Past Projects

Iowa Advanced-Manufacturing (I-AM): A Talent Success Strategy for the 21st Century Workforce – Des Moines Community College
RISE serves as the external evaluator on the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM) project. The evaluation of the I-AM project assesses program benefits, strengths, and challenges in implementing the project at each participating community college. In addition, RISE will examine the extent to which participation in an I-AM Signature Program (e.g., welding, machining, industrial maintenance) has an affect on completion of awards/certificates/degree/diplomas and wages. Read More
International Studies: Mandarin Chinese Evaluation
RISE serves as external evaluator for the Minnesota "District 196 International Studies: Mandarin Chinese" project to implement courses in Chinese language and culture in grades K-12. Read More
Information Technology-Credentials to Careers (ITC2) – Iowa Western Community College
RISE serves as the external evaluator on the Information Technology-Credentials to Careers (ITC2) project. The evaluation of the ITC2project assesses program benefits, strengths, and challenges in implementing the project at each participating community college. In addition, will examine the extent to which participation in the ITC2 Program has impacted labor force outcomes for participants (e.g., wages, jobs) as well as the impact on completion of awards (i.e., certificates, degrees, diplomas). Read More
George Washington Carver Summer Research Internship Program
Brandi Geisinger serves as the lead evaluator for the George Washington Carver Summer Research Internship Programs. Annual evaluation of the programs include pre- and post-program surveys and focus groups. Read More
Experimental Design Ability Test (Biology 313)
Brandi Geisinger serves as the evaluator for the Principles of Genetics Laboratory at Iowa State University, funded by a Miller Faculty Fellowship Award. This course made improvements to instructional delivery in order to deepen students' understanding of genetics concepts and research. The evaluation of the instructional changes uses the Sirum and Humburg (2011) Experimental Design Ability Test (EDAT) to assess students' ability to design a research experiment. Read More
Expanding IWCC’s Distance Education Capacity
RISE is evaluating Iowa Western Community College's institutional web-based distance learning program. The program goals include (1) increasing capacity to develop and support online and hybrid courses across general education and high-demand nursing curricula, (2) develop and implement a web portal and flexible online student services that supports web-based programming, and (3) provide extensive faculty and staff professional development in targeted areas. Read More
Evaluation of In-depth Mathematical Practices and Content Teacher Training (IMPACT2)
In order to determine whether project goals have been met, RISE developed an evaluation plan that analyzes data from a variety of sources including teacher and student pre-post knowledge, teacher ratings of and reflections on project activities, and online resources and discussions. Read More
Evaluation of AgrowKnowledge
AgrowKnowledge, the National Center for Agriscience and Technology Education, is an Advanced Technician Education project of the National Science Foundation for which RISE serves as external evaluator. Read More
Evaluation of a Dual Language Program
RISE is working with an Iowa PK-12 school district to evaluate their dual language curriculum option. Students in the program receive half their instruction in English and half in Spanish with the goal of developing both native English speaking and native Spanish speaking students who are bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. Read More
Engaging Female Community College STEM Transfer Students
RISE partnered with ISU's Program for Women in Science (PWSE) to assess the experiences of female community college students who transferred into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in Fall Semester 2011. The goal of this project was to determine how and when PWSE should be connecting with these students and what existing barriers prevent them from connecting or engaging at ISU. The results inform PWSE programming and services that help women successfully complete STEM degree programs via the community college pathway Read More