PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (July 18, 2024) – Justin Bryant, Ph.D., has been awarded $35,000 in grant funding by the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Bryant is an assistant professor in the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education at Prairie View A&M University.

The AERA Fellowship on the Study of Deeper Learning (SDL) offers professional development and support for early scholars pursing research to improve secondary and post-secondary outcomes for first-generation and low-income students, many who are often high academic achievers pursing fields in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Deeper Learning data, collected and maintained by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), derives from network schools who directly, or tangentially, implement the Deeper Learning Model that aims to provide K-12 learners with the necessary competencies for the 21st century. From the generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) will provide activities to enhance research skills and scholarly development of AERA-SDL fellows. Fellows will also have the opportunity to directly collaborate with senior scholars in their field to aid in the production of conference presentations, manuscripts, and/or policy reports from analyses using the Deeper Learning data.

The AIR Deeper Learning dataset includes student survey data on deeper learning opportunities, intra- and inter-personal competencies, and perceptions of their schools. It also includes student assessment data from the PISA-Based Test for School (PBTS) in English language arts, mathematics, and science, as well as high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment information. Teacher survey data provide insights into each school’s academic culture and the relationships between faculty, administrators, and students. Qualitative data such as school case reports, teacher assignments, student work samples, and interviews with principals offer rich details about the educational setting. These reports and interviews cover topics like school culture, goals, instructional strategies, leadership, and deeper learning supports.

These comprehensive data sets allow researchers to explore connections between high school experiences and outcomes such as graduation, postsecondary trajectories, degree completion, and workforce participation. Key staff members at AIR are collaborating with AERA to facilitate data access and training development.

By Joe McGinty