At the UCR School of Education, we are actively researching and developing better practices in real time that have real effects in our community, region, state and nation. Our work supports improved student outcomes, teacher outcomes, family outcomes and societal outcomes. We are driven to keep the conversation moving forward, to advance better ideas and better systems. Our commitment is to stay in motion to make the world a better place.
School Psychologist Training
The UCR School of Education APA-accredited school psychology PhD program collaborates with 15 California public school districts as well as a county public health system, children's hospital, and private practice to train highly qualified future mental health professionals to serve our community, state and nation.
Project Moving Forward
SOE researchers created a community-based program designed to integrate professional development strategies with a rigorous early childhood language and literacy program. The program includes staff development that leads to student achievement and the closing of the achievement gap in under-resourced schools. So far, this multi-award winning program has reached over 350,000+ students across CA and the U.S.
SEARCH Autism Center Clinic
SOE faculty supervise a team of SOE graduate students from Special Education and School Psychology to provide free autism assessments to the Inland Empire community. Assessments are in English and Spanish, as needed. In addition, the SEARCH Clinic holds “Office Hours” where residents can bring any question about autism.
Teacher Education IMPACT
The IMPACT (Influencing and Mentoring Partnering Academics and Cooperative Teaching) Summer Institute brings together faculty, staff, Supervisors of Teacher Education, district cooperative teachers and administrators to offer intensive professional development, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. The institute equips educators with innovative teaching strategies founded in research that support diverse student populations.
STEM Educator Institute
Working in partnership with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, SOE faculty organized a professional development workshop series for local K-12 STEM educators. Teachers participated in active learning instructional strategies using real-world problem solving applications to enhance in person and online STEM curriculum and improve STEM student outcomes.
Big Bet on Math Initiative
Funded by the Gates Foundation, the math "Big Bet" will develop new courseware for first-year Calculus using technology-based tools to guide learning based on a new platform that incorporates pedagogical best practices for cognitive development. The goal is to make significant improvements to the learning outcomes of students needing to master material in "barrier" courses to STEM education, beginning with first year calculus.
Autism Goes to College
UCR faculty and students produce a very personal podcast series that emanates from the award-winning documentary Autism Goes to College. Hosted by a UCR Ph.D. student, the podcast invites current autistic students and recent graduates to discuss their life experiences growing up, getting into college and navigating life on campus.
AP Readiness
The SOE, UCLA and the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) partner to allow students to work with master Math, Science, Social Science and English instructors, who prepare them for the rigorous curriculum that they will face in AP courses. Concurrently, their AP teachers observe and learn from the master instructors, gathering a framework for how to successfully conduct an AP course. This unique program allows for students and teachers to learn together.
Summer STEAM Academy
The STEAM Academy is a free two-week, academic experience providing quality STEM programming for middle and high school students with a specific focus on those who are under-performing, but have high potential and high interest. Students engage in hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
Middle School Initiatives
The SOE Middle School Initiatives fills the void that so many middle schoolers experience regarding college preparation, especially in under-resourced schools. With college visitation days, essay contests, 8th grade promotion sponsorships, book drives and school visits, UCR faculty and staff connect with middle schoolers and build their self-esteem about going to college.