Welcome
Welcome to our web site. This is an interesting time in education as we embark on meeting the mandates of "No Child Left Behind" legislation (NCLB). Not only must we be accountable as educators, but an impact of our teaching efforts must also be demonstrated. Within individual states, these accountability and impact issues must be addressed at all levels (e.g., the classroom level, the district level, the intermediate agency level, and the state department of education level).
In Iowa, where local control is the option, NCLB creates the need for a multidimensional approach to the assessment of student learning that is reflected in improved achievement scores in mathematics, literacy (reading), and science. Further, in Iowa, these efforts are being initiated in a systematic state-wide effort reflecting a cooperative effort between the Iowa Department of Education and institutions of higher education.
The Psychology in Education Research Lab (PERL) is a group of professionals seeking to provide credible data for schools and policy makers for decision-making and policymaking purposes relative to the NCLB mandate. This web site provides information about our current projects and resources. The strength of PERL is expertise in measurement, research design, statistical analysis and the use of state of the art technology for data delivery, data collection and IP video conferencing. This expertise provides the basis for developing credible, scientifically based data that will meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation.
Gary Phye, Director
Psychology in Education Research Lab
