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AREC Faculty
Darrel Skousen, M.A.
Executive Director
dskousen@csudh.edu
(310) 243-3740
Mr. Skousen has a BA degree in Psychology from Arizona State University, an MA degree in Positive Organizational Behavior & Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and has completed his coursework towards a PhD in Evaluation and Applied Research Methods at CGU. Mr. Skousen’s evaluation and research interests include program design and development, increasing the use of evaluation findings, and enhancing success within the field of education. Over the last 9 years he has led numerous evaluations of government, and privately, funded programs, including children’s health (OAH), teacher development and assessment (USDOE), academic success through peer mentoring (USDOE) and behavioral health, and STEM education (NSF & USDOE).
Laura Cervantes, Ph.D.
Lead Evaluator
lcervantes@csudh.edu
Dr. Laura Cervantes holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her work centers on dismantling harmful environments, practices, and policies that amplify the achievement/opportunity gap and disparities for marginalized groups and communities. Her areas of research expertise have focused on creating rigorous, accessible, and equity-minded methodologies that inform data-driven and action-oriented recommendations. Specifically, the projects she has been involved with include the topics of discipline disparities, examining the achievement gap in urban school systems, college readiness, persistence and completion in higher education and STEM pathways, and organizational change to increase diversity among talent in government agencies nationwide. Her work is grounded in creating equitable and inclusive spaces and practices through an anti-racism and inclusivity lens.
Sandy Chang, Ph.D.
Evaluator
sandychang@ucla.edu
Dr. Sandy Chang specializes in assessment and the learning and teaching of language and literacy, especially for English learners. Her work includes developing and providing professional development for educators on standards, formative assessment, and language learning. Sandy earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Psychology from University of California, Los Angeles and her Ed.M. in Language and Literacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Sandy is a National Board Certified Teacher in literacy. She worked with English learners as a K-8 classroom teacher and reading specialist.
Kirk Kirkwood, Ed.D.
Evaluator
kkirkwood@csudh.edu
Dr. Kirk Kirkwood is the Principal Consultant of Village Life Education—a consultant firm empowering educators, parents, and students to achieve their greatest aspirations through world-class professional development and academic advising. For over two decades, Dr. Kirkwood has supported hundreds of K-12 students with preparation, admissions into, and graduation from HBCUs, Ivy Leagues, Public and Private 4-year colleges and universities. Recognizing the immense opportunities afforded through math education, he designed the Math Literacy Project, first funded by the CSU Office of the Chancellor. Dr. Kirkwood has worked with school districts, charter organizations, and community colleges in California, Ohio, and Delaware, empowering teachers, faculty, administrators, and communities to reimagine a world of affirming mathematics experiences, especially for historically underserved populations. He has a Doctorate in Educational in P-12 Leadership from Cal State Fullerton and a Single Subject Math Credential and Multiple Subject Credential.