Gary Weiser is a Senior Research Associate in WestEd’s Learning and Technology team. He brings an evidence-centered approach to design, research, and program evaluation across many disciplines. His current research focuses on improving instruction for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), supporting English language arts, and facilitating the development of rich, standards-aligned assessments.
Weiser brings his mix of experience and expertise in research design and science education to his roles as principal investigator in recent DRK-12 studies funded by the National Science Foundation and SBIR Phase II studies funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES), and as co–principal investigator in IES-funded Goal II studies. He heads large-scale, multiyear, multi-institutional research, development, and efficacy projects as well as smaller evaluation projects. As a methodological expert, he leads the design of research plans, making decisions that position projects to collect meaningful data.
Weiser’s recent publications have addressed new ways to improve science curricula, new approaches in the design of three-dimensional science assessments, and the potential of new educational technologies. His articles and presentations have been in journals and conferences for science education, the learning sciences, research in educational evaluation, and psychological development.
Weiser completed his doctoral work at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he developed and evaluated interactive science assessments that target the three dimensions of the NGSS. This work was funded by IES as part of a collaboration between school districts, Indiana University, and the Educational Testing Service. Weiser began his educational career running “Physics is Phun” afterschool events at the University of Maryland.