About CEPR

History

The Center for Educational Policy Research (CEPR) opened in 2000 with the support of the University of Oregon. CEPR’s original staff of four endeavored to test new methods and tools for studying educational policy issues and solving education-related challenges. Increased interest in CEPR's work inspired the formation of a second non-profit organization, the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC), in 2002.

Both centers are based in Eugene, Oregon; are directed by their founder, David T. Conley; and have a scope of work spanning educational research and policy across Oregon and the nation.

EPIC has grown to employ over 60 staff that work with schools, districts, states, national government entities, and corporations, to advise, conduct educational research, develop improvements, and implement systems.

Findings by CEPR and EPIC have shaped national educational discussions by providing research-based definitions of the knowledge and skills necessary for high school students to graduate college and career ready. EPIC maintains national and international focus on these issues. CEPR applies EPIC’s resources to Oregon alone.

Leadership

David T. Conley, PhD | Director

Conley is a professor of Educational Policy and Leadership in the University of Oregon's College of Education. He is also the founder and director of the Center for Educational Policy Research (CEPR) at the University of Oregon, and founder and chief executive officer of the Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC). Conley serves on numerous technical and advisory panels, consults with educational agencies nationally and internationally, and is a frequent speaker at national and regional meetings of education professionals and policymakers.

Terri Ward, PhD | Co-Director

Ward is an adjunct faculty member teaching in the department of Educational Methodology, Policy and Leadership at the University of Oregon. She also co-directs CEPR, and leads teams for EPIC's South Carolina Course Alignment project, Achieve, Inc. project, and International Baccalaureate project.