Services
The Center for Research in Educational Policy supports a variety of projects ranging in scale from short-term, community-level consultation to multi-state, multi-year program validation studies. Our tools and approaches can be customized to address specific needs and settings. While our work is wide-ranging, we have developed certain specialized areas of expertise, including:
- Literacy
- Professional Development Assessment
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- School Climate, Culture, and Leadership
CREP provides a wide range of services including:
Research Design: In order to craft a rigorous evaluation plan that fully aligns with the goals of a research program, we collaborate closely during the design phase with partners in other centers, departments, or organizations. We have experience securing external funding and meeting What Works Clearinghouse design standards without reservations.
Program Evaluation: CREP can provide experienced independent third-party evaluation to researchers both within the University of Memphis and at other institutions. We have experience conducting large-scale evaluations in over twenty states.
Data Collection: CREP staff are experts in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data through classroom observations, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies. The Center has a library of proprietary instruments, but we are also capable of using other currently-available data collection tools. Because CREP faculty and staff have experience as K-12 and postsecondary educators, we understand how to work with, and within, schools. It is always our goal to collect rigorous data with minimal disruption to classroom activities, while adhering to district and state requirements for data collection and federal guidelines for human subjects protection.
Instrument Development: If our current suite of valid and reliable instruments do not meet a project’s needs, we work with collaborators to design high-quality instruments customized to a project’s requirements.
Data Analysis: CREP's research and statistics staff have experience managing and analyzing large sets of both qualitative and quantitative data. We have developed and run quasi-experimental designs and Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), and have thorough knowledge of What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) procedures and standards.
Consultation: Our staff of experts can help you design a project implementation or evaluation plan. Additionally, CREP can review the plan your team has designed and make recommendations.
(A printable summary of CREP's services can also be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.)