This course will teach participants how to conduct multilevel modeling (MLM) with data from international large-scale assessments (ILSAs) such as TIMSS, PIRLS, and PISA. The content of the course will include an overview of the ILSAs and presentations on the design of these studies and implications for MLM analysis. Participants will learn how to specify two-level models using the HLM software program and also learn about model comparison, centering decisions and their consequences, and available resources for doing three-level models. Time will be allotted for participants to work on practice exercises, with several instructors available to mentor and answer questions. Participants should have a solid understanding of OLS regression and a basic understanding of MLM. Prior experience using a statistical software program, such as Stata, R, or SPSS, is helpful. Prior knowledge about ILSAs or prior experience using the respective databases or HLM software is not required. To participate fully in the hands-on exercises, participants should bring their own laptops with HLM software (a free student version is available).

Instructors:

Amy Rathbun, American Institutes for Research

Francis Howard L. Huang, University of Missouri

Sakiko Ikoma, American Institutes for Research

Sabine Meinck, Evaluation of Education Achievement

Bitnara Jasmine Park, American Institutes for Research Yuan Zhang, American Institutes for Research