Christina LiCalsi is a principal researcher specializing in program evaluation and social and education policy analysis at AIR. Dr. LiCalsi has a background in educational and social disparities with expertise in quasi-experimental designs for causal analysis. She has experience employing a wide range of quantitative methods including regression discontinuity, comparative ...
AIR contributes to the research base about what works for ELs by conducting rigorous studies focused on teaching and learning. Our experts also evaluate federal, state, and district policies and programming that affect ELs and craft evidence-based recommendations related to these policies and programming. ...
Janice Esau Keizer is a senior technical assistance consultant with the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Southwest. In this position, she leads, coordinates, and facilitates the work of the Arkansas and New Mexico PreK Research Alliances as part of the REL Southwest work. She serves as the spokesperson for REL Southwest ...
David Bamat is a senior researcher in the Education Statistics program at AIR. Dr. Bamat’s primary responsibilities include leading and supporting NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) research projects. His work focuses on studying and leveraging statistical methods to overcome small sample limitations in large-scale assessment (LSA) research. It also ...
As the U.S. Department of Education prepares to mandate a more “equitable distribution” of teachers (as excellent educators are encouraged or forced to go from one school to another), what is the best path forward? Join AIR and the Fordham Institute on Feb. 20, 2014 for a debate on the ...
Niu Gao is a principal researcher at AIR specializing in K-12 education policy. Her current work focuses on COVID-19 and education, and she is leading multiple projects to examine the impact of the pandemic on K-12 education and identify effective strategies to help students recover—and recover equitably. Her other areas ...
Christopher A. Cody is a principal researcher at AIR, where he works on the Education Statistics Services Institute Network project as director of the postsecondary administrative data division task. As director of the postsecondary administrative data division project, Dr. Cody also serves as a survey director for the Integrated Postsecondary ...
Tammy Kolbe is a principal researcher at AIR, specializing in evaluating the resources and costs associated with effectively implementing policies and programs in PK-16 educational organizations. A particular focus of her work has been funding and costs for special education programs for children with disabilities, having led multiple projects that ...
Jessica Heppen, a nationally recognized expert in education research, policy, and practice, is the president & CEO of AIR. Dr. Heppen been with AIR for 20 years and, in that time, has held several key roles during her tenure.
PROMISE is focused on a comprehensive agenda aimed at building a more vibrant workforce for all individuals by adapting and testing evidence-based workforce practices in alternative settings for diverse populations. To accomplish these goals, PROMISE is focused on four key areas of work.