Megan Austin Takes the Helm as Director of CALDER, Focusing on Effective K-12 Education Research

Megan Austin Appointed as Director of CALDER

Megan Austin, a seasoned expert in education research, has stepped into the role of director at the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER), under the umbrella of the American Institutes for Research (AIR). This move comes as a strategic effort to leverage her extensive experience in improving K-12 educational policies through solid evidence-based research.

Established in 2006 and initially funded by federal resources, CALDER aims to use rigorous analytical methods and longitudinal data to explore critical issues in education policy. Austin's appointment reflects a commitment to advancing CALDER's mission of generating insightful data for policymakers across various education sectors.

Austin, who has been part of AIR since 2017, has dedicated her career to using evidence effectively to bolster student success. Julie Kochanek, AIR's chief program officer, praised Austin's leadership capabilities and her dedication to employing rigorous methodologies to enhance educational outcomes across the nation. "Megan brings invaluable expertise to this role, and I am confident she will lead CALDER towards significant advancements in educational research," Kochanek stated.

As CALDER director, Austin will oversee a team of national experts who collaborate with state education agencies and policymakers. Their research agenda encompasses pressing topics such as the effects of the pandemic on educational delivery, the deployment of federal emergency funds, and addressing teacher shortages in critical subjects. Austin's leadership comes at a pivotal time, succeeding Dan Goldhaber, who effectively led CALDER for over a decade.

Throughout her career, Austin has actively engaged in statewide longitudinal research, collaborating with educational institutions in numerous states, including Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington. Her groundbreaking studies have been supported by prestigious organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) and the National Science Foundation. Recently, she concluded an IES-funded project aimed at enhancing participation rates in advanced high school courses, alongside ongoing partnerships with various states to implement research-backed strategies.

Austin's qualifications include a rich academic background, holding both a Ph.D. and a master's degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame, along with a master's in Humanities from the University of Chicago. Her research contributions have been featured in respected journals, with a focus on substantive educational issues and policy implications. Additionally, she has authored numerous research reports and policy briefs, solidifying her role as a trusted voice in educational discourse.

In her vision for CALDER, Austin expressed her eagerness to work alongside her colleagues and partners to tackle timely and pertinent research questions. She emphasized the importance of high-standard empirical research and maintaining objectivity in discussions surrounding K-12 educational policies. With her at the helm, CALDER stands poised to enhance its reputation as a leading source of impactful education research.

Overall, Megan Austin's new leadership role marks a significant turning point for CALDER and the broader education research community, fostering broader discussions based on rigorous evidence and paving the way for improved educational practices throughout the United States.