The SMU Simmons Education Policy & Leadership department conducts research that focuses on policies and systems in education which leads to a direct impact on leaders and policy makers in K12 and Higher Education. These research projects take place in the context of the Dallas community but impact institutions worldwide.
Dr. Pavlakis and Dr. Richards examine the effects Covid-19, Hurricane Harvey, and student homelessness have on the Houston Independent School District population.
Dr. Barringer and Dr. Harris examine presidential turnover and board characteristics to better understand an increased instability of the presidential role and the resulting ramifications.
Dr. Baker investigates student financial aid and student debt, examining the influence on the ability to foster an inclusive and equitable campus climate.
Dr. Kamata studies psychometric model development for oral reading fluency (ORF) assessment data.