Department of Educational Research & Assessment

The Department of Educational Research and Assessment manages many types of information in support of the instructional mission of USD 500. DERA sometimes takes a highly visible role, as in coordinating large scale student assessment programs, and other times provides background support to schools and district programs. The common thread among all of DERA's activities is that data from innumerable sources is collected and interpreted to inform instructional decision making.

Some of the major functions embodied in DERA include:

• Implementation of Kansas, local, and norm-referenced assessment programs, involving our more than 20,000 students.

• Coordination of the annual student count and enrollment projections.

• Monitoring school progress under state and federal mandates, and providing data support to schools in maintaining accreditation.

• Organizing information from the student database and other sources to prepare numerous reports required by state and federal agencies.

• Providing coordination and support to research projects and program evaluation efforts in partnership with a multitude of agencies and institutions.

DERA is composed of eight senior and support staff positions, and functions primarily in project-directed teams. Most projects require the unique contributions of several members, and every member is engaged in multiple projects at any given moment. The department formally reports to the Superintendent of Schools, but works collaboratively with executive directors, principals, program specialists, and many others to inform instruction.