The Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) study—which was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—examined how different evaluation methods might be combined to provide teachers with feedback about effective practices and help districts identify quality teaching. Quantitative and video data from the MET study has been archived at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR). The program for early-career researchers will capitalize on this wealth of information and develop the capacity of young researchers to conduct meaningful research on teaching effectiveness. Brian Rowan will oversee the award, which will be administered jointly by the ISR and the National Academy of Education. The program will grant researchers access to the resources of the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research through operation of a secure data enclave known as the Measures of Effective Teaching Longitudinal Database (MET LDB). The William T. Grant and Spencer Foundations will each support a set of five early-career researchers—within five years of an advanced degree—to conduct secondary data analysis of MET LDB. Rowan will lead the ISR and National Academy of Education in developing and distributing an RFP, guiding the proposal review process, and selecting grantees. Following a grants competition in fall 2012, grantees will be authorized to engage with the MET LDB between February 2013 and February 2014. Grantees will receive technical assistance, network with other grantees, and connect with experienced researchers within and outside of the MET community. The ISR will also provide grantees with opportunities for dissemination, including videoconferencing, symposium at conferences, and a possible edited volume.
The program for early-career researchers will capitalize on this wealth of information and develop the capacity of young researchers to conduct meaningful research on teaching effectiveness.
