Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Small Business Innovation Research Program

(SBIR)

2009 Program MeetingEdward Metz, Ph.D.National Center for Education

Research

Agenda for this Meeting

1. Introduction: IES SBIR Program2. Project Presentations (5-7 minutes

each)

3. Open Q&A

News and Notes• SBIR reauthorization now underway• IES SBIR program FY 2010 forecast• IES research grants programs

– June or October submissions

• Final Reports for 07 projects• Pilot Research for 08 project

IES SBIR: Program Goals • During the project:

– R&D an education technology product– Research on the feasibility, usability, and promise

of the product for improving student learning.

• After the project:– Private sector dissemination, sustainability– Further R&D (SBIR, or IES research grants)– Evaluation (IES research grants)– Peer reviewed publications

IES SBIR Portolio: 2003 - 2009

34 Fast-Track & Phase II Awards– 2003 (4): Quantum Simulations; Media Group; US Teach; Neuron Farm– 2005 (7): Ablelink Technologies (2); Tactus Technologies; Seward, Inc;

Sirius Thinking, Ltd.; Hope, Inc.; Rockman et al.– 2006 (1): Whimsica– 2007 (8): Seward, Inc.; Tactus Technologies; Molysym, Inc.; Children’s

Progress, Inc.; Polyhedron, Inc.; Spectrum Education; Community Knowledgebase; Advanced Fuel Research

– 2008 (6): Nimble Assessment Tools; Molysym, Inc.; Select-O-Sep; Current Conceptions; One Planet Education; Empirical Education;

– 2009 (8): G84 Consulting; Seward, Inc.; Agile Mind; Knowledge Athletes, Nimble Assessment Systems; Virtual Learning Technologies; Fluidity Software; Triad Digital Media

2003-2009 Projects by Main Topics• Science: 13 of 34

• Reading: 12 of 34• Math: 6 of 34• Formative Assessment: 4 of 34• Teacher Training / Professional Development: 4

of 34• Assessment Tools: 2 of 34• Social & Behavioral: 2 of 34• Use Data to Inform Practice: 1 of 34• School Improvement: 1 of 34• Classroom Observation: 1 of 34

5 Products* Developed Through the IES SBIR Program have Active

Sales • Quantum Simulations: Quantum Chemistry

Tutor• Hope, Inc.: Early Learning is Fun• Ablelink Technologies: Rocket Reader• Tactus Technologies: V-Frog• Spectrum Education: IRIS Remote Classroom

Observation• Children’s Progress: Math and Reading

Formative Assessment*2003 – 2007 projects

1 Project* has Led to Further Funding for R&D and

Evaluation Through an IES Research Grant

• Quantum Simulations: Partnering with WestEd on a current Goal 3 project to test the efficacy of the Quantum Chemistry Tutor.

*2003 – 2007 projects

Publications Resulting From Recent IES SBIR Projects

• Seward, Inc.• Quantum Simulations• Ablelink Technologies• Nimble Assessment Systems

Questions?

Project Presentations