Review of Latest Research

PREPS’ association with Mississippi State University provides immediate access to an extensive collection of research literature, including conference papers, research reports, peer reviewed and professional journals, and government documents that are often difficult to find. Reviewing research can be an overwhelming task, particularly when you are already pressed for time by all of the demands of your position. Additionally, with assistance from MSU library’s access services PREPS can obtain information from university library systems across the southeastern region.

Perhaps your school district is considering school reform or implementing a specific program and wishes to review case studies and reports related to that reform movement or program. PREPS employs a full time educational researcher who has years of experience in reviewing and critiquing literature and ultimately writing technical papers and reports incorporating the findings of this review. Upon your request, a topic important to your district will be reviewed and critiqued and a technical paper will be provided that summarizes these findings. This can be an overview or an extensive meta analysis of related research depending on the district’s information needs. These reports may then be used to inform administrators, teachers, school boards, and other stakeholders about this issue. A sample of a review may be viewed at http://www.msstate.edu/dept/preps/files/ClassroomOrganizationalStructures.pdf

Instructional Efficiency Studies

In Mississippi, where student achievement defines the quality of a school, the quest for instructional improvement is ongoing. PREPS’ Instructional Efficiency Studies assist with the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment as a dynamic vehicle for facilitating school instructional improvement efforts. Educators who have traditionally viewed curriculum, instruction, and assessment as three separate processes now realize they are actually the integrated and interactive components of a single process. Using an instructional efficiency study to connect those seemingly unrelated ideas will reveal the valuable relationships that exist among these learning components.

The connections made in the alignment process will create learning environments where teachers may purposefully select instructional and assessment strategies that promote independent thinking among students. PREPS’ Instructional Efficiency Studies serve as a vehicle for facilitating the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, thus contributing to the improvement of teaching and learning in your schools.

One of PREPS’ continuing goals has been to assist member districts create instructional programs that are fully aligned beginning with curriculum, continuing through instruction, and culminating with strong, appropriate assessment. A well-aligned instructional program can only be created by local educators for their own students. The PREPS’ Instructional Efficiency Studies assist educators through a process that not only creates alignment but also empowers local educators.