A proponent of educational statistics has been named to a newly created executive director position at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville's Office of Education Policy, a research center that aims to provide support for state lawmakers and educators.
Sarah McKenzie, formerly assessment director with Fayetteville Public Schools, will encourage "evidence-based decision-making," according to an announcement released Thursday by UA.
"One of the main lessons I have taken from 20 years of teaching in classrooms and working with educational leaders is that the best thing we can do for kids is use data wisely. By ensuring that high quality data are included in decision making, students receive the best education and funding efficiency is maximized," McKenzie said in a statement.
McKenzie, who worked for more than five years for Fayetteville Public Schools, said in an interview that examples of educational data includes test assessments, graduation rates, college matriculation information as well as survey information from parents and students. She said she hopes to share research insights with legislators, school boards and superintendents.
McKenzie will earn a yearly salary of $77,000, and her appointment was effective Jan. 1. She earned a doctorate in Educational Statistics and Research Methods from UA.
The Office of Education Policy was formed in 2003 and its founder, Gary Ritter, will continue with the office as faculty director.
NW News on 01/09/2015