OIR conducts rigorous research and evaluation that significantly contributes to the IMSA community and beyond. We also provide expertise and guidance in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research techniques, data collection, and data analysis to IMSA colleagues and external partners.
OIR’s current and recent educational research, evaluation, and measurement projects include:
IMSA Year of Inquiry into Student Mental Health
During the 2018-2019 academic year, Dr. Pareja partnered with Ms. Katie Berger, IMSA’s Chief Student Affairs Officer, to co-lead a Year of Inquiry at IMSA. The purpose of the Year of Inquiry was to engage community members in an in-depth investigation of a current challenge that significantly influences IMSA’s work and mission. This model allowed IMSA to evaluate the issues that face our community and present challenges to fully realizing our mission, and then conduct a deep dive on the research surrounding one defined challenge in a way that engages the entire community – specifically staff, faculty and students.
For our first Year of Inquiry, IMSA selected the challenge of student mental health. This issue was selected based on the rise of mental health concerns being noted nationwide in the secondary student population coupled with the data collected regarding IMSA student health and wellness based on survey data from instruments including Stanford’s Challenge Success tool as well as staff/faculty observations.
Through a mix of email communication and town hall style meetings, we engaged a group of dedicated students and faculty/staff to conduct data analysis, focus groups and literature review during the 2018-2019 academic year.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the following initiatives were piloted at IMSA in response to the findings from the Year of Inquiry: 1) Academy Assessments Master Calendar; and 2) No homework assigned over Extended Weekends and no major assessments on the first day of class following Extended Weekend
Also during the 2019-2020 school year, Dr. Pareja and Ms. Berger co-led a Year of Inquiry committee that focused on sleep education and incentivizing positive sleep behaviors. Members of the committee participated in work groups focused on sleep: 1) sleep educational programs; 2) incentives for positive sleep behaviors; 3) policies and practices related to sleep; and 4) communication and marketing.
Read additional information regarding the Year of Inquiry.
Preliminary findings from the Year of Inquiry were presented at the National Consortium of Secondary Stem Schools (NCSSS) Professional Conference in fall of 2019 and at the Illinois Association for Gifted Children (IAGC) 25th Annual Silver Conference in February of 2020.
