Who we are

CEDER, a center within the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education, provides expertise on topics relating to teaching, learning, leadership, and policy at multiple levels of education. Specifically, CEDER supports the evaluation, design, and development of education curricula, programs, technology tools, and software for other units on campus and for K-12 and informal learning settings in surrounding communities.

CEDER provides design and evaluation services to both internal university partners and external clients across the state of Michigan. Previous and current partners include U-M faculty, the state of Michigan, community-based non-profits, and federal programs. The CEDER design and evaluation teams are comprised of individuals with both research and evaluation experience, in addition to faculty principal investigators and consultants.

INSTRUCTIONAL AND PROGRAM DESIGN: To advance the design work, CEDER researchers engage in “design thinking” activities and workshops to consult with and inform different parties that may be developing educational resources, such as schools developing new learning spaces in their buildings or museums are exploring the potential of using different kinds of technologies to support learning activities within exhibits.

EDUCATION EVALUATION RESEARCH: The evaluation mission of CEDER provides support to U-M central administration, campus units, individual researchers, and community-based educators for evaluation or technical assistance related to education programs and research. Related to the evaluation strand is a research strand focused on conducting expert research on education practice at multiple levels and in multiple sites. Marsal School faculty members already engage in multiple forms of practice-based education research.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: In addition to providing contract services for education design, evaluation, and research, CEDER disseminates existing research-based education tools and resources produced from existing Marsal School research grants and centers.

Finally, CEDER fosters partnerships among the Marsal School, other campus units, and K-12 education institutions (both formal and informal) across the state of Michigan.

Our approach

At CEDER, we approach every project collaboratively. Before starting any project, we meet with potential clients to uncover their needs. The team then works with clients to develop an initial scope of work. The scope of work then serves as a working document guiding the partnership throughout the process. In addition to developing design and evaluation plans within CEDER, we also connect clients to outside resources and make referrals as needed.

Please complete this form this form for inquiries regarding design and evaluation services. If you need immediate assistance, please email [email protected].