Academic Research and Evaluation Center (AREC)

Mission and Vision

The overall goal of the Academic Research and Evaluation Center (AREC) is to labor alongside others to actualize the positive educational growth of all learners.聽 In alignment with the CSUDH College of Education mission and vision, the AREC uses principles of justice, equity, and critical consciousness to enhance student learning and experience through the assessment, exploration, enhancement, and/or development of educational programs.聽 This is accomplished by using Theory Driven and Inclusive Evaluation approaches to: 1) assist in the development (or creation) of effective programs, using social science theory to inform expected outcomes; 2) investigate the ability of a program, policy, or service to achieve its desired outcomes (e.g., needs assessments); and 3) conduct original research and evaluation to measure the extent to which key educational outcomes (e.g., learning, teaching, retention, graduation, improvement, achievement) are achieved.

In connection with this goal, the AREC seeks to:

Utilize our collective evaluative expertise to carry out a public service regarding the realization of student-centered outcomes.
Develop partnerships with researchers, departments, and Colleges within CSUDH; PK-12 systems; community organizations; and outside universities who seek to improve educational outcomes.
Facilitate a culture of improvement at CSUDH where multiple, non-dominant perspectives are sought after.
Support and foster original research in the COE, CSUDH, and surrounding community.
Enhance graduate and undergraduate learning and experience through research training opportunities and educational support.
Disseminate research findings and scholarly activity through papers and/or conference presentations.

AREC Faculty

Darrel Skousen, D.Eval
Executive Director
arec@csudh.edu
(310) 243-3740

Dr. Skousen holds a Doctorate of Evaluation Practice and an MA in Positive Organizational Behavior & Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University (CGU). Dr. Skousen鈥檚 evaluation and research interests include program design and development, increasing the use of evaluation findings, and enhancing success within the field of education. Over the last 12 years he has led numerous evaluations of government, and privately, funded programs, including children鈥檚 health (OAH), teacher development and assessment (USDOE), academic success through peer mentoring (USDOE) and behavioral health, and STEM education (NSF & USDOE).

Laura Cervantes, Ph.D.
Lead Evaluator
arec@csudh.edu

Dr. Cervantes holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her work focuses on fostering fair, respectful, and supportive environments by addressing practices and policies that contribute to opportunity gaps and inequities. Her research expertise includes developing rigorous, accessible methodologies that provide actionable, data-driven insights to promote equal opportunities for all. Her projects have encompassed areas such as understanding and addressing opportunity gaps in K-12 school systems, enhancing college readiness, supporting persistence and completion in higher education and STEM fields, and driving organizational strategies to broaden representation in government agencies. Dr. Cervantes is committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces that encourage collaboration and growth, with an emphasis on practices that enhance equity and opportunity.

Sandy Chang, Ph.D.
Evaluator
arec@csudh.edu

Dr. Sandy Chang specializes in assessment and the learning and teaching of language and literacy, especially for English learners. Her work includes developing and providing professional development for educators on standards, formative assessment, and language learning. Sandy earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles and her Ed.M. in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sandy is a National Board Certified Teacher in literacy. She worked with English learners as a K-8 classroom teacher and reading specialist.

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