April 2025
The Research and Science Policy Forum, a prominent component of the AERA Annual Meeting, is a series of invited sessions focused on important areas at the intersection of education research and science policy. This forum provides an opportunity for meeting attendees to learn about emerging issues in education research policy and to engage in AERA initiatives that bring scientific knowledge and methods to bear.
Unlike in prior years and given the current federal landscape, the series will not include featured sessions that highlight priorities and funding opportunities at federal research agencies. It will feature conversations on how institutions are meeting the current moment, with the vitality of education research and statistical infrastructure at stake.
Nearly 20 sessions will engage attendees in discussion on how the field moves forward at this time. These sessions include reflection from deans of colleges of education, philanthropy leadership, and other key experts on navigating this context. In addition, the series will feature conversations on five recent research publications from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; a recent commissioned paper series on addressing inequities in the wake of COVID-19 by the National Academy of Education; and on the development of the next iteration of the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.
An illustrative list of important sessions follows below. The complete list of sessions is available on the AERA website and in the online program, which includes a fuller description of the session and list of session participants. Check the schedule regularly for session updates.
Wading Through the Water: Navigating Sociopolitical Constraints While Engaged in Education Research Thursday, April 24, 3:35 pm to 5:05 pm Colorado Convention Center, Meeting Room Level - Room 103
A New Vision for High Quality Preschool Curriculum – A Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Thursday, April 24, 3:35 pm to 5:05 pm Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 1EF
K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas – A Report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Thursday, April 24, 5:25 pm to 6:55 pm Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 1EF
How to Communicate Education Research in Challenging Times Friday, April 25, 9:50 am to 11:20 am Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 4AB
Early Career Research Fellowship and Funding Opportunities Friday, April 25, 3:20 pm to 4:50 pm Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 4AB
The Handbook Education Policy Research Roundtable Session Saturday, April 26, 8:00 am to 9:30 am Colorado Convention Center, Terrace Level - Bluebird Ballroom Room 1A
Transforming Undergraduate STEM Education: Supporting Equitable and Effective Teaching Saturday, April 26, 9:50 am to 11:20 am Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 1EF
Addressing Educational Inequities in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic – A Commissioned Paper Series of the National Academy of Education Saturday, April 26, 3:20 pm to 4:50 pm Colorado Convention Center, Ballroom Level - Mile High Ballroom 4AB