Evaluation Perspectives of the STEM Education Innovation and Research Institute's Contributions in Advancing Innovative Practices

Several universities have established STEM education research institutes to address the increasing need for educational reform. Positioned outside traditional departmental structures, these institutes can support and influence innovative initiatives across various university levels. While all institutes share the common goal of advancing STEM education research, each one interacts uniquely with its host university. This study evaluates the distinctive role of the STEM Education Innovation & Research Institute (SEIRI) at a Midwestern university, highlighting its unique structure among STEM education centers. SEIRI's interactions span different organizational levels, from faculty to university leadership. The presentation will outline the institute's role and mission. The evaluation framework, partially adapted from the Network of STEM Education Centers (NSEC) self-evaluation guide, includes core components developed into an assessment tool. This tool measures the alignment of the institute's mission with its engagement with faculty, departments, university leadership, and other STEM curricular stakeholders. Preliminary data from the assessment will highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The presentation will also discuss the institute's impact on education research and innovative practices.