TERC at AERA: Showcasing Research, Innovation, and Impact
TERC staff are excited to share their latest research and insights at this year’s AERA Annual Meeting The following presentations highlight the breadth of our work across STEM education. We invite you to explore these sessions and connect with our team throughout the conference.
Wednesday, April 8 from 7:45am to Sunday, April 12 at 3:00pm
Presentation Title: Journeys Through STEM: Nurturing Indigenous Pathways of Persistence
Authors: Nuria Jaumot-Pascual (TERC), Jessica Karch (TERC), Maria Ong (TERC), Jamison David Lopez (University of Arizona), Tiffany Smith (AISES)
Location: Virtual Posters Exhibit Hall, Virtual Poster Hall
Summary: This paper presents findings from a three-year research project examining the long-term impact of AISES (Advancing Indigenous People in STEM) on Indigenous students’ and professionals’ success in STEM. The research team, consisting of Indigenous and non-Indigenous members, used an archival database spanning 30 years to actively connect with current and former AISES participants in activities such as science fairs, National Conference, scholarships, and other AISES opportunities. Using culturally informed methods, including surveys, sharing circles, and what we call “Indigenous STEM Journeys,” the project team connected with AISES members through 110 survey responses and 22 interview participants with varied backgrounds and a wide range of experiences. In keeping with the 2026 AERA program theme, “Unforgetting Histories and Imagining Futures: Constructing a New Vision for Education Research,” this paper explores how AISES creates conditions for Indigenous scholars to thrive and imagine a decolonial STEM future.
Wednesday, April 8 from 7:45am to Sunday, April 12 at 3:00pm
Presentation Title: Bringing Qualitative Studies Together: Aims and Impacts of Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Maria Ong , Nuria Jaumot-Pascual , Lisette Esmeralda Torres-Gerald , Christina Silva
Location: Virtual Posters Exhibit Hall, Virtual Poster Hall
Summary: Guided by decades of experience conducting synthesis research, we argue in this paper for the effectiveness and usefulness of implementing qualitative meta-synthesis more broadly within education research, specifically within STEM education research. We articulate how meta-synthesis is different from other synthesis approaches and highlight the practical benefits we have experienced and witnessed while engaging in this work. Demand for high-caliber synthesis research from top-tier journals and major funders continues to grow along with the volume of educational research being published. We believe it is critical for STEM education scholars to be able to conduct well-crafted meta-syntheses that can uncover critical trends, strengthen theoretical frameworks, generate new theories, identify knowledge gaps, and inform education policy and practice.
Thursday, April 9 from 9:45-11:15 am
Poster Symposium: Data Science as a Tool for Engaging in Civic Education
Chair(s): Katherine M. Miller & Traci Higgins │ Discussant: Travis Weiland
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Floor: Level 2, Room 515A
Poster (in the symposium): Using Data to Explore the Past, Examine the Present, and Envision the Future
Authors: Traci Higgins, Kaylene Stevens, Kathryn Hobbs, & Andee Rubin
Abstract: The Civic Data Project uses an interdisciplinary and collaborative design process in partnership with social studies teachers to develop data inquiry sequences that align with middle school social studies curricula. Our presentation shares examples of student work from the second iteration of a 7th and 8th grade data inquiry sequence focused on the countries of the Americas. Findings and design principles are reported along with takeaways for empowering students in their interactions with civic data.
Friday, April 10 from 7:45–9:15am
Poster Title: Doing the Math with Paraeducators: Enhancing and Expanding a PreK-3 Math Professional Development Model
Presenter: Audrey Martínez-Gudapakkam
Summary: A PreK-3 mathematics professional development (PD) program to advance paraeducator (a.k.a. teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, instructional assistants) pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), teaching practices, and sense of math efficacy, to become future teachers.