Division H encourages graduate students who wish to pursue careers conducting research, evaluation, and assessment in schools, K-12, to take advantage of programs that will help them become acquainted with Division H members working in school districts, local, state, and federal educational programs, universities and other testing and assessment organizations carrying out programs focused on K-12 students.
What happens at the Annual Meeting?
1. Fireside Chats- Graduate Student Council sponsored fireside chats offer a unique opportunity for session attendees to interact with the session panelists. Panelists do not present papers, but rather questions may be addressed to the panel for discussion in relation to the chosen topic. A moderator will have questions prepared, but audience members are also free to question the panelists and to contribute to the discussion.
2. Division H Breakfast and Business Meeting - Division H utilizes the annual meeting as the one opportunity for all division members to gather together by holding an open business meeting over a fabulous breakfast. This event will also include awards, presentations and a raffle. Attendees also receive the opportunity to meet new people and to network with those at their tables. This is an ideal way for graduate students to connect with members as well as to gain information about division news and opportunities to become more involved.
3. Division H Graduate Student Poster Session – Due to its ongoing success, Division H continues to host a graduate student poster session. The students will have the opportunity to get to know other students’ research and this informal networking and knowledge sharing opportunity designed to enhance student’s studies. There will be a discussant who will provide insightful and relevant discussion and feedback on students’ research papers.
NOTE: The Div H Graduate Student poster session is an invited session. This means that the presenters are invited by Division H to present a poster at this session. If you would like to present at this session, you must submit your proposal to the Div H graduate student representatives and not to AERA's AllAcademic submission system. Watch Facebook and Twitter for more details or contact DivisionH.GraduateStudents@gmail.com for more information.
4. Division H Graduate Student Roundtable Research Forum - This is an opportunity to discuss current research and to receive feedback from others. Topics may include graduate students' in-design or in-progress research. Students will be arranged in thematic roundtables and will be asked to bring a one page summary or outline of their research to share with the rest of the table. We will to have one experienced member of division H at each table to provide feedback to students on their research.
5. Division H Graduate Student Reception – Want to get to know your other graduate student members in Division H? Here’s your chance! Each year we have a reception in the VP's Suite specifically geared towards graduate students. Come get free food and have some fun before the Social Event that evening!
6. Division H Social Event - While it is one of the most beneficial by-products of attending AERA, making connections with others in the research and assessment fields can be virtually impossible simply through session attendance. For this reason, division H facilitates networking amongst its members by hosting an annual social event. During this time, division members typically gather at a local venue where they can interact in a less formal atmosphere. This is a fabulous opportunity for graduate students to engage in discourse with regular members or students with whom they share research interests or career aspirations. More details on this event will be available nearer to the annual meeting and will also be announced at the graduate student welcome session.
7. Coffee Hour Mini-Mentorship Program - The graduate student representatives of Division H offer a great opportunity for mentorship during the AERA annual meeting. All graduate students covet time to learn from those with experience – to glean from their knowledge and insight on theory, research, and how to make oneself marketable for a future job. Unfortunately, both students and professionals often lack the time or the resources to participate in long-term mentorship programs. If you would like to be matched with a member of Division H for an enriching chat over coffee or a meal, watch for information about how to apply on Facebook and Twitter.
What opportunities and awards are available?
8. Early Career/Graduating Students Mentoring Program - Early Career Mentorships are available for those finishing a graduate program or who are in the first three years following their graduate programs. The mentorship pairs the young professional with an experienced person in an applied field related to Division H’s purpose – Research, Evaluation and Assessment in Schools. As the intent of the mentorships is to support the transition from academia to an applied setting, applications should emphasize the applied nature of the mentor’s experience. Support in finding a mentor is available if needed.
9. Dissertation Publication Award - Division H has an annual award to recognize an outstanding dissertation in applied research, evaluation, assessment, or accountability within a school/school district setting. research. The dissertation must be developed in and approved by a graduate school program. The entry must be accompanied by a 1-2 page transmittal letter from a committee advisor indicating the most noteworthy attributes in recommending the dissertation for this honor. The deadline to submit entries is typically at the end of the year, so watch for updates on our website or through the Division H listserv. Division H recognizes up to three outstanding dissertations, depending on the quality of submissions. The top entry receives $1000, and second-place entries receive $500.
Who are my graduate student representatives and what do they do?
10. AERA Graduate Student Council - Division H has two representatives to the Graduate Student Council of AERA, serving 2-year staggered terms (the Junior Rep to become the Senior Rep in the following year). The representatives represent Division H interest in the Council and organize programs within the Division to reach out to graduate students and provide support for their graduate work and careers in applied research in schools. Division H appoints a Junior Representative-elect each year to become the Junior Representative to the Council in the following year.
How I can receive the latest communication and updates from Division H?
11. Social Media - The Division H Graduate Student Representatives release regular updates throughout the year and during the annual meeting through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DivisionHGraduateStudents) and Twitter (@DivisionHgrad). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up with the most up-to-date information!