In addition to all of the great paper sessions, poster sessions, symposia, keynotes, and networking opportunities for which NERA is known, we are pleased to offer three in-conference training sessions that will run on Thursday and Friday at various times during the conference. These are great opportunities to get an introduction to a topic taught by experts in the field at no charge! Pre-registration is not required.

IN-CONFERENCE SESSION A

Mixed Method Design and Analysis with Validity

Presenter: Dr. Burke Johnson, University of South Alabama

This workshop will cover some of the nuts and bolts of mixed methods research. Current thinking on the following topics will be briefly examined: appropriate research questions, sample methods, typologies of mixed method research designs, data collection and analysis strategies. Special attention, throughout the workshop, will be given to “legitimating” mixed methods studies using the nine Onwuegbuzie and Johnson validity criteria. Exemplary studies will be addressed as models of practice. Participants’ insights and questions will be discussed as time permits, and sources for additional information will be provided. Dr. Johnson also will provide a copy of his Primer of Mixed Methodology, so bring your jump drive to receive a copy.

Dr. R. Burke Johnson is professor at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Johnson is the author with Larry Christensen of Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. Dr. Johnson received his doctorate from Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics Program at the University of Georgia. Dr. Johnson has two master’s degrees in psychology and sociology. His research interests are in mixed methods research, evaluation, and research methodology.

IN-CONFERENCE SESSION B

An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling

Presenter: Dr. Sara Finney, James Madison University

The purpose of the training session is to provide attendees with a general overview of structural equation modeling (SEM) by introducing path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and full structural equation modeling. Dr. Finney will start with path analysis, which models relationships among measured variables, then move to CFA, which is simply an extension of exploratory factor analysis, and finish with full structural models involving latent variables, which essentially merges path analysis and CFA. The advantage of the latter is that theories may be tested by estimating relationships between the underlying constructs of interest, rather than estimating relationships between observed variables that are contaminated by measurement error. Links will be made between these techniques and other more familiar techniques such as multiple regression and exploratory factor analysis. For each SEM technique, the following steps in the analysis process will be explained: model specification, model identification, model-data fit evaluation, and parameter estimate interpretation. This 1.5 hour workshop requires no prior experience with SEM.

Dr. Sara Finney has a dual appointment at James Madison University (JMU) as an Associate Professor in the Department of Graduate Psychology and as an Associate Assessment Specialist in the Center for Assessment and Research Studies, where she teaches courses in structural equation modeling and multivariate statistics. In addition to serving as a faculty member for the Assessment & Measurement PhD program, Dr. Finney coordinates the Quantitative Psychology Concentration within the Psychological Sciences M.A. program at JMU.  Much of her research involves the application of structural equation modeling techniques to assess the functioning of self-report measures.

IN-CONFERENCE SESSION C

Collaboration for Scholarship Results: Guidelines for Maximizing Outcomes, Enjoyment and Learning

Presenters: Dr. Jan Stivers, Marist College, and Dr. Sharon Cramer, Buffalo State College

This interactive workshop will enable participants to gain new insights into how they work with others throughout the writing process. The presenters, who have collaborated long distance on two joint articles and a research project resulting in a book, have also served as informal resources to each other on independent projects. This session will enable participants to develop new skills and enthusiasm for transforming the solitary scholarship experience into one that (when shared) can include candor and celebration.

	Dr. Jan Stivers is Professor of Special Education at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she has team–taught classes and led college-wide collaborative efforts (for example by co-chairing the Middle States Self Study). Dr. Stivers also serves as a consultant to school districts implementing inclusive education, with a focus on collaboration and co-teaching. As a researcher and writer, she has worked alone and in collaboration with others, most recently with Sharon Cramer on A Teacher’s Guide to Change. She will use examples from teaching, research and service to illustrate the challenges and rewards of collaboration and to offer suggestions for enhancing collaborative skills.
	Dr. Sharon F. Cramer is a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor at Buffalo State College, where she has been a member of the faculty since 1985. Her experiences creating collaborative environments in academic settings include  chairing the Exceptional Education Department and the College Senate at Buffalo State, as well as leadership roles in state and national professional organizations (including NERA). In 2003, she received the Burton Blatt Humanitarian Award from the Division of Developmental Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children, and in 2008, the Leo D. Doherty Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service from NERA. She and her co-presenter, Jan Stivers, recently collaborated on A Teacher’s Guide to Change: Understanding, Navigating and Leading the Process (Corwin Press, 2009). Her publications include A Special Educator’s Guide to Collaboration (Corwin Press, 2006). Dr. Cramer has given over 100 presentations and keynotes in 20 states and Canada. She completed her Ph.D. at New York University, earned an M.A.T. from Harvard University and a B. A. from Tufts University. She has been listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Education since 2006.