Education Research And Evaluation Scholar Award

Opportunity for Education Research and Evaluation Scholar Award

Executive Summary

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Research and Evaluation project is an initiative to make full use of the robust data sets in the Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS), and other data sources to answer priority questions from the PDE research agenda, to form collaborative research partnerships, and to increase PDE’s capacity to conduct research. Through this Education Research and Evaluation Scholar Award initiative, PDE is offering the opportunity of four awards not to exceed $6250 per award for graduate students or faculty at colleges and universities to conduct research aligned with the PDE Research Agenda questions. Applicants must submit a Research Scholar application for review by PDE. Those applicants selected will receive a $6250 award to be used to fulfill the research or analysis activities for the proposed research project.

PDE Research and Evaluation Scholar awards are available to support graduate student or faculty research linked to the PDE research agenda priorities and utilizing data from the commonwealth’s statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) which is PIMS. These awards are meant to fund research and evaluation efforts that will strengthen the infrastructure of the p-16+ system in Pennsylvania to inform policy and programmatic decisions that will lead to improved programs and better outcomes for students. Research project applications should center on the PDE priority questions and research and evaluation goals. Please review the background on the PDE Research and Evaluation Project and access the state Research Agenda at https://www.education.pa.gov/DataAndReporting/ResearchEvaluation/Pages/default.aspx

Awards are dependent upon a review of the Research Scholars Application, relevance to the PDE Research Agenda, and Department interest. Research Scholar awards will be for a total of one year if approved. Research Scholar applicants may submit an application for only one award and provide a proposal of research that will address questions relevant to state priorities.

Purpose

Research Scholar awards will provide funds to support graduate student or faculty research that is aligned with the goals and priorities as outlined in PDE’s Research Agenda, while, where available, utilizing SLDS data. One of the goals of the Research and Evaluation project is to use research results to inform program and policy decisions thus turning data into insights and insights into better policies for students, families, educators, and communities across the commonwealth. Research areas of interest to PDE correspond to the priority areas listed below. In some cases, data already exists and can be used for research and evaluation efforts. This data is available upon request and after the completion of the PDE Institutional Review Board (IRB) process. Research Scholar applications can focus on the following primary topic areas and associated sub-topic areas (specific research questions can be found at https://www.education.pa.gov/DataAndReporting/ResearchEvaluation/Pages/Research-Agenda.aspx):

• PK-20 Policy

• General

• Evidence-based Grantmaking

• Early Childhood Education

• Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) and Early Childhood Workforce

• School Readiness

• K-12 Education

• Accountability & School Supports

• Career Readiness

• Charter Schools & School Choice

• English Learner (EL) Education

• Enrollment and Attendance

• Instructional Time Flexibility

• STEM Education

• School Climate

• School Libraries

• Educator Preparation, Retention, & Supports

• Postsecondary Education

• Adult Basic Education

• College Affordability

• Access to Postsecondary Education

• Access: Perkins

• Postsecondary Progression

• Completion

• Transfer and Articulation

• Workforce

• Public Libraries

Scope

The PDE Research and Evaluation project has funds available to invest in research and evaluation efforts that will utilize existing data to answer research questions prioritized in the PDE research agenda. PDE will contribute $6250 per Research Scholar award to support high-quality research projects that lead to informed decision making for policy and programs to positively influence student outcomes. Research Scholar award recipients will gain expedited facilitation with the PDE IRB application process, as well as, facilitating recipients’ access to data available from the commonwealth’s SLDS - PIMS, as appropriate. Upon project completion, the PDE Research Team is committed to collaborating and working with award recipients to produce Research Briefs based on findings that may be published to the PDE Research and Evaluation website (Research Reports (pa.gov)).

To ensure that research or analysis addresses the needs of PDE, applicants are encouraged to: (1) develop projects that align with state priorities, and address one or more of the research questions listed in the PDE Research Agenda document, and (2) consult with the PDE Research and Evaluation Manager during project design and prior to application submission.

The specific goals of the PDE Research and Evaluation Scholar Awards are:

1. To support graduate students and faculty research efforts aligned to the goals and priorities as outlined in the PDE Research Agenda.

2. To encourage collaboration between PDE and external research organizations.

Requirements

• Complete and Sign Research Scholar Award Application.

• Graduate student applicants must include an official transcript showing his/her completed graduate coursework and a current curriculum vitae.

• If a graduate student applicant does not have an approved dissertation proposal at the time of application, the application must include a statement of assurance that the project or analysis can be successfully completed within one year from date that funding begins.

• Faculty Mentorship – Letter of Support. The faculty mentor shall submit a letter of support expressing explicit approval of the application and commitment to monitoring the conduct of the student’s research or analysis. Also, the faculty mentor shall verify the student’s progress, anticipated graduation date, and that the funds will be used to support the student’s research and/or analysis.

• If the applicant is a graduate student, the faculty mentor must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in the respective field, conduct research as a primary professional responsibility, and have a record of publication in accepted journals in their field. Acceptable evidence of eligibility includes a current curriculum vitae.

• Institutional Review Board Submission. If the applicant is awarded a research scholar award, they must submit the project for approval by the IRB at PDE. IRB information for PDE can be completed using information that was submitted in the application or for University IRB approval. Applicant will be aided in completion of PDE IRB requirements by the Research and Evaluation Team.

• Data Use Agreement. If the applicant is awarded a research scholar award, they will be required to sign a Data Usage Agreement with the PDE. This step occurs after receiving PDE IRB approval.

• Consultation/Collaboration with PDE. Applicants shall address issues of significance related to PDE research priorities and utilize sound research methodology and/or analyses to answer proposed research questions. Links between the proposed topic and PDE’s research priorities should be clearly stated and expounded upon in the application. Awarded applicants must consult with the PDE Research and Evaluation Manager to refine the project proposal, as necessary, to ensure that the design and methodology best addresses questions of interest, utilizes appropriate data, and the data needed to address proposed research questions is available through PDE.

