QiaoZhaogang Qiao, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Research and Evaluation, leads CTAC’s key research and evaluation initiatives. He evaluates program and policy impacts on student achievement and educator performance at school, district, and state levels. Zhaogang manages and guides the research process, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and conducts advanced statistical analyses, including value added modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, and difference-in-difference modeling. He also conducts financial modeling to assist school districts to project and assess the financial stability and sustainability of their reform initiatives. Zhaogang has authored or co-authored numerous evaluations and research reports which focus on systemic reform, school turnaround, performance-based compensation, and professional development. He is also a certified What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) reviewer under Version 4.1 of WWC standards and procedures for group design. He previously served as research associate at the International Monetary Fund, where he evaluated macroeconomic performance of member countries and analyzed policy effectiveness. He also consulted at the World Bank.