The mission of the Department of Research and Evaluation is to provide valid and reliable information pertaining to the effectiveness of educational and operational programs operated within the Prince George’s County Public Schools.  This mission is emphasized in Goal 1, Objective 1.1 (Eliminating the Achievement Gap), of the Quality Schools Program Strategic Plan (Strategies 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, & 1.1.5).  Specifically, Strategy 1.1.5 directs the school system to “evaluate school-based and system-level programs to determine those that are effective and to modify or eliminate any programs that are ineffective.” 

To accomplish its mission, the department conducts and manages a number of implementation and outcome studies to determine the extent to which programs have been implemented as prescribed and/or have produced the desired outcomes.  In addition, the department provides technical assistance on research designs, statistical analyses, research methods to other offices and departments within the school system.  Moreover, the department serves as the school system’s Institutional Review Board for both in-house and third party research.