Greetings from Division H VP
Jennifer Whitson

Welcome to Division H: Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

Division H has a rich history of being at the forefront of research grounded within PK-12 schools. Our collective work has the power to reshape how we understand and drive systemic educational progress. I am honored to lead a division that serves as a vital bridge between rigorous educational research and evaluation and the applied work of improving schools. Our members—comprising school district and state leaders, university researchers, graduate students, and applied research organizations—are at the forefront of program evaluation, student assessment, and institutional research in PreK–12 settings globally.

The Division H Experience

While our presence at the AERA Annual Meeting is a major focal point, the true value of Division H lies in the rewarding experiences available to our members year-round through ongoing webinars, community listservs, and robust programming and supports for graduate students. Your voice and contributions enriches the global community of scholars and practitioners. My goal as VP is to ensure that every member, from students and early-career professionals to seasoned researchers, feels welcomed and finds a professional "home" here. Whether you are a graduate student embarking on your first study, an early-career researcher establishing your program of work, or a seasoned practitioner researcher leading knowledge development that supports systemic change, your unique perspective enriches our collective scholarship and ensures our field remains responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. 

Chart your Own Course 

We invite you to take advantage of the wide variety of opportunities and benefits that Division H offers:

• Serve as a Reviewer: Join the Program or Outstanding Publications Committees (graduate students are encouraged to apply).
• Lead a Session: Volunteer as a Session Chair or Discussant.
• Join a Committee: Share your leadership expertise by serving on one of our standing committees. Collaborate on committee projects and initiatives. Graduate student representatives serve on our committee. 
• Compete for Recognition of Excellence: Submit an entry to the Outstanding Publication Competition (held annually in December) and have your entry automatically uploaded into ARNIE Docs.
• Mentor Future Leaders: Don’t just share your knowledge—shape a career. By becoming a mentor, you are building the foundation for the future of our field. Volunteer as a Coffee Mentor or host as an On-Site Mentor to a support graduate student or early career professional.
• Engage with Other Members at the Exhibit Booth: Meet and welcome Annual Meeting attendees and grow your network while elevating Division H’s recognition.
• Engage in Professional Development: Share your expertise with our members as a presenter or attend as part of your own professional growth. We are continually refining our offerings to meet the evolving needs of members.
• Graduate Student Support: Apply for financial support for the Annual Meeting, share your research project at the in-progress research roundtables, sign up for formal and informal mentorship opportunities, or join writing groups and programming hosted by our Graduate Student Representatives. The graduate student listserv offers information and opportunities targeted to students at all stages of their program. 
• Access Member-Exclusive Communications: As a member, you are automatically enrolled in our listserv to receive the latest updates, announcements, and curated job opportunities from within and outside of AERA.
• Champion Equity & Inclusion: Provide input as we ensure that equity and inclusion remain central to our systems, processes, and culture.

Whether you are seeking to present findings from your latest study, access early-stage research, lead through one of our committees, or expand your professional network, there is a place for you here. If you are looking for a specific way to get involved or have questions about our upcoming initiatives, please reach out to us at AERADivisionH@gmail.com. We look forward to connecting with you.