The Jacob France Institute
Dr. David W. Stevens, Executive Director
dstevens@ubalt.edu | (410) 837-4729
Treva Stack
Research Analyst / Statistician
Treva Stack is a research analyst/statistician for the Jacob France Institute. Treva has a solid background in the social sciences, with specific expertise in research design and program evaluation. As a member of the American Evaluation Association, she has presented her research at several international conferences. Ms. Stack previously worked as a research specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and has a strong interest in K-12 education issues. In addition, she has research experience in the fields of public health and corrections, and has held positions with Red Cross National Headquarters and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
At the Jacob France Institute, she continues to concentrate on educational research, but has broadened her scope to include economic and higher education issues.
Ms. Stack provides research expertise to the MSDE Divisions of Career Technology and Adult Learning, and Certification and Accreditation. In addition, she works with the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the University System of Maryland (USM), and the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC), providing them with employment and earnings data, as well as assistance with additional research projects. She also works closely with Dr. P.M. Forni, Director of the Civility Initiative at Johns Hopkins, providing research assistance.
Projects
- Technology Education in Baltimore City Public Schools
With funding provided by the Abell Foundation, JFI is examining BCPSS's response to MSDE's technology education mandate. In the fall of 2007, a new online curriculum was implemented that conforms to MSDE's Voluntary State Curriculum. Field observation will take place both in Baltimore City and in Montgomery County, a site determined to be a "leader" in technology education according to MSDE. An examination of technology education practices in other US States as well as internationally will also be included.
- Teacher Retention: A Comparison of Maryland Professional Development Schools (PDS) Program Graduates with Recipients of Maryland Certification Through Other Qualifying Paths
Data on education graduates from 2001-2006 was provided to JFI by all University System of Maryland (USM) institutions, both undergraduate and graduate. USM is seeking to examine K-12 teacher retention in PDS as well as non-PDS graduates. JFI is in the process of matching graduates to the Maryland UI Wage records, as well as regional, surrounding states wage records and federal employment in order to determine their career paths.
- Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC)
JFI is providing assistance to MACC with a performance indicator required by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). Matches of both degree and certificate community college completers have been matched to the Maryland UI Wage records, as well as regional and federal databases. Longitudinal earnings profiles one year prior and 3 years after graduation were generated and distributed to each institution. Additional research was provided by examining earnings profiles by gender and race/ethnicity.
- Civility Study: A Joint Effort between Dr. P.M. Forni's Civility Initiative at Johns Hopkins University and the Jacob France Institute
In a collaborative research project, JFI and Dr. P.M. Forni sought to determine a "Top Ten" listing of rude behaviors. Thirty examples of rude behavior were posed in an online survey to respondents, each linked to a five point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Not Offensive) to 5 (Most Offensive). Respondents were asked to indicate the degree to which they personally considered each behavior offensive.
The survey was distributed to the University of Baltimore community, as well as staff from the Baltimore firms of EA Engineering Science and Technology, and Life Bridge Health in May 2007. A total of 615 respondents completed the survey, and the "Top Ten" acts of rudeness were compiled.
Publications
- The Baltimore Workforce Civility Study, (pdf) January 2003
Contact Information
Mrs. Treva Stack
The Jacob France Institute
University of Baltimore
1420 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(410) 837-4685 FAX: (410) 837-5814
tstack@ubalt.edu