Research Teams

Blue journal next to a laptop

The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning’s research focuses on the design and validation of intervention programs and technologies for improving outcomes for struggling adolescent learners, including students with learning disabilities, and strategies for restructuring secondary schools to raise the literacy level of all students. A significant thrust of our more recent research involves the exploration of the role new technologies can play in improving education for all students, especially those with disabilities. Our research targets not just the students who struggle, but also their families, the educators who work with them, and the communities within which they live.

Our work has expanded to encompass multiple research teams working in diverse areas. For example, research teams evaluate educational programs and systems, conduct research on blended learning environments, investigate the impact of educational technology on students with learning differences, study ways to teach higher-order reasoning skills to all students, and research ways to improve professional development and instructional coaching. This research reflects our commitment to conducting multidisciplinary studies and to forging relationships with experts across fields.

Advanced Learning Technologies in Education Consortium (ALTEC)

ALTEC designs, develops, and evaluates the effective use of educational technologies in K-12 instruction.

eLearning Collaborative (eRC)

eRC studies and develops new uses of technology to improve online learning environments and pedagogy.

Inclusive Digital Collaborative (iDEC)

iDEC provides techinal assistance to state departments working to support students with disabilities who attend virtual schools.

​Institute for Content Area Learning and Teaching (I-CALT)

I-CALT designs and validates instructional practices, strategies, and programs that significantly enhance the achievement of adolescents who struggle with learning.

Institute for Research on Adolescent Learning (IRAL)

IRAL designs and validates instructional practices, strategies, and programs that significantly enhance the achievement of adolescents who struggle with learning.

Institute for Strategic Math Interventions (ISMI)

ISMI provides a continuum of evidence-based strategies to specifically focus on conceptual knowledge of mathematics operations as well as procedural knowledge and problem-solving skills to improve achievement for all students.

Kansas Coaching Project (KCP)

KCP conducts research on instructional coaching— on-site professional development intended to teach educators how to use proven instructional methods.

Professional Development Research Institute (PDRI)

PDRI studies ways to design and deliver quality professional learning opportunities and support to teachers and other school personnel, with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement.