Evidence for Education
Evidence for Education is produced by the Partnership for Public Education out of the University of Delaware. E4E's goal is to highlight UD research and make it accessible to teachers, administrators, policy makers, and education advocates.
Supporting Disciplinary Literacy with GenAI: Using technology to promote deeper learning
In this episode, we explore how educators in grades 6–12 can integrate GenAI tools without compromising academic rigor or student voice. Grounded in principles of disciplinary literacy, we examine how educators can shift from “policing” AI to “partnering” with it to support reading, writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Joined by Rachel Karchmer-Klein, associate professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, we discuss a practical, literacy-centered approach to GenAI in the modern classroom. Moving beyond fear-based narratives, this conversation highlights how this technology can serve as a scaffold for problem-solving and deeper learning. Whether you work with adolescent...
Learning Mathematics Together: Revolutionizing professional learning through collective power
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we talk with Lynsey Gibbons, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Delaware, Jody Guarino at the Orange County Department of Education, and Karen Knudson and Maggie Villegas from Tustin Unified School District to discuss their long-term research-practice partnership around professional learning in elementary mathematics education.
They have facilitated productive professional learning programs that deeply engage teachers and schools. These initiatives entail sustained and structured opportunities to build teachers’ capabilities through structured collaborative planning and professional learning routines. The guests will share their experiences and insights on their lo...
Move to Learn: Engaging families for babies’ development through physical movement
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we talk with Dr. Michele Lobo, an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy at University of Delaware, about the powerful connection between movement, early intervention, and child development. Dr. Lobo’s work sheds light on how effective early intervention and parent engagement can enhance child development outcomes, as well as the importance of physical movement in child development and learning.
If you care about parent education, early intervention, early childhood development, and research dissemination, this episode offers insight, evidence, and hope. We dive into the story behind her work and how no...
Misinformation or Disinformation?: Fostering digital citizenship and information literacy in students
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we talk with Dr. Matt Kinservik, Professor of English at University of Delaware, about the differences between misinformation and disinformation, digital citizenship, and information literacy in students in the wake of artificial intelligence. Dr. Kinservik’s work focuses on how to foster digital citizenship in education, as well as the importance of learning and living in this new AI era.
If you care about democratic discourse, digital citizenship, and information literacy in K-12 settings, this episode offers insight, evidence, and hope. We dive into the story behind his work and wh...
Engineering For the Future: How to Support Educators and Students in STEAM Learning
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we talk with Dr. Jenni Buckley, a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Delaware, about the powerful connection between mechanical engineering, community engagement, and student learning. Dr. Buckley’s work sheds light on how a well-designed engineering curriculum can enhance student learning outcomes and create meaningful changes in our daily lives. We explore how these effects vary across academic environments, communities, and teacher experience levels.
If you care about engineering, science education, STEAM learning, research-practice partnership, or professional development, this episode offers insight, evidence, and hope. Tune in to le...
Equity in Every Language: How Project DELITE Supports Teachers and MLLs
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we’re joined by Dr. Nigel Caplan, Dr. Adrian Pasquarella, and Jamie Janick, the team behind Project DELITE at the University of Delaware, for an urgent and inspiring conversation about the growing need to support multilingual learners (MLLs) in today’s schools. As Delaware experiences one of the fastest-growing multilingual student populations in the nation, many educators are stepping up—but they need better preparation, more support, and systemic change to do this work well.
Our guests walk us through the design and impact of Project DELITE, a federally funded initia...
Science Stands Out: How Teacher Emotions Differ Across Subjects
Episode Description:
In this episode of Evidence for Education, we welcome back returning guest Dr. Leigh McLean to discuss her latest research on the powerful role of teacher emotions in shaping student engagement and learning. Building on her earlier work on teacher well-being, Dr. McLean shares new insights into how teachers' emotional experiences vary across different subjects—and how these emotions ripple out to influence students.
We explore how emotional transmission works, why younger students are especially sensitive to their teachers' feelings, and how factors like socioeconomic status can amplify or diminish these effects. A ma...
The Power of Play: Transforming Learning Through Play-Based Education
Episode Description: In this episode of Evidence for Education, we talk with Dr. Myae Han, a professor in the Human Development and Family Sciences department at the University of Delaware, about the critical role of play-based learning in child development and education. Though often viewed as separate from academics, play is a powerful tool for fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Dr. Han shares insights on how educators can effectively integrate play into the classroom, shift their perspectives through professional development, and overcome common barriers to play-based learning. We also explore the future of play in education and why...
