AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis for Education Policy

Mathematics Education and Equity

Call for Applications

Deadline for applications: January 10, 2012

With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the AERA Grants Program announces its AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis for Education Policy on Mathematics Education and Equity. The Institute's goal is to build the capacity of the U.S. education research community to use large-scale national and international data sets such as those from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NSF, and other federal agencies for basic, policy, and applied research. Hands-on training is provided in the application of large-scale data sets, with special emphasis on using these data sets for policy-related research in education. In 2012, the Institute will focus on research questions related to mathematics education and equity. AERA Grants Governing Board members, agency staff, and outside experts jointly provide this training.

Description
In 2012, the Institute will focus specifically on intersections of mathematics education and equity. Policy-relevant topics include such issues as students’ opportunities to learn specific mathematical content; access to high-quality mathematics teachers; students’ course-taking and career plans; and students’ mathematics achievement, beliefs, and attitudes. Patterns related to social class, race/ethnicity, language, gender, and disability will be considered.

The Institute will have three components: (1) discussion of current issues in mathematics education policy, practice, and equity; (2) an overview of some quasi-experimental methods appropriate to the analysis of large-scale data; and (3) opportunities to collaborate with peers on the application of federal data sets to the focal topic. More specifically, relevant examples of recent large-scale studies will be presented, and theoretical considerations related to the study of equity issues in mathematics education will be discussed. Participants will be briefly introduced to several useful quasi-experimental techniques, including regression discontinuity, propensity scores, and instrumental variables. Time will be allocated for both group and individual hands-on experiences to help participants apply the data set of their choice to relevant research questions.

Applicants should be familiar with commonly used statistical methods (e.g., regression) and at least one statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, or STATA). Applicants must have a serious interest in the study of mathematics education and equity. Applicants should also be familiar with a large-scale data set that is appropriate to the study of mathematics education and equity.  Participants will bring their choice of a relevant federal data set to the training. Publicly available national data sets such as, but not limited to, ECLS-K ELS:2002 and HSLS:09, can be used for this training. Restricted data are not allowed (although knowledge gained at this Institute could later be applied to restricted datasets). Instruction will not focus on the particulars of specific data sets, but instead will focus on asking policy-relevant questions related to the focal topic and finding ways to address those questions by analyzing large-scale data sets.

Participant Support
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, housing, and meals for the dates of the Institute.

Dates and Location

May 16-18, 2012, in Washington, DC.

Institute Personnel

Director:  Sarah Lubienski, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Faculty:
Elise Christopher, NCES

Dorothyjean Cratty, NCES

Laura LoGerfo, NCES

Jeremy Kilpatrick, University of Georgia
Joseph P. Robinson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

William H. Schmidt, Michigan State University

Application Requirements
All applications should include:

• AERA Statistics Institute cover page
• Maximum two-page single-spaced application letter briefly describing the applicant's background, career goals, and how the applicant would benefit from the Institute.
• One-page summarized curriculum vitae listing education and employment history, relevant graduate courses, and publications. If publications are relevant to the Institute, please identify them.
• Names and contact information (titles, email and phone numbers) for three references.

Applicants and Review Criteria

Advanced graduate students and recent doctorates are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from historically underrepresented minority scholars are also strongly encouraged. 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); the applicant's experience in using a large-scale data set relevant to the research topic; substantive policy or practice interest in the focal research topic; and the Institute's fit with the applicant's career goals.

Application Submission
The deadline for applications is 11:59 pm Pacific Time on January 10, 2012. Applications must be submitted electronically as two separate pdf documents:

• The AERA Statistics Institute cover page may be completed electronically by either typing into the text boxes or cutting and pasting text. Some fields are limited in size, so make sure the text fits in the box. Alternatively, the completed cover page may be printed, scanned, and saved as a pdf. Use the naming convention of LastName_FirstInitial_StatInstCvr.pdf
• The other application materials (letter of application, summarized CV, and contact information for references) should be saved as one pdf document using the naming convention LastName_FirstInitial_StatInstApp.pdf

Both pdf files must be sent as email attachments to grantsprogram@aera.net. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Final decisions will be made in February 2012. All awards are contingent upon AERA's receiving continued federal funding. If you have any questions, please contact grantsprogram@aera.net..

Updated Nov-30-2011