The Maryland Assessment Research Center (MARC) a project of the Quantitative Methodology: Measurement & Statistics program (QMMS) in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, the College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park. MARC provides support to the range of assessment activities in the State, the region, and nation by conducting basic and applied research to enhance the quality of assessment practice and measurement science for the assessment of human intelligence and artificial intelligence.
To accomplish its purposes, MARC houses expertise in assessment design, development, implementation, analysis, and reporting as well as the technical aspects of the quantitative theories that form the foundations of measurement science. The nationally recognized QMMS program in the Department of QMMS, College of Education, and College Park Campus of the University of Maryland augment the capabilities of the MARC staff.
MARC provides advice to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the Maryland State Legislature, and local Maryland education agencies on technical and practical issues as well as conduct research and evaluation studies that will inform state and local decision making. MSDE has developed and implemented one of the most innovative, useful, and widely recognized assessment systems in the country. Results from the Maryland State Assessment programs as well as local assessment programs are used by schools, businesses, and policy makers to determine how well schools are educating students and to develop goals and objectives.
MARC also expands its support base to include licensure and certification, college admission, businesses, local and federal government agencies, and foundations in order to accommodate a wide range of projects within its scope. Staffing includes tenured professors as directors, doctoral-level appointments (including post-doctoral positions), affiliate and adjunct QMMS faculty appointments. We also employ additional experts with specialized skills whenever needed.
Each MARC project is expected to include a basic research component that supports the foundational measurement science underlying the funding source's application area. This commitment distinguishes MARC nationally, ensuring its activities are mutually beneficial to funding agencies, the University as an academic institution, and organizations across Maryland, the nation, and internationally. MARC does not merely apply existing knowledge, it both generates and utilizes research understanding. For further information, please contact:
Dr. Hong Jiao
Quantitative Methodology: Measurement & Statistics Program
Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology
University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-1115
E-mail: hjiao@umd.edu
Phone: 301-405-3627