Overview Whatever your research and evaluation needs, we have the academic training and methodological expertise across a wide range of education programs - from PK-12 to professional schools and universities - to yield reliable data that can help you develop efficient quality improvement and decision-making strategies. For 25 years, we have been providing expertise in research design, instrument development, data collection, database design/management, and data analysis to the education sector. Moreover, we work collaboratively with you to customize an evaluation plan to achieve your objectives. "Vital Research brings an objective point of view and invaluable analytical skills to their research and evaluation for the Rossier School. They tailor their approach to give us the information we need and continually look for ways to support us. That's why we keep partnering with them." - Karen Symms Gallagher, Ph.D. Dean, Rossier School of Education University of Southern California OUR AREAS OF EXPERTISE Vital Research has provided research and evaluation expertise to many types of education programs. Following is a sample: Preschool Education Evaluation of programs to increase the level of training to early childhood education teachers and assistants, improve services for preschool children with special needs, and enhance early learning and literacy. School Reform Evaluation of K-12 statewide reform initiative designed to improve low performing schools in California. Evaluation of an outreach program focused on assisting low-performing high schools to generate and implement their local plans. After-School Programs Evaluation of After School Education and Safety (ASES) program and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) to enhance academic achievement. Evaluation of external programs (e.g., Kaplan Programs, Sylvan Learning Systems) offered after school to improve K-12 achievement. School-Based Intervention Programs Gang prevention program focused around 26 middle schools in a large urban school district. Evaluation of a federally-funded physical fitness intervention for elementary schools in a school district. Class Size Reduction Program School district-wide evaluation of class-size reduction. Retention of Minority Students in College Evaluation to identify factors that predict student satisfaction. University Course and Professor Evaluations Course and faculty evaluations and tracking to facilitate student and faculty feedback. Study to identify factors that predict retention. Teacher Professional Development Evaluation of mentoring program focused on increasing the skills of experienced teachers. Evaluation of a program to expedite credentialing of teachers with Emergency Permits. Evaluation of new models of teacher preparation implemented by California State University, Dominguez Hill under grant funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement. Workforce Training Programs Evaluation of several community college Workforce Initiative grantees whose objective is to recruit and develop a career pathway from high school to a four year college for those interested in early childhood education. Evaluation of a healthcare workforce program to train incumbent workers in the Los Angeles Department of Health Services to fill critical shortages in nursing and other allied health professions.