24 years have focused on improving mathematics and science teaching and learning.

WHY OUR CENTERS MERGED….

The Centers also share staff and facilities (at Miami Oxford), as well as commitment to three principles — Collaboration, Advocacy, and Continuous Improvement.

CENTER VISION….

• The Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning serves as Ohio’s only comprehensive center for research, evaluation, and professional learning in science, mathematics, technology, computer science, and engineering education, dedicated to collaboration, advocacy, and continuous improvement.

CENTER MISSION….

• The Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning provides comprehensive, high-quality research, evaluation, assessment, and professional development services to improve teaching and learning and promote equity in opportunity, access, and outcomes for all learners.

RECENT CENTER WORK….

• State-wide Evaluation of Ohio’s Resident Educator (RE) Program (2012 – 2016).

• NSF ADVANCE Project Evaluations for Michigan State University, Purdue University, and University of Cincinnati (2008-2017).

• NSF Mathematics and Science Partnership Project (MSP) Evaluations for University of Pennsylvania, CUNY, and University at Buffalo (2005 – 2017).

• Improving Teacher Quality (ITQ) Project Evaluations and State-wide Ohio Mathematics and Science Partnership Program Evaluation.

RECENT CENTER WORK….

• Evaluation of Miami University’s Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Statewide Mental Health First Aid Capacity project.

• Comprehensive analysis of progress and impact of education programs for Dayton Public Schools.

• Instrument development and administration for Brown University.

• Proposal/funding agency research and grant writing for the YWCA of Hamilton, OH.

• Implementation of over 30 math and science workshops and trainings for 650 Ohio teachers.

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES

• Design and implement evaluation or research plan.• Align project/program activities with

evaluation/research methods.• Develop, modify, and validate

instruments.• Collect/analyze data.• Disseminate findings to inform

practice, policy, and future research.• Develop grant proposals.• Design project/program curriculum.

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU….

Evaluation, Assessment & Research• Develop research and evaluation

methodology and design (e.g., quasi-experimental, RCT, protocol development, data coding, policy analysis).• Conduct comprehensive project- or

program-level evaluation and assessment.• Provide quality assurance and validate

evaluation, assessment, and professional development activities.


Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting• Consultation for instrument

development, validation, and modification.• Assistance with IRB development.• Technical assistance with data

collection and qualitative/quantitative statistical analyses, and reporting.


Proposal & Curriculum Development/Design• Consultation for proposal development,

including budget documents.• Development and delivery of

mathematics and science teacher professional development.• Consultation for P-16 math and science

curriculum design and development.

BEYOND PROVIDING SERVICES…

Resources for:• Project vs. Program

evaluation/assessment – How are they different?

• Understanding purposes of evaluation/assessment – Why evaluate?

• Understanding the Evaluation Cycle – Creating an effective Plan

• Appropriate Research Design - How to collect, interpret, and report data.

BEYOND PROVIDING SERVICES…

Resources for:• Developing Effective Grant Proposals –

Planning, writing, submission.• Informing Effective Teacher

Professional Development – How to create/implement PD to improve math and science content knowledge.

• Knowledge and use of data analysis software.

CENTER RESOURCES…

• State-of-the-art computing and communications equipment and superior facilities, in newly renovated space, coming in Fall 2015.

• Close collaboration with project personnel (e.g., clients, partners, stakeholders).

• Access to and connections with a large number of experts locally and across the US.

CENTER STAFF…(HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO)

• Staff of 18 with knowledge/experience in:• Advanced Statistics• Instrument psychometrics• Qualitative/quantitative data collection,

analyses, and reporting• Mathematics and science education

(teaching and learning) • Educational leadership, administration,

and policy

CENTER STAFF...Sarah Woodruff, Ph.D.

[email protected](513) 529-1686

Center Director & Principal Investigator

Emily Ryan, M.A.


Center Coordinator forPlanning & Communications

Sara Hayes, M.Ed.


Center Coordinator forOperations & Finance

Research and Evaluation Project Team

CENTER STAFF...

Christopher Cox, M.S.Ed.


Sr. Research Associate & Project Team Leader

Qinghua Nian, Ph.D.


Statistician & Data Analyst


CENTER STAFF...

Yue Li, M.S., M.Ed.



Maressa Dixon, M.A.


Research Associate


CENTER STAFF...

Kristen Morio, M.A.T.



Haigen Huang, Ph.D.


Statistician & Data Analyst

OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CENTER…

EHS Research Computer Space

• 408 McGuffey Hall (under renovation until Fall 2015).

• Mac/PCs with quantitative and qualitative statistical software (e.g., Nvivo, HLM, Lisrel, Winsteps, SPSS, Amos).

• Tutorials from Center staff for specific software programs is available.

• Facilities and consultancy are available to all Miami University faculty, staff, and students.


Discovery Center Fellowship Program

• Extended to all Miami University faculty (with continuing appointments) and emeritus faculty.

• Two key areas of inquiry: (1) Pre-K-20+ teaching and learning

related to science, mathematics, technology, engineering, and computing education (STEM-C), and

(2) Equity in education opportunity, access, and outcomes across disciplines and fields.


Discovery Center Fellowship Program (cont.)• Renewable 2-year appointments by the

Provost upon recommendation of the Assoc. Provost for Research and Dean of the Grad. School, and the Dean of EHS.

LOCATION & CONTACT INFO…

The Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, & Professional Learning

Miami University210 E. Spring St.408 McGuffey Hall Phone: (513) 529-1686

Stay Tuned for Updates on our Discovery Center Website and Newly Renovated Space.

Documents

Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, & Professional Learning Miami University New Faculty Orientation August 20, 2015