Vision

To be a premier educational research and evaluation support unit in the School of Education, the College of Health and Human Sciences, Iowa State University, and beyond.

Mission

To support the educational research and evaluation efforts at Iowa State University through high quality support of faculty research, rigorous design and implementation of evaluation processes, and the extensive development and application of professional skills for graduate students.

Focus

Our staff expertise and research and evaluation projects predominantly focus on three broad areas: PK-12 education, higher education, and community programs. Each of these areas includes one or more of the following topics. Please contact us to not only learn more about our projects, services, and expertise, but also explore opportunities for potential collaboration.

PK12Higher EducationCommunity Programs
Adult education and career training
Campus climate
Community college initiatives
Equity, diversity, and inclusion
Health and well-being
Policy reform and implementation
Professional development
Research and evaluation methodology
Social, emotional, and behavioral initiatives
STEM education and initiatives
Student experience
Student learning and development outcomes
Teacher preparation and instructional practices

History

Since 1974, the Research Institute for Studies in Education (RISE) has supported excellence in educational research, evaluation, and assessment at Iowa State University, in the state of Iowa, nationally, and internationally. As a unit in the School of Education, RISE staff provide practical and leadership experiences for graduate students, collaborate with faculty on research and evaluation efforts, and engage in instruction.

RISE staff support institutional research activities, conduct evaluations of academic programs, and contribute data for institutional improvement, policy development, accreditation, and program review. RISE staff have expertise in program and project evaluation using advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as well as survey research and development, data management, and reporting services for clients both on and off campus.