Year 1 Accomplishments
During its first year, (FY ‘03), the MURMSI project laid the foundation for (1) setting a research agenda, (2) funding research that meets the standards embodied in the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (H.R. 3801), and (3) bridging research and practice.
- A statewide working group representing university researchers (Education and Arts & Sciences), the Florida Department of Education, and K-12 practitioners was formed to advise the project.
- An initial research agenda was developed during two working group meetings in Tallahassee.
- A request for proposals was developed emphasizing randomized control trials.
- Pilot research projects totaling $1,000,000 (maximum $155,000 per subcontract) were funded. $809,341 was competitively awarded to state universities in Florida. The remainder funded two research projects (both randomized control trials) at the FSU Learning Systems Institute.
Total FY ‘03 award: $1,490,249 (July 3, 2003–October 30, 2004 and extended to April 30, 2005)
Current Work
In Year 2 (FY ‘04), MURMSI will broaden stakeholder input on the research agenda, fund additional research projects, and begin to apply Year 1 research findings at the state and district-level. These outcomes will be achieved via:
- Research projects totaling $1,035,000 (maximum $160,000 each). $835,246 was competitively awarded to 11 subcontracts at 7 state universities in Florida; $200,000 funded 2 research projects at FSU/ LSI).
- Small grants for graduate student research projects to encourage the training of future researchers.
- A web-based survey to identify research priorities most critical to researchers, K-12 practitioners, and other education stakeholders in Florida.
- Creation of a Research Dissemination Committee to review Year 1 findings and make recommendations for state and district application.
- Creation of a MURMSI website to enhance K-12 research partnerships, prioritize the research agenda, support quality research, and achieve other MURMSI objectives.
Total FY ‘04 award: $1,491,150 (July17, 2004 – July 18, 2005)
Future Plans
Funding requested for FY ‘05 and ‘06 will allow Florida’s State University System to continue the important work and support the state’s progress toward longer-term goals:
- Fund larger-scale research projects at state universities totaling $2,200,000 (maximum of $250,000 each).
- Increase the focus on dissemination and application, including national and state-level research.
- Enhance the MURMSI website as a vehicle to support K-12 research and dissemination.