Reports

Much of MERC’s research work is disseminated through published reports. This includes full reports on the findings of out empirical research studies, literature reviews, white papers, and research briefs.
Our most recent publications are available on our website, however, you may access all of MERC’s publications through VCU’s Scholar’s Compass.
Reports
Since 1991, MERC has produced several research reports a year addressing critical issues in PK12 education. These include empirical studies and literature reviews. Below is a list of recent reports.
Alignment of District Assessments with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
Parents, teachers, and school administrators all have one common goal — student success. Teachers have been trusted to impart knowledge to students, while hopefully fostering a love of learning, then assessing how much the students know. Assessment...
Read More About Alignment of District Assessments with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
The Work Skills Mismatch: A Review of Literature
For the purpose of this review, imagine the case of a firm which has job openings for recent high school graduates. In choosing new employees for these openings, the potential employer is trying to select the most suitable applicants from a pool of...
Read More About The Work Skills Mismatch: A Review of Literature
Secondary Specialty Centers and Magnet School Admissions
The purpose of the review is to consider the fairness of admissions processes related to magnet schools and specialty centers. Are criteria appropriate? Is there an under-representation of minority/low socioeconomic groups in such schools and program...
Read More About Secondary Specialty Centers and Magnet School Admissions
Middle School Students with Learning Disabilities and English SOLS: Part II Best Practices
This paper reports the findings of Phase II of a MERC study on middle school students with learning disabilities (LD) completed during academic year 2005 – 2006. Phase I investigated the success and failure of students with LD on the English SOLs by...
Classroom Assessment Practices and Student Motivation
Assessment is becoming increasingly important in classrooms as school systems respond to federal and state testing mandates. The increasing emphasis on assessment surely impacts student outcomes such as engagement and motivation, and ultimately...
Read More About Classroom Assessment Practices and Student Motivation
Instructional Strategies to Increase Motivation
Closing the achievement gap between African, Native, and Hispanic American and their European and Asian American counterparts has been a concern for decades. Recently, the persistence of this issue has become more pressing due to several factors...
Read More About Instructional Strategies to Increase Motivation
Educators' Perceptions of Mobile Students and the Interventions that Assist Them
In the educational climate of no Child Left Behind (NCLB), school personnel are searching for any means available to help all children succeed academically and meet state standards. School teachers and administrators in Virginia are no different. All...
Read More About Educators' Perceptions of Mobile Students and the Interventions that Assist Them
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