Rigorous, high-quality research is at the core of CRESP’s mission.
Our experienced staff engages in a variety of methods to understand how, why, and if programs or policies are effective. We conduct both qualitative and quantitative research and maintain staff expertise in:
- applied policy research investigating public health and educational innovations and interventions;
- program evaluation;
- quantitative analyses of large administrative, state, regional, and national databases;
- qualitative methods to promote knowledge of important, but difficult-to-measure characteristics of programs and collaborative partnerships;
- randomized controlled field trials;
- longitudinal studies of changes over time that combine data from disparate sources; and
- application of statistical methods from economics, engineering, and other disciplines to social programs and policies.
CRESP researchers are trained in evaluation methodology, randomized field experiments, natural experiments, qualitative methods, statistical analysis, and survey research.
NEW BOOK RELEASE
Sue Giancola, CRESP Senior Associate Director, recently published Program Evaluation: Embedding Evaluation into Program Design and Development. This book provides an in-depth examination of the foundations, methods, and relevant issues in the field of evaluation. With an emphasis on an embedded approach, where evaluation is an explicit part of a program that leads to the refinement of the program, students will learn how to conduct effective evaluations that foster continual improvement and enable data-based decision making. This text provides students with both the theoretical understanding and the practical tools to conduct effective evaluations while being rigorous enough for experienced evaluators looking to expand their approach to evaluation. Purchase a copy here.
Taking the Pulse: UD and Community Engagement
Taking the Pulse: UD and Community Engagement is a recently completed evaluation of how UD is engaging members of its own and surrounding communities. Learn more.
Partner with CRESP on Evaluation Research
Projects
Funder: Institute of Education Sciences, US Department of Education
With funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, and in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) Office of Higher Education, the goal of this project is to improve the college readiness of Delaware students by (a) better unders …
Read moreFunder: EduNational, LLC
The purpose of this research study is to examine the efficacy of a game-based learning platform (Dysolve) that is designed to help reduce language processing deficits in children with reading difficulties, including dyslexia. A randomized controlled tr …
Read moreFunder: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
CREATEd – collaboration, research, equity, and action together in education – aims to improve equitable educational opportunities and outcomes nationally by leveraging knowledge in the research and practice communities in ways that promote stronger, mo …
Read moreFunder: MindPlay Education, LLC
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of MindPlay on student reading achievement in Dayton (Ohio) Public Schools. Implemented as a supplemental resource aligned with Dayton’s existing reading curricula and instructional strategies, MindPla …
Read moreFunder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
The role of district research leaders (DRLs) in central offices has emerged as a strategy for improving the creation, flow, and use of research knowledge in decision-making. However, there is limited information about the responsibilities, opportunitie …
Read moreFunder: Institute of Education Sciences, US Department of Education
The purpose of the Efficacy Follow-up Study of the Long-Term Effects of Reading Recovery is to test the sustained efficacy of Reading Recovery (RR), an intensive one-on-one reading instruction program for the lowest-achieving first grade students, on s …
Read moreFunder: Institute of Education Sciences
With funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, the Center for Research Use in Education (CRUE) seeks to expand the understanding of how to improve the relationship between research and practice in the K-12 educational space. In addition, the ce …
Read moreFunder: National Science Foundation
The Future Faculty Workshop (FFW) is an annual workshop designed to engage doctoral students and other aspiring academics in the science and engineering field. The goal of the workshop is to enhance the preparation, confidence, and motivation of women …
Read moreFunder: National Science Foundation
ADVANCE is a five-year grant awarded in 2014 to the University of Delaware intended to increase the representation of women faculty in all STEM and social science departments. CRESP staff conducts the internal, formative evaluation of the ADVANCE progr …
Read moreFunder: National Science Foundation
The goal of the Partner4CS project is to support Computer Science teachers through evidence-based professional development and support the teaching and learning of Computer Science within diverse populations. The project accomplished this mission thro …
Read moreFunder: Office of Education, U.S. Department of Education
The DECATD project promotes the use of assistive technology (AT) of all kinds for young children with disabilities. They aim to achieve this goal through strategies such as clinician training, developing an AT planning tool, expanding access to AT, sup …
Read moreFunder: National Science Foundation
The WeC4Communities project aims to broaden STEM participation of underrepresented minority youth in grades 5-8. Through informal learning environments in local public libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs, underrepresented youth are provided with oppor …
Read moreFunder: National Science Foundation
The Systems Biology of Cells in Engineered Environment IGERT program focuses on creating an innovative graduate curriculum. This curriculum intend to nurture an appreciation for systems biology and cells in engineered environments, and train students i …
Read moreFunder: Delaware Department of Education State Line
The Delaware Department of Education has funded a math coaching program which placed instructional coaching in high-needs Delaware public schools. The goal of the coaching program is to improve mathematics instruction and ultimately, student achievemen …
Read moreFunder: Delaware Department of Education State Line
The Delaware Department of Education is working with CRESP to investigate Kindergarten through third-grade attendance in Delaware public schools, and its relationship with academic achievement. Publications: Center for Research in Education and Social …
Read moreFunder: Christina School District
Sarah Pyle Academy, located within the Christina School District, was established to support the needs of students who have not experienced success in traditional school environments at other Christina School District High Schools and help those studen …
Read moreFunder: U.S. Department of Education
The Title II grant funds two projects, the Alternative Routes to Certification Plus (ARTC+) and Design for Design (D2) programs. Both of these programs are aimed at building the content and pedagogical knowledge of Delaware teachers working in high-nee …
Read moreFunder: Office of Education, U.S. Department of Education
The Delaware Transition to Teaching Partnership (DT3P) program aims to recruit, support, and retain a supply of highly qualified secondary English, Mathematics, Technology, and Science teachers in high-needs Delaware schools. The program supports teach …
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