AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis
for Education Policy


Call for Applications

Next deadline January 4, 2008

With support from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the Institute of Education Sciences and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the AERA Grants Program announces its AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis for Education Policy. The Institute's goal is to help develop a critical mass of U.S. educational researchers using NCES and NSF data sets for basic, policy, and applied research. Hands-on training is provided in the use of large-scale national data sets, with special emphasis on using these data sets for policy-related research in education. The Institute has three components: (1) instruction in the use of NCES' and NSF's data sets, with focus on a different data set each year; (2) methodological training appropriate to the analysis of large-scale, often longitudinal, data sets pertinent to educational policy research; and (3) discussion of current issues of policy and practice for which the focal data set is relevant. AERA members, agency staff, and outside experts jointly provide this training. Underrepresented minority researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Description
In 2008 the Institute will focus on education policy issues that can be addressed using modern methods for causal modeling with data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002). The Institute will address policy issues such as the relationship of course taking to academic achievement and how it relates to issues of reform, No Child Left Behind legislation, and equity. The session will provide hands-on instruction to help participants develop knowledge and skills in the use of the ELS data for education policy research and application.

Participant Grants
A select group of scholars will be chosen to participate in the Institute. Those selected for participation will receive support covering the Institute's fees, transportation to Washington, DC, housing, and per diem for the dates of the Institute.

Dates and Location
May 1-3, 2008, in Washington, DC.

Institute Personnel

Director:
William Schmidt, Michigan State University

Faculty:
Richard Houang, Michigan State University
Jeremy Kilpatrick, University of Georgia
Laura LoGerfo, NCES
Edith McArthur, NCES
Chandra Muller, University of Texas at Austin
John Wirt, NCES

Application Requirements
All applications should include:

• An AERA Statistics Institute Cover Page
• A letter briefly describing the applicant's background, career goals, and how the applicant would benefit from the Institute. Priority will be given to those applicants with scholarly activity in issues of education policy and practice using quantitative approaches, who are committed to using large-scale data sets, especially ELS and others supported by NCES and NSF, for future research and/or teaching.
• A current curriculum vitae
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references

Advanced graduate students and recent doctorates are especially encouraged to apply. Please note that researchers who have attended the AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis for Education Policy in prior years are not eligible to apply again. Review criteria include: the applicant's statistical background at least to the intermediate level of multiple regression; computer literacy with knowledge of current statistical software package(s); substantive policy or practice interest in the focal data set (ELS:2002); and the Institute's fit with the applicant's career goals. If you have any questions, please contact Jeanie Murdock (phone: 805-964-5264 or email jmurdock@aera.net).

Application Submission
Applications must be received by January 4, 2008.

A total of two (2) copies of all materials should be submitted. Electronic submissions are not acceptable. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Final decisions will be made in February 2008. All awards are contingent upon AERA's receiving continued federal funding. All applications should be sent to:

Ms. Jeanie Murdock
AERA Grants Program
5662 Calle Real, #254
Goleta, CA 93117-2317

Updated Nov-7-2007