Michigan State University Professor William H. Schmidt is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Contributions to Research in Education Award presented by the American Educational Research Association, or AERA. It is the premier award for outstanding achievement and success in education research.

Schmidt is a University Distinguished Professor and founder and director of the Center for the Study of Curriculum Policy at MSU’s College of Education. His current writing and research focuses on issues of academic content in K-12 schooling, the effects of curriculum on academic achievement, assessment, and educational policy related to mathematics, science and testing in general.

He is a member of the National Academy of Education; an AERA Fellow; director of the AERA Institute on Statistical Analysis; and an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Thomas J. Alexander Fellow for education quality and equity. He has published in numerous journals including Education Researcher, Science, Journal of Educational Statistics and the Journal of Curriculum Studies. His most recent books include "Why Schools Matter"; "Inequality for All"; and "Schooling Across the Globe: What We Have Learned from Sixty Years of Mathematics and Science International Assessments."

“It truly is one of my greatest honors to receive this award acknowledging the research I have done throughout my career,” said Schmidt, who joined the College of Education faculty in 1969. “My work has allowed me to travel the world over and have life experiences I never dreamed of, all while helping improve education for children in the U.S. and around the globe. I am most grateful to AERA for this recognition. I would like to thank my colleagues, students, friends — and especially my family, without whom this recognition would not be possible."

“This national recognition of Dr. Schmidt’s scholarship attests to the high caliber and transformative impact of his cumulative research contributions,” said MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. “We are delighted he has won this award, which acknowledges him as an exemplar in the field of education research.”

“We are thrilled that Bill has been selected to receive this highly prestigious award, recognizing his many years of superb research accomplishments,” said Ann E. Austin, interim dean of the College of Education. “His research, particularly focused on mathematics curriculum reform and standards, has had immense impact on improving educational practice and policy throughout the world. The College of Education at Michigan State has been his home for many years, and we are very proud of Bill and grateful for all his contributions to addressing significant educational questions as well as his commitment to the preparation of the next generation of researchers.”

The American Educational Research Association is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

"We are excited to honor exemplary individuals for their outstanding achievements in advancing education research," said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine in a press release about 2022 Award Winners in Education Research. "Their cutting-edge scholarship and tireless support of the education research field are making a difference in the lives of students, educators and others."