Although measuring the results of conducted research is extremely important, many research efforts in rural education struggle to provide high-quality research analysis. With sound measurement methods in place, the institutes' researchers can frame research questions to focus on rurality.
The Measurement Science Collaborative Research Core supports activities across the three primary research cores to ensure quality measurement, scoring and analysis. This core assists with developing new methodologies, constructing research designs and conducting analyses.
This team focuses on problems of measurement practice unique to rural environments,
such as small subgroup sample size and construct invariance across settings. By working together, our interdisciplinary team can identify and leverage many of
the strengths and protective factors inherent in rural schools and communities. These
include the tight-knit nature of those communities, low student-teacher ratios in
rural school and the potential of extreme benefit from introducing innovative technologies.
While sound measurement is a crucial component of research, these activities are often lacking, especially in rural literature. By bringing a strong focus on proper measurement and analysis of the research being conducted, we can provide clear insights into how our efforts are impacrting rural students and build future research off of those results.
Measurements collected can also offer policymakers impactful results, possibly resulting
in future policies and/or policy changes that could impact rural education.
Through this research, rural teachers receive the insight and lesson plan ideas they need to carry out STEM content and career development programs. With more exposure to STEM education and career paths, South Carolina's large population of rural students will develop the skills needed to pursue successful STEM careers.
The institute's project for middle and high school students will involve developing health science content and immersive virtual reality activities. Introducing rural students to health science career opportunities through virtual reality experiences will help develop a strong STEM workforce in South Carolina.
According to the 2020 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, fewer than 1 in 4 students in South Carolina are ready for kindergarten. The institute's program for preschool students will create an integrated curriculum that promotes the development of the gross motor skills required with coding and robotics.
The institute's creation of holistic educational programs and procedures that work effectively in rural school settings alleviates some of the burden on school teachers. Supporting rural teachers will help improve educational outcomes for the many rural students in South Carolina.