IES Predoctoral Program Seminar: Dr. Jill Bowdon

The University of Pennsylvania Predoctoral Training Program in Interdisciplinary Research Methods for Field-based Research in Education, sponsored by the Institute for Education Sciences (IES), welcomes Dr. Jill Bowdon to our weekly seminar series.

Improving Literacy through Evidence: Research Use through a Researcher-Practitioner Partnership

Presented by Dr. Jill Bowdon, Senior Researcher, AIR

Education leaders in Illinois wanted to address gaps in early literacy development among groups of kindergarten students. In 2017, they partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest to form the Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance (MECERA). Over the past five years, the alliance has helped partners at the Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois school districts, and other agencies in using data and research to improve students’ literacy outcomes in kindergarten through grade 3. In this presentation, Jill Bowdon, Ph.D., will present on three of the applied research studies MECERA completed during this five-year contract. In addition, Dr. Bowdon will discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy partnership and proactive ways to disseminate research findings.

More information
The IES Predoctoral Program’s weekly seminar series connects program fellows and affiliates to scholars and practitioners who engage in educational research and the development of research methods.

 Seminars are likely of interest to doctoral students and faculty. If you are interested in attending virtually, please email Melanie Bahti for Zoom information.