Our Current Evaluation Projects
As an independent, external evaluator, REA may engage in front-end, formative, and summative evaluation efforts. Examples of current and recent evaluation projects include:
- California Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS), a summer program for high school students with demonstrated interest and achievement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) held on four campuses of the University of California each summer. REA has served as the COSMOS evaluator for most of the life of the program, producing both bi-annual reports to the California legislature and numerous “white papers” and special reports requested by the Advisory Board and private individuals and organizations that provide approximately half of the program’s funding. Funder: California State Legislature & Private Foundations.
- After School Mathematics and Science (ASMS). REA team members conduct the evaluation of ASMS, a program designed to support afterschool instructors in their use of high quality math and science materials and to provide them with the materials to implement science in afterschool programs. Funder: California Department of Education.
- Kepler Mission Education and Public Outreach. REA conducts evaluation of components of the education and public outreach programs of NASA's Kepler mission, including school curriculum, a planetarium show, and radio broadcasts. Funder: NASA
- Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) – California. REA serves as the independent evaluators for this multifaceted program dedicated to enhancing the general public’s understanding and appreciation of the ocean. Funder: National Science Foundation.
- Communicating Ocean Science to Informal Audiences (COSIA). REA staff serve as the internal evaluator for this NSF-funded project designed to help the next generation of ocean scientists learn how to more effectively communicate their research to the public. Funder: National Science Foundation.
- Full Option Science System (FOSS) Multi-media Components. REA staff evaluate the implementation of the multimedia materials that support implementation of FOSS curriculum—a hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum that addresses a variety of science topics. Funder: Full Option Science System.
- Universal Design for Learning Science Notebook. REA team members are involved in formative evaluation for this research and development project. Project collaborators include: The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), Full Option Science System, Gargani & Company, Inc. Funder: Institute for Educational Sciences.
Our Pricing
The cost of our evaluation services varies depending on the scale and scope of the project and funder requirements. Generally, we estimate that the cost of a high-quality evaluation equals approximately 10 to 15 percent of the overall project budget. We work closely with project leadership to develop a budget that meets the needs and budget of your particular project.
Our Reporting and Presentation Services
REA researchers are frequently asked to present our findings to various and diverse audiences. We routinely present findings briefings to project participants, project leaders and developers, organizational boards, and policymaking bodies. We also often present public findings at national, state, and regional conferences such as the Association of Science-Technology Centers, American Educational Research Association, Coalition for Science After School, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, National Association of Research in Science Teaching, National Science Teachers Association, and the California School-Age Consortium. Finally, we produce a variety of report types (formal printed evaluation reports; web-based reports; legislative reports; research and policy briefs; etc.) depending on the needs of the particular project and its funders.
Examples of recent reports are available upon request. To discuss your evaluation needs, please contact Rena Dorph, REA Center Director, at rdorph@berkeley.edu (510) 642-6477.
