| Session Title: Recruiting Participants for Education Studies: Practical Strategies and Advice |
| Demonstration Session 395 to be held in San Simeon B on Thursday, Nov 3, 1:35 PM to 2:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Elizabeth Autio, Education Northwest, elizabeth.autio@educationnorthwest.org |
| Jason Greenberg Motamedi, Education Northwest, j.g.motamedi@educationnorthwest.org |
| Abstract: Recruitment of participants to take part in a study is a challenge many evaluators face. Failure to accomplish this task can result in the demise of a study before it even begins. In education, recruitment can be particularly daunting, as multiple layers of stakeholders must buy into the study. There are also sometimes ethical concerns about providing or denying the treatment to students. Finally, a plethora of programs and initiatives compete for educators' time and attention. In this session, evaluators who successfully recruited schools for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an instructional model share their lessons learned. It will include practical strategies and concrete advice for other evaluators. Topics will include budgeting, developing an approach, creating systems and materials, outreach, interacting with potential participants, delivery of the message, and welcoming, tracking, and retaining participants. These lessons learned can be applied to recruitment for all studies, and RCTs in particular. |