The purpose of this program is to train education researchers in cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost benefit analysis (CBA) so that more researchers in the field will have the knowledge necessary to include these analyses in their research activities. The course will introduce the methods and provide depth and breadth in applying these methods so that participants will master the skills and be able to perform their own analysis. The course will promote the use of CEA/CBA, encourage rigorous cost analysis, establish consistent protocols, and draw attention to methodological challenges.

During the grant period, the team will deliver six courses of 8 working days each over a three-year period. The course will have a four-week follow-up and assessment through a mandatory webinar presentation. Each course will enroll a maximum of 20 participants each for a total of up to 120 participants over three years. The instruction will be structured around the basic lecture format, but this will be interspersed with more interactive and engaging pedagogies, including in-class spreadsheet applications, group discussion exercises, case study discussions, and project work. By fostering a community of researchers in the field, the training program is intended to have positive benefits that will extend well beyond the period of instruction. Successful training participants will further disseminate the use of CEA/CBA through their work as practitioners, researchers, and instructors.