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
DEAN, 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 27, 2026
Student Advances Research at National Conference Through Donor-Funded Support
The College of Education’s donor-funded Professional Development Program is helping graduate students take important steps toward their future careers. Abbie Sanders, a doctoral candidate in Prevention Science, was able to present her paper Social Networks and Parents’ Early Reentry Outcomes at the annual American Psychology Law Society meeting after receiving professional development funds.
March 20, 2026
Feeling like you belong in college? It might decide whether you graduate, says new study
A new study has revealed a powerful truth about college success: students who feel they truly belong on campus are significantly more likely to earn their degrees. Co-author, Maithreyi Gopalan, PhD, of the University of Oregon, urge colleges to implement standardized, multi-item tools that measure belonging over time.
March 17, 2026
EdSource: Reclassification Reform for English Learners
Many California students remain classified as English learners despite demonstrating fluency. A new study by Associate Professor Ilana Umansky, PhD, and QRME doctoral student Havisha Khurana provides key evidence supporting reforms to California’s English learner reclassification policies.
March 3, 2026
UO receives $20 million grant to serve youth with disabilities
A new $20 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will bolster the University of Oregon’s longstanding national leadership in transition services for youth with disabilities. The funding for transition services reflects the university’s expertise in special education.
As part of the Autism Data Science Initiative at the National Institutes of Health, associate professor Lauren Cycyk is partnering with collaborators at the Oregon Health & Sciences University on a new initiative that will combine cutting-edge analytic work with direct outreach to the autism community to recommend ways to improve the health of people living with autism.
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.