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Char Associates is an independent consulting firm based in Montpelier, Vermont,
specializing in the design and evaluation of educational programs and products.
The firm provides program and materials development, program evaluation,
and training for a wide variety of clients, including educational organizations,
non-profit groups, museums, schools, higher education, corporations, and
government agencies.
We provide a wide range of evaluation
services, including formative research and process evaluations
to help clients maximize the educational value and effectiveness
of their products and programs, and outcomes-based and
summative evaluations to assess programs’ educational
impact and outcomes. A hallmark of our work is a highly
customized approach to best serve clients’ needs.
We work closely with clients to help them clarify and fully
formulate their programmatic vision, educational objectives
and desired program outcomes, target audiences, and implementation
strategies. This, in turn, provides a strong foundation
for a specially crafted evaluation that is well-grounded,
strategic, and cost-effective -- one that yields results
and recommendations that help guide program improvements
and future directions. Studies encompass a range of quantitative
and qualitative methods, including pre- and post-program
surveys, interviews and focus groups, site visits and observations
of program events, examination of project documents, and
utilization of standardized test scores and other primary
data sources.
Particular areas of expertise
are formal and informal learning settings; curriculum development
in science, mathematics, and literacy; educational technologies
and media; whole-school reform initiatives; professional
development; and collaborative partnerships among schools,
museums, and community organizations. Our work spans all
areas of learning, from early childhood to elementary and
secondary schooling, to adult and informal education.
• K-8 educational curricula, software and television in mathematics and
science
• Early literacy programs
• Museum exhibits
• Educational television and multimedia for children
• CD-ROMS in the arts and early reading
• Children’s magazines and activity kits in science and social studies
• Educational programs for schools, after-school programs, museums and
libraries
• Integration of educational technology with standards-based curricula
• Professional development of teachers
• Mentoring programs
• Educational media for children
Cynthia Char of Char Associates in Montpelier, Vermont
has over 30 years of experience in educational evaluation and the design of
educational programs for children, adults and families. Prior to establishing
her educational consulting firm, Dr. Char had been a senior associate in research
and design at Bank Street College’s Center for Children and Technology
in New York, and at the Education Development Center (EDC) in Newton, Massachusetts.
Particular areas of expertise are literacy, mathematics, science, and technology,
and children’s learning in schools, homes, museums and other community-based
settings. Cynthia works with educational organizations and businesses in product
and materials development, program evaluation, grant writing and project management.
A graduate of Swarthmore College, she received her Ed.D. in Human Development
from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Click here for Char's CV
Click here for Char's Papers and Publications
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