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Summer Research Training Institute: Cluster-Randomized Trials: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Please clarify the eligibility criteria.
    ANSWER: We are considering applicants who already have their Ph.D. or Ed.D., experience conducting research relevant to education, and are U.S. citizens or non-citizens with permanent residence status. Beyond these eligibility criteria, we are giving preference to individuals who (a) have demonstrated their ability to conduct independent research, (b) are currently employed in a setting in which conducting research relevant to education is part of their regular responsibilities, (c) have sufficient methodological and statistical background to benefit from this training, and (d) can demonstrate that they have a need for the knowledge and skills addressed in the Training Institute.


  2. I am a post-doctoral student attending an American university on a student visa, am I eligible?
    ANSWER: No. Due to space limitations and our citizenship requirement, the course is open only to US citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, who must have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (i.e., possess a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or other legal verification of such status).


  3. How many people will be accepted for the course?
    ANSWER: Up to 30 applicants will be accepted for the course.


  4. Can more than one person from an organization apply? ANSWER: Yes. We will evaluate each application on its own merits. Assuming that we receive more than 30 meritorious applications, we will then take into account other criteria such as disciplinary, geographical, and institutional diversity.


  5. If I am accepted, can I bring my spouse and/or children?
    ANSWER: Yes, but at your own expense.


  6. Do I have to attend all the sessions during the two week Training Institute?
    ANSWER: Yes, we require participants to attend and participate in all of the course sessions and activities during the two week training period.


  7. Can you send me the course materials if I am unable to attend?
    ANSWER: We anticipate making videotaped recordings of each Training Institute session available on the IES/NCER website along with PowerPoint presentations.

Contact Information

RCT Training Institute inquiries:

Dr. Christina Chhin
National Center for Education Research
Institute of Education Sciences
555 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20208
Telephone: 202-219-2280
E-mail: Christina.Chhin@ed.gov

Inquiries about submission of the RCT Training Institute application materials:

Patti Ferguson
Institute for Policy Research
Northwestern University
2040 N. Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
Telephone: 847- 467-4001
E-mail: p-ferguson@northwestern.edu