Multi-University Reading, Mathematics and Science Initiative (MURMSI), 2003-2007

Principal Investigator: Laura Hassler Lang, Ph.D.

MURMSI is a statewide research and development project funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through a special appropriation by Congress. Planned as a five-year project, it is designed to measurably improve teaching and learning in Reading, Mathematics, and Science in Florida’s K-12 schools with a special emphasis on students considered “at risk” due to economic or other conditions. This project has developed research agendas in reading, math, science, and educational leadership with stakeholder input. It also has funded pilot research projects competitively awarded to Florida’s state universities, with an emphasis on randomized field trials and involvement of K-12 partners. Click on this link for more information.

Comprehensive School Reform in Rural K-8 Schools in the Southeast: Integrative Technologies for Quality Initiatives, 2006-2009.

Principal Investigator: J. Michael Spector, Ph.D.

When integrated into comprehensive school reforms, technology has the potential to effectively and efficiently improve student and school performance. However, we have limited understanding of when and how specific technologies contribute to improved learning outcomes in different school contexts. This 3-year research project funded by the U.S. Department of Education is investigating the impact of technology-facilitated instruction in rural K-8 schools in Alabama, Florida and Georgia with a high percentage of poorly performing and economically disadvantaged students. It explores learning outcomes that might accrue in basic skills (reading, writing and mathematics) as a result of specific uses of learning materials from PLATO Learning, Inc. that (1) extend and reinforce current classroom instruction, (2) actively involve students in building portfolios of learning products that carry forward year to year, (3) allow teachers, administrators, and parents to annotate those portfolios, and (4) provide a central place for all persons in the community (children, teachers, parents, administrators) to explore their interests and expand their knowledge. The project will develop a cadre of skilled and motivated teachers to lead technology-facilitated efforts in their schools in the first two years and will help train teachers in other rural schools in the third year.