The PIAAC data have provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to examine critical questions that may have a significant impact on policy and practices in multiple fields. The web-based Education and Skills Online (ESO) assessment tool enables researchers to utilize PIAAC-compatible skills assessments in their research projects.

Purpose
The goal of the training activities is to build the capacity of the U.S. research communities to use the PIAAC data set and tools for basic, policy, and applied research. Some training activities are designed for research teams with established interdisciplinary agendas (see 3-day trainings) whereas other activities are targeted for individual researchers from specific disciplines (see 1-day trainings).  Networks of researchers participating in either of these face-to-face training activities will have access to additional online support throughout the project and will have opportunities to participate in a capstone research conference at the end of the three-year project.

Applicants
The training grant has an overarching priority to encourage researchers from diverse races/ethnicities and backgrounds to apply, especially individuals whose educational opportunities have been limited by inadequate educational resources, disabilities, or other circumstances. Training events are funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Institute for Educational Sciences. All trainings are open to researchers, practitioners, and policy analysts who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have research experience in the fields of education, sociology, public health, correctional education/criminal justice, economics, or related areas. A limited number of international researchers will be accepted to participate, however restrictions apply (contact jcastek@pdx.edu for specifics).  Participants should have experience using SPSS, Stata or SAS statistical software.