Verónica Ruiz de Castilla, Ph.D., has extensive experience in the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative data analyses: data and predictive analytics, statistical and econometric analysis, cost analysis, data visualization, and evaluation services. Before joining RMC, Verónica served as the principal investigator for three REL Southwest studies that use mixed methods to analyze factors associated with the academic growth of English learners (ELs).
She led studies covering topics in EL education, gifted and talented programs, educators’ use of data for decision-making, teacher preparation, postsecondary education programs, and career and technical education. She also provided data management, statistical analysis, and quality control for research projects and proposals involving complex research designs; conducted work in experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental research; and provided advice on survey development, sampling, and analysis to the Texas Education Agency through the Texas Comprehensive Center.
Previously, Ruiz de Castilla worked as a senior research analyst with VRDC Consulting LLC, where she used a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the implementation of a bilingual program in a South Texas school district and designed and delivered professional development sessions to increase the effectiveness of teachers assigned to EL students; and with the Texas Center for Educational Research, where she led the evaluation of new charter schools using a quasi-experimental approach.
EDUCATION: Ph.D. Economics, University of Texas at Austin, M.A. Economics, University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Economics, Universidad del Pacífico (Lima, Perú).
AREA OF EXPERTISE: Experimental and quasi-experimental research design, the use of mixed methods to analyze factors associated with the academic growth of English learner students, the use of cost-effectiveness analysis to study the allocation of resources in schools, and the use of multilevel models to measure teacher effectiveness. Ruiz de Castilla also provides expert support in sampling, survey development, and the design of instruments to collect qualitative and quantitative data.
