Patricia Garcia-Arena
Director of Research
Patricia García-Arena is the Director of Research for the Educator Learning, Research, and Practice (ELRP) team at WIDA. She leads the development of the ELRP research agenda, connecting research and practice to expand opportunities for multilingual learners. In this role, she also leads a team of researchers, collaborates with WIDA leadership to prioritize organizational research activities, and conducts studies on implementation, efficacy, product development, and special projects.
Patricia came to WIDA after more than 20 years of experience conducting educational research and evaluation, with leadership roles at WestEd, the American Institutes for Research, and the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition. She is an experienced researcher in the areas of multilingual learner education, early childhood development, literacy, and program evaluation. She has served as principal investigator and director on numerous federally and state-funded projects.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in psychological studies in education from Stanford University, her Ed.M. in human development and psychology from Harvard University, and her B.A. in psychology and child development from Tufts University.
Patricia came to WIDA after more than 20 years of experience conducting educational research and evaluation, with leadership roles at WestEd, the American Institutes for Research, and the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition. She is an experienced researcher in the areas of multilingual learner education, early childhood development, literacy, and program evaluation. She has served as principal investigator and director on numerous federally and state-funded projects.
Patricia received her Ph.D. in psychological studies in education from Stanford University, her Ed.M. in human development and psychology from Harvard University, and her B.A. in psychology and child development from Tufts University.