Solicitation Calls for the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program Early Phase Grant

By: Courtney Hagan, PhD

Evaluation Project Manager, Higher Ed

About the EIR Program Grant

The US Department of Education has issued an invitation for applications to the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. The aim of this grant program is to support the “creation, development, implementation, replication, or scalability of evidence-based innovations to improve student achievement and attainment for high-needs students.” For this particular call, the EIR program is interested in supporting projects that “propose services and activities that help students recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerate learning and academic achievement, reimagine schools, and transform our education system.”

Grant Requirements

The EIR grant is broken down into three different phases: early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion. Each phase carries different expectations and requires different levels of evidence to support the application. Early-phase grant submissions need to introduce a new practice based on prior research that suggests the new practice has “promise.” Potential grantees must also submit a logic model that outlines goals, objectives, outcomes, and project components to meet the required evidence standard.

In addition to supporting evidence, early-phase grant applications require the evaluation to be either an experimental or quasi-experimental design. Either design requires meeting What Works Clearinghouse standards, ensuring that a strong research design was implemented, and therefore, allowing conclusions being drawn from how the implementation impacts outcomes. The designs offered in the grant application should provide a statistically significant effect of the intervention on student outcomes.

---

Interested in applying?

If you are interested in applying for the EIR Early-phase grant, and need assistance with your application, contact SEG (seg@shafferevaluation.com). Most recently, SEG collaborated with Boston College on their EIR Early-phase grant, which tested the efficacy of their Coding as Another Language curriculum. SEG will collaborate with you on research design at the grant application stage at no cost to your institution in exchange for being listed in your application as the external evaluator. Learn more about us here: https://www.shafferevaluation.com/

Please note the deadline for submitting the intent to apply is June 6, 2024, and the deadline for submitting the application is July 22, 2024. The mid-phase and expansion tiers have different deadlines. 

Measuring Quality in Afterschool Programs

By: Stacy Ashworth, PhD

Evaluation Project Manager, K–12

Afterschool Programs

Shaffer Evaluation Group recently began working with two Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers projects in Maryland: one in Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) and one in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). As part of both projects, students are provided intervention through afterschool programming. SEG was contracted to provide external evaluation services, which have included determining how to best measure the quality of the afterschool programs.

PGCPS elementary students planting sunflowers in recycled planters during an afterschool program rotation.

Program Quality Assessments

The Forum for Youth Investment’s David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality has developed a series of Program Quality Assessments to measure best practices for ensuring programs are safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging. Tools are available for programs serving children in grades K–6, youth in grades K–12, social-emotional learning, and summer learning. These assessments can be used by program staff as part of a self-assessment process or by a trained, reliable rater, such as Shaffer Evaluation Group. SEG is conducting observations at each project site and completing the assessment to provide feedback to project staff and support continuous improvement.

---

Would you like some support?

Who couldn't use more support? If you are interested in measuring the quality of your afterschool programs and are in need of additional support, contact SEG (seg@shafferevaluation.com). We will work with you to learn more about your project and needs and determine together how we can best support your program's growth. Learn more about us here: https://www.shafferevaluation.com/

Tips for Community-Based Participatory Research

By: Patricia Moore Shaffer, PhD

Principal & CEO

Embarking on a community-based participatory research project involves more than just data collection and analysis. It demands a deep dive into the heart of the community, understanding its pulse, and, most importantly, facilitating meaningful participation of community members. The success of such projects often hinges on the engagement and collaboration of local residents, whose insights, knowledge, and experiences are invaluable. Reflecting on a recent site visit to St. Paul Island, Alaska, here are some tips for facilitating community participation in a research project.

Understanding the Community Culture

Understanding the community's culture is the first step in facilitating meaningful participation. Before initiating any research project, it's crucial to immerse oneself in the community's history, values, and social dynamics. This understanding not only fosters respect but also allows researchers to tailor their approaches in ways that resonate with local residents. Engaging with community leaders and elders can provide invaluable insights into the community's heart and soul, paving the way for smoother project initiation and implementation.

Building Trust through Transparency and Communication

Trust is the cornerstone of effective community participation. Building trust starts with transparency about the research project's goals, processes, and potential benefits to the community. Establishing regular, open channels of communication is vital. This could take the form of community meetings, newsletters, or informal gatherings where updates are shared and feedback is sought. Making the research team accessible and approachable within the community can help break down barriers, making it easier for community members to express concerns, ask questions, and offer insights.

Involving the Community in the Research Process

Involving the community in the research process not only enhances the quality and relevance of the research but also fosters a sense of ownership among community members. This can be achieved by involving community members in decision-making processes, employing local residents in research activities, and facilitating community-led initiatives that complement the research objectives.

Providing Tangible Benefits and Feedback

Communities are more likely to engage in research projects when they see tangible benefits. These benefits don't always have to be financial; they can also be in the form of capacity building, improvements to local infrastructure, or contributions to local conservation efforts. Equally important is providing feedback to the community about the research findings and the project's impact. This can help sustain interest and engagement throughout the project duration and beyond.

Respecting Local Norms and Ensuring Ethical Practices

Adhering to ethical research practices is non-negotiable. This includes obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting local norms and values. It also means valuing research participants’ time by paying them the equivalent to a living wage. Sensitivity to cultural practices and traditions is particularly important in communities like St. Paul Island, where traditional ways of life are honored. Ethical practices also mean that researchers should be prepared to adapt their methodologies to ensure that they are culturally appropriate and respectful.

Leveraging Local Education and Outreach Programs

Education and outreach programs can be powerful tools for engaging communities in research projects. By partnering with local schools, community centers, and organizations, researchers can raise awareness about their projects, stimulate interest in research, and inspire local youth. Workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions can be tailored to different age groups, providing educational benefits to the community while fostering a collaborative environment for the research project.

---

Facilitating community participation in research projects requires a multifaceted approach. It involves understanding the community culture, building trust, involving the community in the research process, providing tangible benefits, respecting local norms, and leveraging education and outreach programs. Through these efforts, researchers can not only enrich their projects with valuable local insights but also contribute positively to the communities they engage with.