Meeting the Challenges and Reaping the Benefits of Longitudinal Research Studies in Math and Science for DR-K12 Projects

The presenters share challenges faced by DR K-12 longitudinal research studies, with attention to addressing these challenges. Benefits also are addressed.

Date/Time
-
PI-organized Discussion

The goal of the session is to share challenges found in implementing longitudinal studies. The PIs of five projects, particularly focused on science and math, discuss challenges and responses to these challenges. Additionally, they share benefits of conducting such longitudinal research in STEM in schools.

Presenters discuss (a) an overview of at least two longitudinal randomized designs in schools and (b) benefits from their work considering and implementing longitudinal research. The conversation in the session centers on the following conventions: (a) establishing trust, (b) formally introducing the study in the school settings, (c) giving schools more than is received, (d) predicting the impact, (e) considering random assignments, (f) considering attrition with the sample, (g) having an onsite coordinator, (h) providing fidelity of treatment, (i) providing teachers with continuous training, (k) maintaining original groups and bleeding treatment, (l) continuously communicating with administration in the district/campus regarding the status of the experiment, (m) developing curriculum and longitudinal learning trajectories, (n) ethical considerations working with control groups, and (o) ethical considerations working with minority language groups and economically disadvantaged students.

Presenters hope to gather participant comments from the sharing portion of this session to develop a publication for dissemination.