Building Financially Literate Students: Insights from the Center of Economic Education & Entrepreneurship
Episode Description: In this episode of Evidence for Education, we sit down with Scott Bacon and Amy Krzyzanowski from the University of Delaware's Center for Economic Education & Entrepreneurship (CEEE) to discuss the vital role of economic education in shaping financially literate students. Scott and Amy share insights into CEEE’s impactful programs and how they prepare educators to bring economics to life in the classroom. We also dive into the implications of HB 203, a recent Delaware law affecting financial literacy in schools, and hear inspiring stories of CEEE’s influence. Finally, we explore their hopes for the future of econ...
The Role of AI in Writing: Part 2 - Assessment and Feedback
Episode Description:
In this episode of E4E: Evidence for Education, we continue our conversation with Dr. Josh Wilson, an associate professor at the University of Delaware’s College of Education, to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in writing instruction. This is part two of a two-part series on AI and writing, with a focus on feedback and assessment.
Dr. Wilson dives into how automated essay scoring and feedback tools can transform writing instruction by providing timely, consistent, and actionable feedback for students. He highlights the benefits these systems provide in fostering student gr...
The Role of AI in Writing: Part 1 - Writing Development
Episode Description:
In this episode of E4E: Evidence for Education, we sit down with Dr. Josh Wilson, an associate professor at the University of Delaware’s College of Education, to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in writing instruction. This is part one of a two-part series where we explore AI’s impact on writing. In this episode, the focus is on writing development—how AI tools can support students in organizing their ideas, improving transcription skills, and overcoming barriers in the writing process.
Dr. Wilson shares insights into both the opportunities and challe...
Supporting First-Year Teachers: What is Teacher Growth and How Do We Foster It?
In this episode of E4E: Evidence for Education, we sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Soslau from the University of Delaware’s College of Education to discuss research-driven strategies for supporting novice teachers.
Dr. Soslau shares her insights on the strengths new teachers bring to the classroom, while addressing common challenges. She introduces her framework for teacher learning, focusing on growth confidence, collaborative expertise, and adaptive teaching practices, emphasizing the importance of reflective teaching, and community engagement.
Tune in for practical advice, strategies to avoid common pitfalls, and inspiring ideas for building collaborative and adaptive te...
The Impact of Involvement: A Look at the Evidence on the effect of parental involvement, community disadvantage and economic adversity on academic achievement
On this episode of the E4E Podcast we catch up with Dr. Mellissa Gordon, an associate professor at the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development. Mellissa’s research focuses on the ways that at-risk families and their communities impact adolescent and young adult developmental outcomes. She is particularly interested in the mechanisms underlying family and community relations, and explores the complex ways that interactions between these systems (families, communities, and youth) inform youth and young adult outcomes. Utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Critical Race Theory, Ecological Theory, and Positive Youth Development, Mellissa aims to iden...
The Power of Peer and Small Group Learning: A Look at the Evidence on Supporting Literacy Learning for Multilingual Learners through Small Group Text-based Discussions with Dr. Christina Budde
On this episode of the E4E podcast we are joined by Dr. Christina Budde, an assistant professor specializing in language and literacy education in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. Christina is a former elementary school teacher. Her research seeks to understand the classroom practices and contexts that build upon the cultural and linguistic diversity of students as well as promote social-emotional well-being. Specifically, her research looks at language and literacy development and instruction of children from diverse backgrounds in early childhood and elementary school. Christina also teaches courses related to literacy instruction and teaching...
The Family Factor of Social Emotional Development : A Look at the Evidence on the Impact of Family Functioning, Stress, and Parenting Behaviors on Social Emotional Skills and Functioning of Early Head Start Children
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we catch up with Dr. Jason Hustedt, an applied child development researcher at the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and Cara Kelly, a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. Jason specializes in early childhood policy and practice. His research focuses on three lines of work: research with caregivers and children on parent-child interactions in low-income families, children and early care and education providers to investigate outcomes of public early childhood programs and sc...
Health Disparities in Stigmatized Communities: A Look at the Evidence on the Relationship Between Multidimensional Stigma and Health Outcomes and Interventions in the Sexual and Gender Minority Community
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we catch up with Dr. Eric K. Layland, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. Eric works in LGBTQ+ developmental research, bridging his research to community impact through developmentally-informed, affirmative interventions. Eric’s specific research areas of interest include LGBTQ+ within-group differences in mental health and unhealthy substance use, the impact of stigma on LGBTQ+ development, strengths-based approaches to LGBTQ+ health, and LGBTQ+ affirmative interventions. Eric will be discussing some of his research in multidimensional stigma amongst sexual minority men of co...
