SRI International Researchers to Present New Findings at Annual American Education Research Association (AERA) Meeting

Presentations to Focus on Education Research and the Public Interest

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- April 3, 2006 -- SRI International, an independent, nonprofit research institute, announced today that SRI education policy experts and researchers will offer presentations that examine national education practices and student success at the annual meeting of the American Education Research Association (AERA) on April 7-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. SRI presenters will concentrate on current themes that support the meeting’s emphasis on evidence-based, scientifically based inquiry to produce education research that is in the public interest.

SRI presenters will examine activities related to six important topics of current interest: assessment research and design, high school reform, mathematics and science education, teacher preparation and professional development, special school populations, and accountability and school improvement related to the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The initial day of the meeting will feature an in-depth workshop on design and validation of research assessments, to be led by several of the SRI presenters. 

SRI researchers will also report on the progress of educational research evaluations in California schools. These evaluations focus on school readiness of children entering kindergarten in high-priority schools (First 5 California), first-year findings of schools in the San Francisco Bay Area Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), educational inequality resulting from maldistribution of teachers, and effects of California Subject-Matter Projects on teachers and students.

A complete schedule of presentations by SRI International’s Policy Division is available.

About SRI's Centers for Education Research

SRI International has three centers dedicated to education research. The Center for Education Policy studies reforms that hold promise for improving the K-16 system of schooling and lifelong learning. The Center conducts research and evaluations on the design, implementation and impact of educational programs, especially improvement efforts targeted at disadvantaged students.

The Center for Education and Human Services examines the design, implementation and impact of policies, program and practices in the areas of early childhood, special education, school partnerships, and community services and strategies.

The mission of the Center for Technology in Learning is to improve teaching and learning by conducting research in the innovative design, use and assessment of interactive learning environments. Within the Center, a Strategic Learning Consulting practice helps educational technology firms improve their products by providing research insights and strengthening educational designs.

About SRI International

Silicon Valley-based SRI International (www.sri.com) is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research institute in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for 60 years. The nonprofit research institute performs contract research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses and private foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships and creates spin-off companies.