Research & Evaluation Projects
About US
Mission
The Program Evaluation Group (PEG) of EPEC conducts evaluation studies for government agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and private enterprise at the local, state, national, and international levels. Using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research approaches including experimental designs, we to provide relevant data and feedback for improving program implementation and effectiveness. Program evaluations are designed to address specific needs of project sponsors and educational practitioners. Research staff in the PEG include faculty, professional staff, doctoral students, and program specialists who collaborate to provide team leadership, research design expertise, and all necessary data collection, analyses, and reporting for program evaluation projects. Drawing upon expertise from nationally recognized faculty the COE at UGA for evaluation of diverse education program areas, we also work closely with Test Scoring and Reporting Services unit of the Georgia Assessment Center at UGA for student achievement assessments.
Evaluation Services of EPEC
The Program Evaluation Group of EPEC offers expertise in the design, management, and coordination of evaluation projects ranging from large, multi-site, complex evaluation studies to smaller, local assessments of education programs. We have extensive experience developing data collection instruments and protocol, conducting field-based research, and analyzing data using diverse statistical methods. The following program evaluation services can be contracted through EPEC:
- Interviews and focus group discussions
- Onsite observations and document reviews
- Case study research
- Analyses of student achievement test data or other educational outcomes measures
- Design of evaluation studies required for grant funded educational programs
- Compiling and analyzing large complex datasets from multiple sources, both quantitative and qualitative
- Technical report preparation for funding agencies
- User-friendly presentation of findings
In addition, the Program Evaluation Group offers training workshops in evaluation design and methods, and can assist with evaluation requirements for grant-funded projects. We have served as the external evaluator for statewide educational initiatives such as Reading First, Comprehensive School Reform, Supplemental Educational Services, School-to-Work, distance learning, and alternative schools.
The Policy Research Group in the EPEC provides nonpartisan research and in-depth analyses to policymakers and educators on issues to improve education. We assess educational policies, policy options, and education reform initiatives. We also publish policy research briefs to inform the conversation on education policy issues in Georgia and nationally. EPEC faculty collaborate with state, regional, national, inter-governmental, and international organizations and agencies to identify trends in education, and host seminars and symposia to discuss research on current education issues with key stakeholder groups. Researchers in the Policy Research Group of EPEC include faculty members from all nine academic departments in the College of Education at UGA, representing diverse interests and national expertise in the following academic fields:
- Communication Sciences & Special Education
- Counseling & Human Development Services
- Educational Psychology & Instructional Technology
- Elementary & Social Studies Education
- Kinesiology
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The Child and Family Policy Initiative | Institute for Behavioral Research