Carol Baldassari, Senior Research Associate
Since joining PERG in 1993, Carol Baldassari has designed, developed, and conducted numerous evaluations focused on the design, development and implementation of mathematics and science formal and informal education programs, K-16.
Recent evaluation and research projects include:
- A ten-year cluster of NSF-funded mathematics programs: an initial Math/Science Partnership program, the partnership’s Phase II program, two Noyce Scholars programs, and, most recently, a research program on Mathematical Habits of Mind. Partners include mathematicians and mathematics educators from institutions of higher education, an educational R&D organization, and several school districts in Massachusetts.
- A Case Study Research program, funded by NSF, examining the influence of an immersive professional development program for mathematics teachers on their learning, beliefs, and classroom practices.
- An NSF-funded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) Center dedicated to supporting the teaching of geoscience in the context of societal issues both within geoscience courses and across the undergraduate curriculum with the goal of developing a citizenry and workforce that can address environmental and resource issues facing society.
- A research study focused on an inquiry-based, investigative after-school natural science program for middle school students. This project was also funded by the NSF.
- Two NSF-funded Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) programs. One was a partnership of university- and research institution-based ocean science researchers and an informal science education institution. The second involves a university, urban public school, and a science center. Both programs are dedicated to strengthening public understanding of the importance of the oceans through the collaboration of research scientists and educators.
Prior to coming to Lesley, for several years, Carol was the Housing Policy Analyst for the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency, focusing on affordable housing research and policy issues, and assisted the greater Boston region’s 101 cities and towns on designing local housing programs.
In education, Carol served as a consultant to schools and other educational institutions, working collaboratively with teachers and administrators to develop indigenous professional learning and curriculum improvement programs, and designing environments to support children’s learning and play. Earlier, she taught students in grades 6-12, working at an independent progressive middle school and a regional public high school.
Education
M.S., Environmental Social Sciences, Graduate Center at City University of New York
M.Ed., Education, Lesley University
B.A., University of Massachusetts/Amherst
Professional Membership
American Evaluation Association