Chris Kolar is an accomplished education researcher specializing in gifted and STEM education, with a focus on institutional research, effectiveness, accountability, and predictive modeling. Since 2001, he has served as the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA), where he has been instrumental in advancing educational outcomes and strategic initiatives.
In his role at IMSA, Kolar has been deeply involved in a national study examining intermediate-term outcomes of STEM school graduates. This research, conducted under the guidance of Rena Subotnik at the American Psychological Association and funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to assess the impact of specialized STEM education on students’ future achievements.
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Beyond his work at IMSA, Kolar has actively contributed to national STEM education policy and advocacy. He co-founded and co-chaired the Committee for the Advancement of STEM Specialty Schools, focusing on promoting and supporting specialized STEM institutions. Additionally, he has served on the leadership council of the STEM Education Coalition, collaborating with policymakers and educators to enhance STEM education nationwide.
Kolar’s leadership extends to his involvement with the National Association for Gifted Children, where he co-chaired the Membership Committee of the STEM Network. In this capacity, he worked to expand the organization’s reach and support for educators and students in gifted and STEM education. Previously, he dedicated six years as a Director for the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST), contributing to the advancement of specialized secondary education.
Before his tenure at IMSA, Kolar held significant positions in educational technology and instructional design. From 1999 to 2001, he was the Director of Instructional Technology at Aurora University, where he led initiatives to integrate technology into the curriculum and enhance teaching methodologies. Prior to that, he served as an Instructional Technology Network Designer for the Indian Prairie School District from March 1997 to December 1998, focusing on developing and implementing technology solutions to support educational objectives.
Kolar’s academic background is rooted in educational psychology and the arts. He earned a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University, equipping him with a deep understanding of learning processes and educational assessment. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign between 1987 and 1995, providing a broad foundation for his future endeavors. Additionally, he spent the 1989-1990 academic year at Birmingham University, focusing on the arts, which enriched his interdisciplinary perspective.
Throughout his career, Chris Kolar has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enhancing educational practices and policies, particularly in the realms of gifted and STEM education. His extensive experience in institutional research and effectiveness has positioned him as a leader in the field, dedicated to fostering environments where students can excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.