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.
“Our close relationships with educational professionals, doctors, and licensed psychologists allow our trainees to support positive outcomes for students while developing skills that will impact countless children and families.”
– Austin Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies
"This program allowed me to explore what it means to be a school psychologist and I'm really excited to start working after graduation!" Jane Smith, class of '25
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.
“Emergent bilinguals and other diverse learners in under-resourced schools are capable of learning a rigorous curriculum. Through meaning-based, constructive learning they can master the foundational literacy skills needed for school success.”
— Linda Ventriglia-Navarrette, Ph.D., Director of Project Moving Forward
"This program allowed me to explore what it means to be a school psychologist and I'm really excited to start working after graduation!" Jane Smith, class of '25
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.
“Our latest SEARCH initiative is a pilot effort to develop a neurodiversity-affirming and age-appropriate assessment protocol for college students who suspect that they have autism.” – Katherine Meltzoff, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of SEARCH Center
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. Additionally, it provides a research platform, allowing educators and scholars to collaborate and study the effectiveness of instructional methods, classroom engagement, and equity-driven practices.
“The insights gained directly from IMPACT inform and improve teacher education, shaping the next generation of educators and enhancing student learning outcomes.” – Frances Valdovinos, M.Ed., Assistant Dean and Director of Teacher Education
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.
“Seeing firsthand NASA’s research facilities, including JPL’s spacecraft assembly facility and Mars rover projects, allows teachers to experience the thrill of scientific exploration. The goal is for educators to carry this inspiration and knowledge back to their schools, where they can foster a greater connection between students and real-world 21st-century STEM challenges.” – Cathy Lussier, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Teaching, Co-Director of the California Teach-Science Math Initiative
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.
“As the demand side partner, our team will provide input to the courseware, test the courseware, and collect data. We will collaborate with multiple participating mathematics departments across different types of institutions and different public university systems.” – Anthony Muro Villa III, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of STEM Teaching and Learning
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.
“It is estimated that 2% of college students have autism, and that number is rising. This series opens our eyes to the many challenges they’ve overcome and the many triumphs they achieve almost daily.” – Jan Blacher, Distinguished Professor of Education and UC Presidential Chair
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.
“This program works to improve the teaching abilities of AP instructors while simultaneously giving students the skills they will need to be successful in college level classes.” – James Keipp, Director AP Readiness Program
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).
“Participants engage their creativity, enhance their approach to problem solving, and develop communication and critical thinking skills. Plus they join a community of achievers who become more self-determined to succeed in college and in life.” – Joi A. Spencer, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, UCR School of Education
Middle School Initiatives
The SOE Middle School 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. Working with partner schools all over the Inland Empire, the Middle School Initiatives impact local students during a critical time in their life and prepares students to get prepared for college.
“We want to kick start conversations about college, share resources, and help every student believe that you can do this! You belong in college.” – Elizabeth Benitez, M.Ed., Middle School Initiatives Coordinator
Research News