• Research Review and Publishing. Any publications developed from these awards that is collaborative in nature should acknowledge PDE and the research team members associated with approval, implementation, and oversight. Recipients must agree to work with the PDE Research Team to develop a Research Brief that may be published to the PDE Research and Evaluation Website (Research Reports (pa.gov)). Recipients must also agree to present their research and associated findings to the Research and Evaluation stakeholder group, and may be invited to present at the PDE Data Summit that is typically held in March of each year at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey PA.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include 1) graduate students, and 2) faculty. Applicants must be from accredited public, state-controlled, or private higher education institutions.

Application Review

The review of proposals will be a three-part process.

1) Applications will be pre-screened for application submission requirements and inclusion of all required sections. Applicants not meeting all pre-screening requirements will not be reviewed for possible funding.

2) A review committee established by PDE will review and evaluate applications. The committee will be composed of representatives from the Research and Evaluation Team and a representative selected from the PDE Research and Evaluation Stakeholder Group. (Applicants may be asked to supply additional information if needed, as determined by the review committee.)

3) The Research and Evaluation Manager and the PDE Director of Compliance will determine final approval for awards. Applicants will be reviewed based on the link between the research questions and analysis proposed, and relevance to PDE research priorities, the soundness of their application, methodology and analyses proposed. The application review process will include the following:

Phase I: Has applicant provided a list of research questions to be addressed that are related to the PDE Research Agenda Topics and Questions?

If no, applicant will not be reviewed for possible funding.

If yes, applicant will move forward to Phase II of application review and will be scored based on the following:

• Cover Sheet (5 Points): The cover page is complete.

• Data Requested (10 Points): Extent to which the data needed and requested is well-defined, including a discussion of how the data requested will be used to meet research or analysis objectives and discussion of the protection of personally identifiable information is included and reasonable.

• Project Abstract (10 Points): Extent to which the abstract is descriptive and provides sufficient information on the project description, methods, proposed analyses, and implications of the research or analysis.

• Introduction (20 Points): Extent to which the introduction provides detailed information on the research questions and related hypotheses to be addressed. Extent to which information is provided on the nature and scope of the priorities being addressed and related activities. Quality of discussion of how the proposed research or analyses will contribute to further understanding.

• Methods (20 Points): Extent to which the population and sample to be included are defined, and detailed information is provided on strategies for sample selection and identification of methods that will be used to ensure subgroup population representation and generalizability of results. Extent to which the sample size is sufficient for proposed analytical techniques.

Extent to which a plan of action is provided that shows a clear relationship to the goals and objectives related to stated research questions and priorities of interest. Extent to which information on measures and procedures is identified and the strategies show support of the goal(s) and objective(s) and are measurable showing a relationship to the stated research questions or hypotheses.

• Proposed Data Analysis (20 Points): Extent to which variables to be measured are clearly identified and statistical techniques are appropriate to answer the research questions and stated hypotheses. Extent to which statistical tests are appropriate and adequate given the data and sample requested.

• Implications/Anticipated Benefits (10 Points): Extent to which the implications of findings from research or analyses are clearly and extensively discussed and provide adequate information on the anticipated benefits for individual subjects or class of subjects, and for improving instructional or educational outcomes.

• Project Timeline (5 Points): Extent to which the timeframe for completion is clearly stated and aligned to stated goals and activities. Quality of the discussion of activities and their relationship to stated goals and objectives, and initiation/completion dates. Extent to which the time needed to complete is reasonable given the methods and analytical techniques proposed.

Application Submission Closing Date: Friday, May 8th

Award Notification: Award recipients will be notified no later than Friday, May 15, 2026.

Total Funds Available: $6250 (Per award) x 4 Awards ($25,000 Total)

Length of Awards: June 18, 2026 through June 17, 2027

Estimated Number of Awards: 4 Awards

Estimated Average Award Amount: The $6250 award will be disseminated after receipt of invoice at time of PDE IRB approval. Payments will be made directly to award recipient.

Fund Use

These awards are specifically to fund research and evaluation efforts for students working toward their dissertation or faculty researchers. Although the research requirements are focused on education, it is not limited to only schools of education. Students and faculty from other schools may also apply. Cost(s) incurred prior to the approval of the award may not be funded through the award. Only costs incurred during the award periods may be claimed.

Indirect Costs: Because of the amount of the award, we are asking that indirect costs by institutions be waived or not exceed 5 percent of the award.

Reporting Requirements

Award recipients must submit:

• Mid project progress report, a 1-2-page report describing objectives, hypotheses, findings, and potential implications for remainder of the award.

• Completion of a final report at the end of the project that includes project details, methodology, findings, and supportive graphs or tables. A Research Brief (A document prepared based off the Final Report) will be developed in collaboration with the PDE Research Team. This may be posted to the PDE Research and Evaluation Website. It must be reviewed and receive final approval from PDE executive leadership to be posted to PDE’s Research and Evaluation webpage.

• The grantee may be invited to present at the PDE Data Summit occurring in March each year.

Applications Submission Details: Please submit applications electronically

Subject line: PDE Education Research Scholar Award Application 2026 – (Name of applicant)

Attention: Falina Jumper, Procurement Specialist 2

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Division of Procurement and Account Payables

Email: fjumper@pa.gov

Phone: (717) 783-5768

Non-Discrimination Statement - See attached Terms and Conditions

Program Office Contact

Ms. Candy M. Miller, Research and Evaluation Manager

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Compliance Office

Office of Administration

607 South Drive,

Harrisburg, PA 17120

Phone : (717) 705-6499

Email: c-candmill@pa.gov