Evaluation

ISU College of Engineering Climate Study
Brandi Geisinger and Mari Kemis are working with the ISU College of Engineering to evaluate the climate of the college for a diverse body of undergraduate students. RISE compiled a survey instrument informed by the scientific literature (e.g., Rankin & Reason, 2008) and designed to meet the specific needs of the college. Focus groups are planned to take place with specific groups of underrepresented students. Read More
Iowa’s Symbi GK-12 Project
The Symbi evaluation addresses critical questions at the intersection of graduate research in biorenewable chemicals, communication of science topics to non-technical audiences, and middle school STEM education in Iowa. Read More
Iowa’s Information Technology, Healthcare, Utilities, and Manufacturing (IHUM) – Hawkeye Community College
RISE serves as the external evaluator on the IHUM project. The evaluation of the IHUM project assesses program benefits, strengths, and challenges in implementing the project at each participating community college. In addition, will examine the extent to which participation in the IHUM Program impacts labor force outcomes for participants (e.g., wages, jobs) as well as the affect participation has on completion of awards (e.g, certificate, degree, diploma). Read More
Iowa STEM Education Evaluation (I-SEE)
RISE is responsible for conducting a process evaluation that examines resources, needs, facilitating conditions, and barriers to the development and growth of the Iowa statewide STEM initiative. Read More
Iowa Science Phenomena
Iowa PBS and RISE partnered to develop a pilot study that introduced teachers to the Science Phenomena website and educational materials. Pilot testing included selection of school districts, teacher trainings, classroom observations, student feedback, and teacher surveys. Read More
Iowa Department of Education Guided Pathways
A key role of the Iowa Guided Pathways multi-year evaluation is to provide feedback to the Iowa Department of Education and the 15 community colleges in Iowa as they implement a series of reforms to support student completion. Evaluators from the Research Institute for Studies in Education (RISE) collected data from of each participating community college to learn more about their perceived experiences, successes, and challenges related to implementing Guided Pathways on their campuses and their experiences in identifying and working towards goals related to equity and Work-Based Learning. Read More
Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services
RISE is conducting an extensive evaluation to identify the impacts and outcomes of projects supported by the Volunteer Generation Fund. This will allow the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Services and its grantees to make continuous, data-driven improvements to volunteer services across the state of Iowa. Read More
Iowa Advanced-Manufacturing (I-AM): A Talent Success Strategy for the 21st Century Workforce – Des Moines Community College
RISE serves as the external evaluator on the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM) project. The evaluation of the I-AM project assesses program benefits, strengths, and challenges in implementing the project at each participating community college. In addition, RISE will examine the extent to which participation in an I-AM Signature Program (e.g., welding, machining, industrial maintenance) has an affect on completion of awards/certificates/degree/diplomas and wages. Read More
International Studies: Mandarin Chinese Evaluation
RISE serves as external evaluator for the Minnesota "District 196 International Studies: Mandarin Chinese" project to implement courses in Chinese language and culture in grades K-12. Read More
Information Technology-Credentials to Careers (ITC2) – Iowa Western Community College
RISE serves as the external evaluator on the Information Technology-Credentials to Careers (ITC2) project. The evaluation of the ITC2project assesses program benefits, strengths, and challenges in implementing the project at each participating community college. In addition, will examine the extent to which participation in the ITC2 Program has impacted labor force outcomes for participants (e.g., wages, jobs) as well as the impact on completion of awards (i.e., certificates, degrees, diplomas). Read More