August 1, 2020 

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) at the University of Kansas seeks proposals from doctoral students to conduct research and evaluation projects during spring 2021 in support of our technology-based learning and assessment systems. Doctoral students from accredited US-based institutions are eligible to apply. Recipients will receive financial support and access to the data needed to complete projects (may not be applicable to all projects; see scope of work below). Projects are to be completed within four months and require a final written report. Proposals are due by October 30, 2020 to atlas-aai@ku.edu. 

Background 

ATLAS promotes learning by creating accessible and academically rigorous technology-based learning and assessment systems for all students with a special focus on students with disabilities, struggling learners, and their teachers through several projects focused on improving student outcomes. ATLAS’s learning map models, assessment design, and teacher resources are informed by the center’s research projects and by innovations in psychometrics that support the measurement of map-based learning. ATLAS fosters partnerships with diverse organizations that share our focus and commitment. Additional information about ATLAS’ projects can be found on the ATLAS website (http://atlas.ku.edu/). 

Scope of Work 

ATLAS staff invite doctoral-level students to submit proposals to conduct a research or evaluation study under the direction of a faculty sponsor from their institution. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral-level program in educational measurement, statistics, computer science, evaluation or a closely related field. Submission materials must include the attached application as well as a 2,000 word proposal including a review of the literature highlighting the gap this proposal seeks to fill, proposed research questions (if relevant), methodology (or methods for systematic literature review if applicable), and a conclusion section that explains the significance of the work. We specifically seek research addressing the priority areas below; however, other relevant proposal ideas will also be considered. 

• Systematic literature review on the connections between cognitive models of learning and memory and Evidence-Centered Design as a method for test development. What current research findings on formal, organized learning models are relevant to developing assessments using principles of Evidence-Centered Design? 
• Systematic literature review on student learning and assessment of non-academic skills, often referred to as 21st Century skills (e.g. problem solving, collaboration): how these skills are related to academic or subject-matter skills; how these skills are being taught in classrooms; and implications for design of assessments to measure both types of skills in tandem 
• Systematic literature review on the relationship between current cognitive models of memory and the various ways in which student “learning” is conceptualized, such as skill mastery, end-of-year achievement, or ability to apply a skill in a new context. Based on cognitive literature, what are the types of skills we should expect students to retain mastery of during an academic school year, at the end of a school year, and beyond? What implications do the research findings have for instruction and assessment models? 
• Proposals that prioritize machine learning, or analysis of response process or log data, for operational educational assessment programs. The scope could include an extensive literature review, data analysis using ATLAS data or other data already available to the candidate, or a combination. 

Interested individuals must submit application materials to atlas-aai@ku.edu by October 30, 2020. 

Deliverables 

During the fellowship appointment, written monthly briefs will be submitted at the end of each month to update project staff on progress towards the research goals. A final research report will be submitted at the conclusion of the appointment. ATLAS staff may also request delivery of other materials created during the project, such as data analysis scripts, coding protocols, annotated bibliographies, etc. Fellowship recipients may have opportunities to pursue conference presentations and/or publications related to their work, at the discretion of ATLAS staff. 

Funding 

Funding support for a single semester in the amount of $8,000 will be provided to selected individuals for a fellowship appointment beginning January 1, 2021. The scope of the proposal should be broad enough to allow for approximately 15 hours of work per week for the semester. Applicants should further demonstrate that they have the resources necessary to complete the study in their submission materials (e.g., access to computing cluster). Applicants may apply for support for follow-up studies upon successful completion of earlier projects. The faculty sponsor will receive funding in the amount of $2000. 

Proposal Evaluation 

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

• Appropriateness of design 
• Evidence of procedural quality and feasibility 
• Demonstrated capacity to conduct the study, including experience conducting similar studies, relevant coursework, or both 

ATLAS staff reserve the right to provide direction on submitted proposals prior to awarding funding. ATLAS staff also reserve the right to reject all proposals that were submitted if above criteria are not demonstrated. Applicants will be notified of decisions by November 30, 2020. 

ATLAS_Fellowship_Application_2020.pdf