Social Emotional Learning in Urban Schools: A Look at the Evidence on Social Emotional Learning Interventions and Culturally Responsive Implementation with Dr. Tia Barnes
In this episode of the E4E Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Tia Barnes, an associate professor of human development and family sciences at the University of Delaware. Tia teaches courses related to special education, guidance and behavior, and social-emotional learning to both undergraduate and graduate students. Her research focuses on the social-emotional well-being of minoritized populations, utilizing social-emotional learning, culturally responsive pedagogy, and special education. Tia discusses her research on SEL interventions in urban schools, offering evidence-based directions for further research and implications for policy and practice.
Episode Based on:
Barnes, T.N. Changing...The Power of Engagement: A Look at the Evidence on Secondary Mathematics Teacher Perspectives on Student Engagement with Dr. Amanda Jansen
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we are joined by Dr. Amanda Jansen, a professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. Amanda’s research primarily focuses on students’ engagement in mathematics classrooms and teachers’ learning from their reflections on their own practice. Having experience as a junior high mathematics teacher prior to her time at UD, Amanda is passionate about continually improving UD’s elementary mathematics teacher education courses through research and development work. Amanda discusses some of her recent research on secondary mathematics teacher perspectives on student engagement and her findings’ policy and practi...
Achieving Equity In School Discipline Practices: A Look at the Evidence on the Use of School-wide Positive Behavioral Supports to Reduce Discipline Disproportionality with Dr. Brittany Zakszeski
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we catch up with Dr. Brittany Zakszeski, an assistant professor specializing in school psychology in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. Brittany’s work focuses on students' mental and behavioral health via multi-tiered systems of support in schools. She discusses the use of school-wide positive behavioral supports to reduce discipline disproportionality and looks at the importance of equity-focused implementation of interventions.
More Information Section:
Episode Based on:
Zakszeski, B., Rutherford, L., Heidelburg, K., & Thomas, L. (2021). In pursuit of equity: Discipline disproportionality and SW...
Examining the Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Look at the Evidence on the Effects of Secondary CTE Programs on Postsecondary Educational and Employment Outcomes with Dr. Ken Shores, Arielle Lentz, and Dr. Bart Gill
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we join in on a conversation with Dr. Ken Shores, Arielle Lentz, and Dr. Bart Gill. Ken is an assistant professor specializing in education policy in the School of Education at the University of Delaware. His research is focused on educational inequality and encompasses both descriptive and causal inference. He addresses racial/ethnic and socioeconomic inequality in test scores, school disciplinary policy, classification systems, and school resources. Arielle is a second-year PhD student in the Education Statistics and Research Methods program at the University of Delaware’s School of Education. Bart is...
Slashing the Stigma: A Look at the Evidence on the Relationship Between Stigma and Food Inequalities with Dr. Allison Karpyn and Dr. Valerie Earnshaw
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we are joined by Dr. Allison Karpyn and Dr. Valerie Earnshaw. Dr. Allison Kapryn is the Co-Director of the University of Delaware at the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) and Professor in the Department of the Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. Her work includes program evaluation methods, topics related to hunger, obesity, school food, supermarket access, and food insecurity. Dr. Valerie Earnshaw is an associate professor at the University of Delaware. Her work focuses on addressing associations between stigma and health inequities...
Beyond More Benefits: A Look at the Evidence on the Effects of Increased Cash Value Benefits During The COVID-19 Pandemic on WIC-Participating Delaware Families
On this episode of the E4E podcast, we are joined by Dr. Allison Karpyn and McKenna Halverson. Dr. Allison Kapryn is the Co-Director of the University of Delaware at the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP) and an Associate Professor in the Department of the Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware. Her work spans from program evaluation methods, topics related to hunger, obesity, school food, supermarket access, food insecurity, and healthy corner stores, to strategies to develop and maintain farmer’s markets in low-income areas. McKenna Halverson is a second year Ph...
Revolutionizing Mathematics Instruction: A Look at the Evidence on Math Learning Labs and Math Coaching in the Development of a Student-Centered Mathematics Education.
In the final episode of season three of the E4E podcast, we catch up with Dr. Lynsey Gibbons, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware's School of Education and Dr. Sam Prough, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics education, to highlight their work on math learning labs and the utilization of a professional learning routine known as teacher time out (TTO). They discuss how teachers can use these methods to best foster student learning and collaboration with equity in mind.
