Research in the Schools

ISSN 1085-5300
Sponsored by the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA)

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About the Journal

Research in the Schools (RITS) is a nationally and internationally refereed journal sponsored by the Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA) and Louisiana Tech University. The journal publishes high-quality, original manuscripts that advance understanding and improvement of education through research, theory, and practice.

RITS seeks to bridge the gap between research and application by sharing studies, analyses, and perspectives that inform effective teaching, learning, leadership, and assessment across educational contexts.

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Scope of the Journal

RITS welcomes manuscripts addressing a wide range of topics relevant to educational research and practice, including but not limited to:

• Research in Practice: Empirical studies reporting applied educational research, classroom-based inquiry, or cross-cultural investigations

• Topical Articles: Scholarly reviews, theoretical or conceptual papers, and critical perspectives on current issues in education

• Methods and Techniques: Innovative approaches to research design, data analysis, measurement, classroom assessment, or technology integration in research and teaching

• Assessment: Studies examining standardized or classroom-based assessments, cognitive and affective measures, or evaluations of instructional effectiveness

• Educational Policy, Reform, and Accountability: Empirical and conceptual work focusing on educational policy, reform initiatives, accountability, or leadership

• Other Topics of Interest: Research broadly relevant to educators, researchers, and policymakers that advances the field of educational research

RITS is devoted to research conducted in any educational setting from a conventional elementary school or high school to a training program conducted within an industry. Likewise, there are no age restrictions on the sample, since the educational settings may include preschools, continuing education classes for adults, or adaptive skills courses in nursing homes. Studies conducted in settings such as clinics, hospitals, or prisons are ordinarily inappropriate for RITS unless they involve an educational program within such a setting.

Manuscripts are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Submissions are welcome at any time. For priority consideration:

• May issue: Manuscripts submitted by December 31

• November issue: Manuscripts submitted by June 30

Call for Reviewers

Research in the Schools invites applications for reviewers to join our editorial panel.
Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining the journal’s quality by providing thoughtful, constructive feedback to authors.

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We welcome faculty, practitioners, and advanced doctoral students with expertise in educational research, statistics, measurement, or related fields. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, please complete the RITS Reviewer Interest Form.

Questions may be directed to RITS@msera.org.

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Graduate Student Editorial Board

A hallmark of Research in the Schools is its Graduate Student Editorial Board, which provides emerging scholars with structured experience in peer review and academic publishing.

Each graduate board member, sponsored by a faculty mentor, provide supplementary reviews for a selection of submitted articles, and receive both direct and indirect feedback of the quality of these reviews. This model helps cultivate the next generation of educational researchers and reviewers.​​