Research and Evaluation

Improving teaching and learning has always been at the heart of SEDL’s work. But to achieve this goal, we need to know which education policies, programs, and practices work best and under what conditions. SEDL’s Research and Evaluation department conducts research studies and program evaluations to assess to what degree education policies, programs, and practices are effective. In this way, we work to advance knowledge, help educators make informed and evidence-based decisions, and solve significant problems in education.

Making evidence-based decisions about curricula requires rigorous research. SEDL’s research staff have the expertise to conduct large-scale, multisite research studies that have significant impact within the education research field.

In addition, we can conduct a variety of program evaluations, including needs assessments, formative and summative outcome studies, policy studies, efficacy studies, and cost-benefit analyses. The type of evaluation we design depends on the type of information a client wants to learn about a policy, program, or practice. To ensure that our program evaluations are useful for decision makers, we work closely with clients—whether funders, managers, or program staff—to determine the purpose and audience of an evaluation, what information is needed, and what evaluation design will be most appropriate given the clients’ interests, resources, and time frame. The result is a customized evaluation designed to collect, analyze, and interpret information for a client’s specific purpose and use.

Explore the links above or contact us to learn more.

Contact:
Dr. Michael Vaden-Kiernan
1-800-476-6861, ext. 6562
michael.vaden-kiernan@sedl.org