Nicholas Sorensen is a principal researcher at AIR. His research is primarily focused on dropout prevention and helping struggling students succeed across the transition to high school. His work emphasizes the role of social psychological interventions, strategies to support success in algebra and mathematics, and use of early warning systems ...
Traditionally, the bachelor's degree has been seen as the doorway to the middle class for most Americans, but is this still the case? In an economic environment increasingly defined by new technologies and global market places--does it make sense to spend four years in college getting a liberal arts degree? ...
Join AIR Thursday, February 15 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. EST to hear the results of a seven-year research project analyzing every enlisted veteran in federal databases and their use of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as their college completion rates and IRS earnings, thanks to unprecedented interagency data-sharing. ...
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.
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 ...
Laura Shankland is a senior technical assistance consultant at AIR. She has more than ten years of project management and education experience, overseeing the development of a range of resources for Grades K–12 educators. Shankland provides technical assistance, professional development, and communication support for AIR’s work with the Illinois 21st ...
Kristina L. Zeiser is a principal researcher at AIR. Her primary research interests include the transition from high school to postsecondary education, academic outcomes among English language learners (ELL), and social disparities in educational outcomes and experiences. Throughout her graduate career at the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Zeiser received training ...
Research suggests that English Learners are sometimes placed in classes where they don’t have access to grade-level core content, and that teachers in these classrooms are likely to be less experienced and qualified to support non-native English speakers’ needs. The Education Policy Center at AIR invites you to a discussion ...
Stacia J. Rush joined AIR as a research analyst in 2005. For the Access Center, she served as a technical assistance liaison with the Mid-South Regional Resource Center and assisted with developing products and presentations for the center. Dr. Rush also served as team leader on the Instructional Strategies Team ...
Lois Kimmel is a TA consultant at AIR. Kimmel’s expertise focuses on educator shortages and diversifying the teacher workforce, with a specific emphasis on teacher recruitment and preparation. Ms. Kimmel builds the capacity of state education agencies to strengthen their workforce through designing interactive professional development workshops, conducting mixed-methods research, ...