Newswise — Richard C. Atkinson, noted scholar, researcher, and President Emeritus of the University of California system, received the second annual American Educational Research Association (AERA) Public Service Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions of elected or appointed public officials who have used education research and statistics in shaping policy, and who have provided sustained support for improving the quality of research and statistics.
At AERA's 85th Annual Meeting in San Diego this week, approximately 12,000 researchers have gathered to foster communication of important research findings. Today, the Association honored Dr. Atkinson as an innovative scientist, educator, and researcher whose accomplishments reflect the importance of rigorous research as a foundation for policy decisions. At the AERA award ceremony this afternoon, Dr. Robert J. Linn, professor of education at the University of Colorado at Bolder and past-president of AERA, presented the award. Earlier in the day, Dr. Atkinson delivered an invited address, entitled College Admissions and the SAT.
A cognitive scientist whose research has focused on problems of memory, cognition, and learning, Dr. Atkinson held appointments to the faculty at Stanford University for many years, and at UCLA for three; as the first director of the National Science Foundation; chancellor of the University of California, San Diego; and president of the University of California system. While system president, Dr. Atkinson questioned the use of the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and initiated new approaches to university admissions in support of more equitable admissions policies.
The first recipient of the AERA Public Service Award was James B. Hunt, Jr., former North Carolina governor, who accepted the 2003 award for his leadership in education and his work in effectively translating education research into policy and practice.
AERA
AERA represents 22,000 professionals who conduct research and evaluation in education. Founded in 1916, AERA offers a comprehensive program of scholarly publications, training, fellowships and meetings to advance educational research, disseminate knowledge, and improve the capacity of the profession for the public's good.
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