Center for the Study of Education Policy
The Center for the Study of Education Policy (CSEP) brings the results of research into the everyday world of educators, governmental leaders, and policymakers on the current and emerging policy issues affecting early childhood, K-12, and higher education.
About Us
The Center for the Study of Education Policy (CSEP) is housed in the College of Education at Illinois State University.
CSEP faculty and professional staff conduct applied research, manage a variety of grant-funded projects and contracts, and perform program evaluations to inform policymakers and practitioners regarding improvements across P-20 education continuum. CSEP research and practice emphasizes several key themes:
- The importance of “seamless” P-20 education pathways with smooth transitions for students, with special emphasis on early learning and the high school to college interface.
- The key roles of school and district leaders in improving student outcomes, and ways to support their high-quality preparation and professional growth.
- Support for teachers and teacher teams pursuing National Board Certification.
- Conducting policy research and facilitating policy development with multiple stakeholders.
- Embedding high-quality evaluation processes within cycles of continuous improvement.
- Use of collective impact principles to implement collaborative educational improvement projects.
CSEP’s work is funded through state and federal grants, state and private contracts, and a range of private foundation grants.
Center Services
Research Design
- Research design
- Surveys
- Interview and focus group research
- Case studies
- Data analysis
Program Evaluation
- Program theory
- Program design
- Logic modeling
- Metrics
- Outcomes
- Reporting
Policy
- Policy research and analysis
- Policy reports
- Policy development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Legislation and rules
Project Management
- State and federal grants
- State contracts
- Foundation grants
- Advisory council and task forces
Contact Us
Contact the Center with questions for staff, an affiliated faculty member, or a consultant.
Dr. Laura Kalmes
Interim Director
Center for the Study of Education Policy
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations
Dr. Dianne Renn
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Administration and Foundations
Check us out on
The Exchange
The latest news on education policy
News, Resources, Articles, and Reports
- New White Paper - Tapping into Type 75 Certificate Holders to Immediately Address the Leadership Shortage Crisis in Illinois' Schools
- New White Paper - Leadership Hubs: A Statewide System of Support for Education Leaders
- New White Paper - Recommendations for Principal Prep and Development
- LaHood, Davis Announce $4.3M Grant Award to Illinois State University's Center for the Study of Education Policy.
- Reforming Principal Preparation at the State Level: Perspectives on Policy Reform from Illinois - Edited by Erika Hunt, Alicia Haller, Lisa Hood, and Maureen Kincaid
- Illinois Partnerships Advancing Rigorous Training (IL-PART) Toolkit
- COVID19 - Resources, Articles and Reports
Initiatives
Given the center’s commitment to foster "seamless" P-20 education systems, our work often bridges across many areas.
Publications and Presentations
The Center conducts applied research and public service on policy issues affecting the education continuum, producing publications, reports, and presentations.
Data and Resources
The Center for the Study of Education Policy aims to empower educators to advocate for policies that will positively impact students.
Policy Papers
Links and resources about policy papers, reports, white papers, and more documents for understanding current policy issues and proposals.
News
In memory: Dr. Charles E. Morris, Jr.
Dr. Charles Edward Morris, Jr., age 92, was born September 30, 1931, and passed away August 11, 2024.
