Gina BiancarosaView profile
Professor
Gina Biancarosa holds the Ann Swindells Chair in Education as a Professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences within the University of Oregon's College of Education, where she also maintains a courtesy appointment in the Quantitative Research Methods in Education PhD program. Her research at the Center on Teaching and Learning focuses on refining reading comprehension measurement and modeling longitudinal reading growth, leading to significant tools like MOCCA for Grades 3-5 and DIBELS 8th Edition spanning kindergarten through eighth grade. Her educational foundation includes: EdD in Language and Literacy (2006) from Harvard University EdM in Language and Literacy (1999) from Harvard University BA in English Literature (1992, summa cum laude) from Boston College Biancarosa's research centers on reading assessment, comprehension, adolescent literacy, and longitudinal analysis, employing advanced methodologies including hierarchical linear modeling and IRT. She has pioneered diagnostic measures that provide teachers with actionable data, shifting assessment paradigms toward cognitive process evaluation rather than isolated skill metrics. Her work bridges psychometric rigor with classroom applicability, particularly in identifying at-risk readers through subscore analysis and adaptive testing. Recent publications reveal a trajectory toward innovative measurement techniques, including computer-adaptive assessments and pandemic impact studies on reading fluency. Her scholarship consistently addresses the intersection of cognitive theory, measurement science, and practical literacy instruction, with growing emphasis on bilingual contexts and technology-enhanced assessment. Her scientific recognition includes: 2024 Significant Contribution to Educational Measurement Award (AERA) 2023 Outstanding Service Award (UO College of Education) 2021 Distinguished Excellence in Research/Outreach Award 2016 Ann Swindells Chair in Education Spencer Foundation Midcareer Training Grant (2016) Biancarosa has secured over $8 million in external funding from IES, Spencer Foundation, Alaska Department of Education, and Carnegie Corporation, plus $100,000+ in internal grants. She actively mentors doctoral students (seeking new candidates for 2025-2026) and teaches measurement, assessment, and applied statistics courses while serving on editorial boards for top journals including Reading Research Quarterly. Her current lab work at the Center on Teaching and Learning includes validating computer-adaptive MOCCA and developing Alaska Native language literacy screeners, supported by a student research seminar examining national reading trends and DIBELS 8th Edition validation.






