Once more in 2004, AERA's Division H demonstrated that its membership is vibrant and focused on applied research impacting our schools, whether it is in the arenas of research and evaluation, or assessment and accountability.

Our on-line newsletter captured on-going developments throughout the year.  We had three editions facilitated by Faith Connolly and Kristine Chadwick.  They gently cajoled many into contributing articles to ensure an interesting look at the division and the work of our members.  The use of color, photos, and extended articles (such as John Well's feature article on what graduate students attending the AERA conference should expect, and the writings by those participating in our mentoring program) has raised the quality of our newsletter to new heights.  More on-going communication was realized through the increased use of our division's listserve.

Our annual Outstanding Publication Competition had well over 100 submissions.  Submissions reflected work in areas such as program evaluation, institutional and instructional research, assessment analyses, summary reports, and training materials.  This year we also initiated three new categories: websites, No Child Left Behind literature, and publications produced by small school districts.  Facilitated by Martha McIver of Johns Hopkins University, 54 (yes 54!) individuals served as judges.  All 2004 entries were displayed in the Division H Exhibition Booth, including the winning entries from 2003.  Individuals can obtain information about these submissions through Nancy Protheroe at Educational Research Services. We will also post this information in our May newsletter and on our website.  Very special appreciation is extended to Judy Arter and her team of volunteers who assisted with the booth, and to Joe O'Reilly who saw the need and purchased new display stands to proudly showcase publications at the booth.

Our annual conference in San Diego was a success for many reasons. Special commendations go to Linda Frazer, who coordinated the development of a wonderful program (despite the glitches that inevitably arise with new initiatives like the new All Academic software system).  A number of people spent countless weekend hours supporting the effort, and we extend special thanks to Steve Henry, Steve Schellenberg, Geoff Maruyama, Nancy Baenen, and Affirmative Action Chairperson Gerry Bennett for their able assistance. Graduate Student Committee chair John Wells put together a wonderful fireside chat for individuals seeking jobs in an applied setting that broke new attendance records.  Way to go John!

At the annual meeting we also had opportunities to meet socially.  Many of us exercised great research skills in successfully purchasing a $5 breakfast ticket, determining the date and time, and finding the location of this annual event (which unfortunately was not published in the AERA Program book).  Those at the Annual Breakfast Meeting saw the wonderful efforts of Stephanie Gertz, the event's organizer.  Appreciation is further extended to the nearly 40 individuals who donated gifts for the raffle.  We saw a wide range of offerings - from Jim Popham's newest book to beautiful bags.  Our annual leadership meeting in the Division H Suite, informally known as the gathering of the "movers and shakers," had participants reviewing and critiquing 2004 events and planning for 2005.  Another special event was the elegant Division H Social Reception organized by Phil Morse.  This annual Thursday night event was truly a spectacular way to begin to unwind after a busy week.

Of special note is that throughout the year I knew that there was one special person I could always rely on for help whenever I needed it - outgoing secretary Ray Fenton.  Whether it was bringing California wine in from Arizona or ensuring those not at the Annual Breakfast Meeting received their certificates and gifts of special appreciation, he was there.

Division H members clearly have a strong tradition of service to the division and the organization.  I would like to recognize the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who also made the annual program possible.  Thanks to all of you for your service to Division H!
 
And what should you expect in 2005? We have a number of significant initiatives already underway. 

After many discussions with Steve Henry, in 2005 Division H will initiate program sections: Accountability in the Schools, Assessment in the Schools, Applied Research in the Schools, and Program Evaluation in School Settings.  These sections have been carefully titled to emphasize the applied research nature of our division.  One of our VP sessions will look at the transformation of "R&D" over the past 60 years, with past vice presidents from the division offering their viewpoints on the challenges faced and the legacy left behind from each decade.

Our Graduate Student Committee chaired by Janice Fournillier is already active with 19 individual members.  Faith Connolly has agreed to continue as Newsletter Editor and we now have a newly-initiated advisory board; Jennifer McCreadie will be taking the helm as organizer for the Annual Breakfast meeting with continued support from Jon Twing and a promise from Robert Smith for it to be in a very special location in 2005; Zollie Stevenson will be rejuvenating our Affirmative Action Committee; Peter Hendrickson is retooling our Mentoring for Early Career and New Graduates Committee; Alex Duran is Chairing our Outstanding Publications Awards, Peter Prowda will be planning our Annual Social Reception; and Joseph McCrary is serving as Web Chairperson.

We are further pleased to announce that Stephanie Gertz has agreed to bring back our Outstanding Presentation and Discussants Awards in 2005 to recognize those who embrace Division H's high levels of quality in presentations at the conference sessions.  Our newly constituted Membership Committee will be chaired by Mike Herrick with Karen Patillo Bailley, and our newly established International Relations Committee will be chaired by John Fremer.  Finally, we will focus on producing a Handbook for Divisional Leaders and Committee Members, a retro idea "stolen" from the one developed back in 1990.  Our new innovation may be saving it electronically as well as on paper!