We are home to 14 research and outreach units. Our faculty members in these units have a reputation for conducting innovative work in school reform, assessment, school-wide discipline and behavior management, positive youth development, family interventions, special education, early intervention, and culturally responsive educational practices. These programs help children and families of all ages—from infants and toddlers to adolescents and young adults. The work they do is making a difference in Oregon, across the country, and around the world.
Our research culture is field-leading and highly influential with a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.
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Brief videos highlighting remarkable research and grant awards within the College of Education
THOMSON PROFESSOR
Emily Tanner-Smith
Professor Tanner-Smith discusses meta analysis project that focuses on examining the effectiveness of mathematics interventions.
PHILIP H. KNIGHT CHAIR
Beth Stormshak
Professor Beth Stormshak, PhD discusses The Family Check-Up Model and its unique, strength-based approach.
EVERGREEN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Elizabeth Budd
Evergreen Associate Professor Liz Budd, PhD, discusses her project that focuses on addressing health disparities within Latinx communities.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ilana Umansky
Professor Umansky speaks to her involvement in the National R&D Center to Improve Education for Secondary English Learners.
Impact and Outcomes
We are the highest-ranked academic unit at the University of Oregon, due largely to a decades-long record of national and international research and development in special education, counseling psychology, educational leadership, and school psychology. Our research culture is unique and highly influential because our faculty have a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.
Our innovations have an enduring impact in Oregon and across the nation.
Research News
March 19, 2025
Research shows cartoons for girls pile on the sugar
Shows for girls mention sweets eight times more often than shows for boys, study finds. Nichole Kelly, PhD, who researches eating behaviors at the university, said it is important to monitor how food is marketed to younger generations — as a “poor diet” can increase the risk factor for certain health conditions.
March 2, 2025
Why California Still Doesn’t Mandate Dyslexia Screening
Education experts agree that early screening and intervention is critical for making sure students can read at grade level. But so far, state officials have done almost everything to combat dyslexia except mandate assessments for all students. Providing expert commentary is COE's Professor Lillian Duran, who has helped develop screening tools for dyslexia.
February 13, 2024
Smartphones deliver parenting support
A recent study shows the Family Check-Up, a UO-designed parenting skills program, can help parents in rural areas who may struggle with substance use, mental health and access to community resources. The study was authored by Kate Hails, a research associate with the UO Prevention Science Institute, and several institute collaborators: Anna Cecilia McWhirter, Audrey Sileci and Beth Stormshak.
February 13, 2025
Positive Parenting: UO-designed program helps strengthen families
The Family Check-Up, created by Philip H. Knight Chair Beth Stormshak, PhD, is a parenting skills and support program boosting the well-being of families around the world. Learn more about the Family Check-Up's move to digital, community partners involved, and how they are working to expand reach.
Jennifer Ruef, PhD, is one of four UO researchers to receive the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious honor for early-career faculty in 2024. Ruef’s project is focused on student perceptions of math and partnering with teachers to improve how they teach math.
Strengthening connections between research and practice in K-12 education
The HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice aims to impact future generations by supporting today’s educators. Using the latest tools and methods to conduct rigorous evidence syntheses that meet the rapid decision-making needs of education leaders, the HEDCO Institute translates the findings from existing research, providing education leaders with trustworthy information to support the implementation of evidence-based practices, and promoting healthy students and schools.