Progress and Outcomes Measurement
Since 2013, Inflexion (formerly EPIC) has served as the external evaluator for the University of Missouri–Columbia National Science Foundation grant to research a situated science professional development model for elementary teachers called “Quality Elementary Science Teaching,” or QuEST. In this role, Inflexion researchers are assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the project’s implementation and organizational structure, and examining the distal outcomes of student achievement on Missouri’s standardized tests. Qualitative elements of this mixed-method evaluation include focus groups with participating teachers, observations of the professional development institutes, and a survey of teachers. Quantitative components include the review of student content assessments and student scores on the state standardized exam.