Denise T. Airola
Research Specialist
Arkansas Leadership Academy
Curriculum and Instruction
333 West Avenue Annex
Phone: 479-575-7397
dairola@uark.edu
Professional Biography:
Denise Airola joined the Arkansas Leadership Academy after seven years with the National Office for Research on Measurement and Evaluation Systems. Denise served as the assistant director at NORMES acting as liaison to the Arkansas Department of Education for NORMES’ research and evaluation projects, as well as directing professional development in data analysis and data use for Arkansas educators. Prior to her work with NORMES, Denise worked in the K-12 public education systems in California and Arkansas, first as an elementary and middle level teacher, then as a central office administrator in charge of curriculum, professional development, federal programs and school improvement. Her education experience includes classroom teaching, designing professional development, facilitating curriculum, instruction and assessment alignment processes, as well as extensive experience implementing and evaluating K-12 reform efforts.
Denise completed a Master of Science in Educational Research and Policy Studies in 2007 and is a doctoral candidate in the Education Statistics and Research Methods program in the College of Education and Health Professions with expected completion in May 2011. She earned her K-12 teaching credential in 1985 and is currently licensed to teach elementary and middle school, high school biology and physics, and secondary general science in Arkansas. She earned her B.S. degree in environmental biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in association with Syracuse University in 1982.
Job Duties:
As a research specialist for the Arkansas Leadership Academy, Denise contributes to evaluation design and implementation to assess the impact of the ALA School Support Program on participating schools. Denise provides professional development and support to ALA Capacity Building Specialists and participating school leaders and teachers in best practices in assessment and data analysis. Denise presents at state, regional and national conferences on the work of ALA.Publications/Presentations:
Airola, D. (2004, November). Enterprise Guide, Get a Handle on School Improvement Data and Student Academic Improvement Plans, Annual Fall Conference of the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Little Rock, AR.
Airola, D., & Anderson, T. (2004, October). EGuide for Educators: Simplifying Data Driven Decision Making, T + L2: Leading Learning to a Higher Level Conference of the National School Boards Association, Denver, CO.
Airola, D. (2004, October). Enterprise Guide Update: Academic Improvement Plans. Fall conference of the Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators, Little Rock, AR.
Jones, M., & Airola, D. (2002, Winter). Invited Paper: Closing the Achievement Gap in Math and Science. Arkansas Educational Research & Policy Studies Journal, 2(1), 85-93.