More Information Section:
Dr. Lynsey Gibbons
Faculty page- https://www.cehd.udel...
Missing Out on More: A Look at the Evidence on Early Elementary School Absenteeism’s Impact on Student Achievement with Dr. Henry May and Dr. Lauren Bailes
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Henry May, the Director of the Center for Research in Education and Social Policy (CRESP), the Principal Investigator (PI) for the Center for Research Use in Education, and Associate Professor specializing in Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, and Dr. Lauren Bailes, an assistant professor in the University of Delaware's School of Education, discuss the impact of early elementary school absenteeism on student achievement and the impact of absenteeism at the school level. Henry and Lauren also delve into the implications of...
What’s Not Adding Up?: A Look at the Evidence on Improving Mathematics Outcomes for Struggling Students in a Post-Pandemic World with Dr. Jessica Namkung
Dr. Jessica Namkung is an associate professor at the University of Delaware’s School of Education. Her work specializes in identifying underlying factors (e.g., cognitive processes, math anxiety) that contribute to math learning difficulties and improving math outcomes for struggling students. Her recently published work looks at the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on student learning and opportunity gaps.
Dr. Jessica Namkung’s research has been published in the Review of Educational Research, Elementary School Journal, Journal of Educational Psychology, Journal of Learning Disabilities, and Learning Disabilities Quarterly. Her current research focuses on understanding underlying mech...
Building Brave Community: Fostering Student and Faculty Learning in Discussions About Race with Dr. Janine de Novais, Dr. Nathalie Princilus, and Monique Martin
On this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr.Janine de Novais discusses Brave Community, the pedagogical framework she developed for teaching, learning, and discussing race and racism. We also have Dr. Nathalie Princilus, the Supervisor of Unique Programs, Equity, Student and Staff Support in the Christina School District, and Monique Martin, the Equity Education Associate of the Office of Equity and Innovation in the Delaware Department of Education here, to discuss what the Brave Community method looks like in the context of Delaware schools and communities.
Dr. Janine de Novais’ work focuses on the intersection of ra...
Diversity in Teacher Hiring: A Look at the Evidence on Student Body Demographics and the Likelihood of Hiring a Teacher of Color with Dr. Lauren Bailes and Ann Hlabangana-Clay
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Lauren Bailes, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware's School of Education, and Ann Hlabangana-Clay, the Education Associate of ​​Educator Equity & Recruitment (who is part of the Educator Excellence Team) for the Delaware Department of Education, discuss the relationship between student body demographics and the likelihood of a nonwhite teacher hire. They also offer policy and practice recommendations for hiring principals and school systems to better sustain a diverse teaching force.
More Information about Lauren Bailes' work: Dr. Lauren Bailes' work focuses on how organizational, social-cognitive, and lead...
Diversity in Teacher Hiring: A Look at the Evidence on Student Body Demographics and the Likelihood of Hiring a Teacher of Color with Dr. Lauren Bailes and Ann Hlabangana-Clay
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Lauren Bailes, an assistant professor at the University of Delaware’s School of Education, and Ann Hlabangana-Clay, the Education Associate of ​​Educator Equity & Recruitment (who is part of the Educator Excellence Team) for the Delaware Department of Education, discuss the relationship between student body demographics and the likelihood of a non-white teacher hire, while offering policy and practice recommendations for hiring principals and school systems to better sustain a diverse teaching force.
Welcoming Wellness: A Look at the Evidence on Teacher Well-Being and Its Implications
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Leigh McLean discusses the significance of teacher well-being, from pathways for improving student educational outcomes to career longevity and positive self-efficacy amongst educators. Dr. McLean also identifies several external factors that have been shown to impact teacher well-being.
For more information on Dr. McLean's projects and the work being done by the Teacher Emotions, Characteristics, and Health (TECH) Lab at the University of Delaware School of Education, see the links below.
Dr. Leigh McLean's Website: https://www.leighmclean.com
Dr. Leigh McLean's Faculty Bio...
Now Is the Time: Capitalizing on the Turn Towards Technology-Integrated Instruction with Dr. Rachel Karchmer-Klein, Lauren Boulden, and Dr. Maureen McDonald
In this episode, Dr. Rachel Karchmer-Klein, Lauren Boulden, and Dr. Maureen McDonald discuss the criticality of preparing K-12 students to be digitally literate. They share lessons from their new book, Next-Level Digital Tools and Teaching, including evidence-informed strategies in an effort to create instructional coherent technology-integrated instruction in the classroom, within a team, and across a district.
