Faculty in the School of Education and Social Policy conduct valuable research that investigates how people learn and develop over the course of the life span. The results of research become powerful tools to shape education and social programs that make a difference in schools and communities and change the lives of children and families. Research themes focus on individual development, families and communities, pedagogical and technological innovations, teacher development and school improvement. Graduate students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty in the School's influential research and are trained in research methods of the highest caliber. Annual research awards to the School's 32 faculty members total more than $15 million. Funding for the School's extensive research comes from partners including Aon Corporation, Joyce Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Spencer Foundation and others.