“This initiative exemplifies the power of cross-unit collaboration in tackling complex educational challenges,” said Thomasenia Adams, associate dean for research and faculty development. “By aligning research expertise within the College of Education with the Center’s strategic priorities, we will be able to generate insights that not only strengthen our scholarly impact but also directly inform practice in classrooms and communities.”
The open competitive process invited UF College of Education faculty to submit project proposals that focus on improving teaching, learning, and childcare through data analysis. Proposals were reviewed for alignment to the Center’s goals and current research efforts. The committee moved forward with funding four projects:
- Wei Li, Ph.D., School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, Education Policy Research Center
- Project: Designing quasi-experimental methodology parameters that evaluate casual impacts for future research and evaluation.
- Anthony Botelho, Ph.D., and Avery Closser, Ph.D., School of Teaching and Learning, Institute of Advanced Learning Technologies
- Project: Exploring longitudinal patterns and impacts of teacher professional learning on student performance and outcomes in literacy and mathematics.
- Rob Moore, Ph.D., School of Teaching and Learning, Institute of Advanced Learning Technologies
- Project: How teacher participation in professional learning affects student literacy outcomes.
- Walter Leite, Ph.D., School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, Institute of Advanced Learning Technologies
- Project: Fostering positive reading experiences through New Worlds Reading family engagement resources.
“At the Lastinger Center, we believe that meaningful progress in education is achieved through strong partnerships and shared purpose,” said Phil Poekert, director of the Lastinger Center. “We are proud to support these faculty-led projects, which reflect the depth of innovation and expertise within the College of Education. By aligning our efforts, we are advancing research that has the potential to inform and improve educational practices and student outcomes across the state of Florida.”