Next Level Digital Tools and Teaching:
https://www.tcpress.com/next-level-digital-tools-and-teaching-9780807766545
Improving Online Teacher Education:
https://www.tcpress.com/improving-online-teacher-education-9780807763681
There’s No Time for a Timeout: A Look at the Evidence on Exclusionary Discipline in Early Childhood Education with Dr. Martha Buell
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Martha Buell discusses the impact of exclusionary discipline on young children and offers policy and practice considerations for early childhood education stakeholders.
For more information about Dr. Martha Buell please visit: https://www.cehd.udel.edu/faculty-bio/martha-buell/
For more information about Dr. Buell’s work on disciplinary suspension and expulsion, please visit: https://www.dieec.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Suspension_expulsion_mjb-03.pdf
When Talk Isn't Cheap: A Look at the Evidence on Infant Directed Speech and Early Childhood Language Development with Dr. Roberta Golinkoff and Alexus Ramirez
In this episode, Dr. Roberta Golinkoff and Alexus Ramirez discuss the developmental importance of using baby talk during early childhood and their work studying infant directed speech and language development.
Understanding the Child Care Crisis: A Look at the Build Back Better Act with Dr. Anamarie Whitaker
In this episode, Dr. Anamarie Whitaker discusses the child care crisis and the implications of President Biden’s Build Back Better plan on children, families, and child care educators and providers.
Literacy, Equity, and Social Justice in the ELA classroom: Developing Adolescent and Equity Literacy Using the Quad Text Set Approach with Dr. Jill Flynn and Dr. William Lewis, Taria Pritchett, and Casey Montigney
In this episode, Dr. Jill Flynn, Dr. William Lewis, and teachers Taria Pritchett and Casey Montigney discuss using the Quad Text Set (QTS) Approach to teach for equity and social justice in ELA classrooms. They also share a publicly available tool they co-created to support other educators seeking to develop equity literacy and adolescent literacy through the QTS approach.
Leading, Learning, and Improving: A look at the evidence on school improvement plans and crisis leadership with Dr. Bryan VanGronigen
In this episode of E4E, Dr. VanGronigen discusses his research on the history of school labeling and how state education agencies (SEAs) respond to improving schools labeled underperforming. He also discusses the factors that lead to principals' approaches to managing pandemic-related crises across states, offering suggestions for how findings can be taken up in policy and practice.
Increasing food security: a look at the importance of nutritional equity for students and families with Dr. Allison Karpyn
In this episode of the E4E podcast, Dr. Allison Karpyn discusses food security and provides evidence-based recommendations for increasing access to quality nutrition for students and families in Delaware.
Identifying sources of disciplinary inequity: a look at the research on school discipline policy and implementation with Dr. Lauren Bailes
In episode 5 of the E4E podcast, Dr. Lauren Bailes discusses her work supporting schools and administrators in identifying and understanding sources of disciplinary inequity and the impact of inequitable disciplinary policies on Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+ students, and girls.
For more information about the Partnership for Public Education and to find recent work by todays guest please visit https://www.cei.udel.edu/ppe/current-projects/e4e-podcast
Supporting multilingual language and literacy development for school success: a look at the evidence with Dr. Adrian Pasquarella
How can multilingualism in schools support the development of English literacy skills and academic competencies necessary for school success?
For more information about the Partnership for Public Education and to find recent work by todays guest please visit https://www.cei.udel.edu/ppe/current-projects/e4e-podcast
The impact of housing insecurity on education for children in the state of Delaware: A look at the evidence on youth housing insecurity with Dr. Ann Aviles
On Episode three of E4E, Dr. Ann Aviles discusses her research on youth homelessness in Delaware and provides evidence informed policy and practice recommendations that could improve outcomes for students experiencing housing instability
For more information about the Partnership for Public Education and to find recent work by todays guest please visit https://www.cei.udel.edu/ppe/current-projects/e4e-podcast
Investing in educational equity: a look at the evidence on school finance reforms with Dr. Kenneth Shores
In episode two of E4E, Dr.Kenneth Shores discusses his research on school finance reforms and educational equity and provides evidence-based suggestions for policy and practice decisions.
For more information about the Partnership for Public Education and to find recent work by todays guest please visit https://www.cei.udel.edu/ppe/current-projects/e4e-podcast
