The Education Writers Association will hold an Education Research and Statistics Boot Camp Dec. 2-5, 2010, at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. Participants receive intensive training on how to evaluate education research and how to use spreadsheets or databases to work on education-related stories.

As with previous boot camps, journalists must apply to participate. Entries will be judged on proposed stories and thoughtfulness about the use of statistics and research in education reporting. EWA covers three nights of hotel, up to $250 for airfare and most meals (except Friday and Saturday dinners) for those selected to participate. The deadline is Oct. 22.

Reporters and editors attending the conference should bring a set of data with them to develop the beginnings of a story or project. 

We will provide mentors who will help journalists develop their data and stories. The conference will also offer presentations from experts on such topics as how to tell good research from bad. 

We encourage applicants to focus on tracking spending on education from the federal economic-stimulus law, although it is not mandatory. For instance, you could bring a set of data on how your school district is spending the federal stimulus dollars it received. Or you could compare the expenditures for both property-rich and property-poor districts in your state. You could look at grants and expenditures per capita. Look at EdMoney.org for ideas.

Let us know if you have any questions about the application process. Please answer the following questions and submit examples of your work. Thank you for applying!