Saint Louis University launches independent education research policy center

The new PRiME Center will provide evidence on education issues and policies that affect schools and students in Missouri  

ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University has announced the opening of the PRiME Center (Policy Research in Missouri Education). The PRiME Center is an independent research center housed in the Saint Louis University School of Education, specializing in generating, collecting and disseminating education policy research.

 “The overarching mission of PRiME is based on our belief that better evidence can support better policies which can lead to better outcomes for students and schools,” said Gary Ritter, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education and Faculty Director of the PRiME Center.  

The PRiME Center is committed to providing evidence on education issues and policies that affect schools and students in the state of Missouri. Additionally, the PRiME Center will partner with schools throughout the state to assist with evaluation of educational programs. 

The Center will communicate with the public and inform the education policy-making process through various channels, including blog posts, policy briefs, education reports, web-based resources and public testimony. In addition, the Center will host an annual conference to present research and convene thought partners from across Missouri.  

The PRiME Center will be led by Evan Rhinesmith, Ph.D., Director of Research and Evaluation, and Stacey Preis, Ph.D., Director of Outreach. Faculty from the School of Education will collaborate with PRiME staff to conduct research at the center. Postdoctoral fellows — in partnership with St. Louis Public Schools — and graduate research assistants will staff the center.  An advisory board of educators and business and community leaders from across Missouri will help identify those issues which are most critical to Missouri’s education system.

The PRiME Center is initially funded for three years through external support from the Walton Family Foundation. Click here to learn more about the PRiME Center or email prime@slu.edu.

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