The Center for the Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research (CALDER) is a joint effort of the American Institutes for Research and scholars at eleven universities (Duke University, Georgia State University, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Illinois, University of Chicago, University of Missouri, University of North Carolina, University of Texas at Dallas, and University of Washington).
CALDER research is unique in that it uses longitudinal data from multiple states and districts through data sharing agreements to examine how policies and practices impact student outcomes in a district or state over a number of years. The partnership between CALDER and state data providers allows CALDER researchers to mobilize quickly to study how current and recent events affect real-time educational and social outcomes.
CALDER research particularly focuses on K-postsecondary outcomes in relation to: educator preparation and teacher labor markets; educational programs and policies such as career and technical education, English learner support, special education); postsecondary pathways and connections to the labor market; school accountability; and the implications for student outcomes related to policies that affect housing patterns, health, justice and economic stability.
CALDER actively engages policymakers from the state and district levels through the Policymakers Council – a group of leaders from across the country who inform CALDER’s research agenda by sharing ideas, practices, and experiences. This purposeful connection strengthens alignment between education research and the questions most pressing to decisionmakers. Council members convene in-person and virtually on a regular basis.
CALDER has over time been supported by generous public and private grants, including the Institute of Education Sciences, Arnold Ventures, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the Spencer Foundation, the Smith Richardson Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation.