Evaluation & Research
SSD's Evaluation and Research Department supports positive student outcomes through high quality assessment, evaluation, and continuous improvement practices that promote strategic, data-informed decision making.
Key Contacts
Conducting Research with SSD
Individuals interested in conducting research with SSD should read:
- Procedures for Conducting Research with SSD
- SSD Board Policy LC: Relations with Education Research Agencies
Supplemental Resources for Applicants:
- IES Resource: Practical Strategies for Recruiting Districts and Schools for Education Impact Studies
All applicants must complete the Application to Conduct Research with SSD (Microsoft Word) and also submit the supplemental documents requested therein.
In addition to the application, those applying to conduct research as part of a degree program (e.g., dissertation and thesis research, action research projects required for a graduate-level course, etc.) must complete and submit a Student-Advisor Checklist (Microsoft Word).
It is important to review the procedures and application carefully to ensure that you have addressed all required areas and clearly outlined how the appropriate level of consent will be requested from students and parents where necessary.
Note: Special School District is attempting to minimize non-essential paperwork requirements on teachers and thus requests involving surveying teachers may be declined on this basis. Ideally, requests to conduct research should be submitted prior to or near the outset of the school year the research is expected to occur. Requests received mid-year maybe rejected if they do no allow sufficient time for review, recruitment, data collection, and other coordination requirements.
Data Reports
For more information or questions about data reports, please contact Dr. Matthew Traughber.
2024-25 Data Reports
2023-24 Data Reports
2022-23 Data Reports
2021-22 Data Reports
2020-21 Data Reports
2019-20 Data Reports
- Annual Performance Report (APR) 2019-20
- Special Education in the Partner Districts SY 2018-19
- State Assessment Data Report SY 2019-20
Research Collaborations
Consistent with our mission and values, SSD supports research designed to better understand and improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. A sample of current collaborations with university researchers are shown below. Studies are actively seeking student and family participants where noted. Select the name of the collaborator below for additional information regarding the research (if available).
For questions regarding current research collaborations, please contact Director of Evaluation and Research Dr. Matthew Traughber, mctraughber@ssdmo.org.
Studies Seeking Family Participants
- Clinical Validation of Hearing-aid Candidacy and Outcome Measures for Children with MBHL
- WATCH Motor Development (Toddlers with ASD)
- Down Syndrome Infant Brain Imaging
- Infant Brain Imaging Study for Autism Prediction
Clinical Validation of Hearing-aid Candidacy and Outcome Measures for Children with MBHL
Research Organization: Washington University School of Medicine
Principal Investigator: Dr. Lisa Davidson
Description: This study is a multisite clinical assessment of novel audiometric and speech perceptions tests to improve the identification and management of children with mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL).
Learn more about this hearing research study through this informational flyer.
WATCH Motor Development (Toddlers with ASD)
Research Organization: Washington University
Researcher: Dr. Natasha Marrus
Description: A study of toddlers with ASD and infant twins to develop new tools to measure typical motor development and differences relative to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learn more or sign up for the WATCH Motor Development Study.
THIS STUDY IS ACTIVELY SEEKING CHILDREN AGES 18 TO 47 MONTHS WHO HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER.
Down Syndrome Infant Brain Imaging
Research Organization: Washington University
Researcher: Dr. Kelly Botteron
Learn more or sign up for the Down Syndrome Infant Brain Imaging Study.
THIS STUDY IS ACTIVELY SEEKING FAMILIES WHO HAVE AN INFANT 6-MONTHS OF AGE OR YOUNGER DIAGNOSED WITH DOWN SYNDROME.
Infant Brain Imaging Study for Autism Prediction
Research Organization: Washington University
Researcher: Dr. John Pruett
Learn more or sign up for the Infant Brain Imaging Study.
THIS STUDY IS ACTIVELY ENROLLING INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS WITH AN OLDER, FULL SIBLING WITH AUTISM.
Other External Research Projects and Collaborations
- Supporting Teaching of Algebra: Individual Readiness (STAIR)
- High School Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students' Writing Performance
- 5E Model Professional Development in Science Education for Special Educators
- Project SPARK
- Project SCALE (Math Fractions Intervention)
Supporting Teaching of Algebra: Individual Readiness (STAIR)
Research Organization: University of Missouri, University of Texas, Southern Methodist University
Principal Investigator: Dr. Erica Lembke
Description: Project STAIR is a federally funded project that pairs Data-Based Individualization (DBI) with evidence-based practices to help middle school math teachers adapt their teaching for students experiencing difficulty with math.
High School Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students' Writing Performance
5E Model Professional Development in Science Education for Special Educators
Research Organization: University of Kansas
Researcher: Meagan Karvonen
Description: A development and innovation project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Institute for Education Sciences. The primary goal is to develop an online professional development system that develops teachers’ capacity to provide effective science instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Project SPARK
Project SCALE (Math Fractions Intervention)
Research Organization: University of Missouri, Southern Methodist University, University of Texas
Principal Investigator: Dr. Erica Lembke
Description: Project SCALE is a five-year study program of Fraction Face-Off (FFO) to determine the extent to which FFO improves fraction knowledge and math outcomes of students experiencing moderate mathematics difficulty.
Learn more about Project SCALE or view this informational flyer about Project SCALE.
Measurement & Assessment
SSD Measurement and Assessment Coaches provide professional learning and coaching on student assessment and the use of assessment-related technology platforms. They also coordinate the District's data teams initiative and support countywide student data reporting and analysis.
Team Members
Scott Crooks
Data Coach
Work:
(314) 9897981
Affton, Bayless, Ferguson-Florissant, Hancock Place, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lindbergh, Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Mehlville, Webster Groves, Early Childhood, Transition
Christina Mirth
Data Coach
Work:
(314) 9897808
Normandy, Parkway, Pattonville, Ritenour, Rockwood, Valley Park, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, SNAP
Allison Wolfe
Data Coach
Work:
(314) 9897943
Brentwood, Clayton, Hazelwood, Jennings, Riverview Gardens, University City