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[the_hanged_man]

I've been working as a secondary teacher of mathematics for a number of  years, and am now interested in applying to Ph.D. programs in educational measurement. My GPA, test scores, and professional experience are all strong,  but most likely I have to depend on former principals and superintendents for my references.

Is the lack of academic references going to be a major obstacle for admissions? Is the field of education more forgiving in this regard? Any feedback would be much appreciated!

[polly_mer]

I expect that references from principals and superintendents will be fine for admission to education programs.  They are (or at least are likely to be assumed to be) competent professionals who can testify as to your field experience, which is what graduate programs want.

Relax!  You're fine.

[jon_margerumleys]

Sure, those are fine.  In Education, K-12 teaching experience is very important--almost all of us have some and it's the coin of the realm.  If you've done any leadership kinds of things (department head, school improvement, etc.), feature that.

Jon

[laurel_knx]

Ed Measurement is not really like other Ed fields, so be careful about general advice (e.g., classroom experience is nice but not the end-all, be-all in many measurement programs unlike other areas of education). In this case, though, I think recommendations from school admins would be fine.

Teaching experience is a good background for measurement that differs from the kids coming straight out of stats programs.

[msparticularity]

If you were applying to my College of Ed, we'd be focused upon your GRE quant scores, as well as your prior coursework in math and especially stats. We would also find it interesting if you had done any kind of service that related to ed measurement, such as serving on accreditation committees, or even perhaps textbook or curriculum committees (if explained in that context).

Most of all, we'd be interested in your ability to clearly articulate your goals in pursuing this degree, and the match between your needs and our interests and our program. For example, if you're primarily interested in program/curriculum evaluation, you should know to apply to the department of Curriculum and Instruction (at my school). If you're interested in diagnosis at an individual level, at my school you should be applying to Counseling, Ed Psych and SpEd.

Have you done the research on the program you are applying to?

[the_hanged_man]

Thank you for your thoughtful replies.

My research interests are in standardized testing, item response theory, and classical test theory. After I finish the program my goal is to find a position within the testing industry or a state board of education as a psychometrician where I can work on designing and improving standardized tests.

I have done some research on programs and I am looking mostly at Ed Psych departments that have a specialization in educational measurement. I do have a solid math background as a Stat/Econ major in undergrad, and as a teacher of AP Calculus and Statistics.  My GPA was 3.9 and GRE Quant score was 770 although I will need to retake that due me last taking it 12 years ago. I also served on an MSA accreditation team visit at an international school in Bahrain, in addition to stints in the Peace Corps and Teach for America.

So...I do think my qualifications are solid other than the lack of recent academic experience at the collegiate level. Some of the schools I have been considering include ASU, Iowa, UIUC, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Can anyone recommend some programs that would be a good fit given my background and interests?

[laurel_knx]

You have a pretty good list going. In addition, I've heard James Madison and UT-Austin are quite good. JMU's program is newer, but catching up pretty fast (maybe a bit more policy oriented?)

If you haven't already found them, there are two good lists of programs online:

http://ncme.org/careers/pdf/grad_program_descriptions.pdf

http://www.apa.org/science/quant-educ.html

[msparticularity]

So...I do think my qualifications are solid other than the lack of recent academic experience at the collegiate level.

I agree! And fortunately you are in a field where the lack of current academic references is quite normal and expected, since you've been teaching for the past few years. My only suggestion is to see if you can get a recommendation from someone on your accreditation team, to complement those you will get from your principal and/or superintendent.

I won't weigh in on programs, since you are outside my area of expertise.

[laurel_knx]

Just thought of another one-- UMass. I've heard they are involved in the state testing program, so students may get experience through that.

OP, I just sent you a PM--check your inbox.

[ab_grp]

UMass, Michigan State, Fordham, and JMU all seem to turn out strong measurement professionals, as do some of the programs you've mentioned (particularly UIUC, Nebraska, and Iowa).  James Madison teaches some of the interesting "hot topic" methods.  It's good to hear that you're strong in math if you're considering IRT.  Good luck!

[the_hanged_man]

Thanks for the tips! UMass in particular seems like a good program.

Also, is it a bad idea to mention that I intend to work in industry after finish my program in my application? Do you think some programs might exclude me based on that?

[ab_grp]

Just be aware that the programs mentioned in this thread are all fairly different.  I see that you've been to the program websites... have you taken a look at what research the students are doing? Do you know any of the big names in the field, or who you'd want to study with? I wouldn't include post-graduation plans unless you know that the program is one that tends to intentionally feed into industry.  Many measurement folks do end up working in or with industry at some point, but I'm not sure why you'd want to be that specific at this point.

[laurel_knx]

Just be aware that the programs mentioned in this thread are all fairly different.  I see that you've been to the program websites... have you taken a look at what research the students are doing? Do you know any of the big names in the field, or who you'd want to study with? I wouldn't include post-graduation plans unless you know that the program is one that tends to intentionally feed into industry.  Many measurement folks do end up working in or with industry at some point, but I'm not sure why you'd want to be that specific at this point.

I agree that the programs are quite different, and maybe some would exclude you based on wanting to go into industry. But others are fine with it. Try to find out where recent grads got jobs or talk to current students to get an idea. For YOUR future happiness, though, try to apply to places that are cool with that.

ab_grp is right that you don't have to be specific. Profs can play important roles in the testing industry. Just look at the program for NCME-- ETS, ACT, and people in universities present alongside each other on the same topics. Some profs actually work for testing companies (and sometimes they have previously worked in testing co's). So your interests won't necessarily "give you away" as someone who wants to go into industry.

I wouldn't fudge on your statement of purpose and say you love teaching and dream of being an academic, but you can talk about your interests in testing and they can assume you mean in academia or in industry as they prefer.