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Research &
Impact

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Dr. Debora Scheffel’s scholarly work bridges the gap between complex academic research and transformative education policy. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, her focus remains steadfast on literacy, learning disabilities, and measurable reform in K-12 education systems.

Selected Policy & Reform Publications

Ensuring a Quality Education: "What to Teach?"

A study in how to evaluate and choose a quality curriculum and education. Published in coordination with Advance Colorado.

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Leverage Points for Closing the Achievement Gap in Education

Dr. Debora Scheffel outlines practical, research-informed strategies—explicit instruction, clear curriculum sequencing, mastery-based learning, and high-dosage tutoring—to help schools address persistent academic gaps.

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Special Education Services in Colorado Charter Schools

This study examines how Colorado charter schools are serving students with disabilities—and the funding, planning, and support challenges that may limit their ability to meet those students’ needs.

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Battle for the American Mind

Dr. Debora Scheffel reviews Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin’s urgent case for reclaiming education through a renewed commitment to classical, Christian learning.

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Selected Academic Research

Jensen, R., & Scheffel, D. (2025). Creating clinical preservice preparation programs that promote self-efficacy to teach the science of reading. Literacy Practice and Research, 49(3).

Scheffel, D., & Lizcano, R. (2021). Community engagement in a school of education. Journal of Scholarly Education, 4(1), 67-73..

Parenteau, C., & Scheffel, D. (2020). Supporting students in developing writing skills: Inclusion of under-represented students in graduate online education. Journal of Language & Education Policy, 1(5), 34-49. 

Scheffel, D. (2018). Book Review: Not a Day Care (E. Piper), CCU Review of Books, Culture, Media, Life. 4, 2.

Della Noce, D., Scheffel, D, & Lowry, M. (2014). Questions that get answered: The construction of instructional conversations in asynchronous discussion boards. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching (JOLT). 

Scheffel, D., Houser, J., & Lefly, D. (2012). Predictive utility of DIBELS reading assessment for reading comprehension among third grade English language learners and English speaking children.  Reading Improvement. 49, 75-92.

Scheffel, D. (2009). Excellence in online learning through flexible course design.  SEEN (SouthEast Education Network), 11.3, 76-77. 

Full Publication List Available Upon Request

Lectures & Interviews

Understanding — and Fixing — Colorado’s Education Achievement Gap

Elizabeth Caven interviews Dr. Debora Scheffel about her report on leverage points that can fix the achievement gap in K-12 education.

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Why Colorado Needs Education Reform

Executive Vice President Kristi Burton Brown is joined by Dr. Debora Scheffel to discuss the state of education in Colorado and why reforms are urgently needed to help all students succeed.

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Things Considered: How Your Thoughts and Actions Determine Your Destiny

Reflecting on her current season in life and lessons she has learned, Dr. Scheffel will share her insights into what informed the decisions that ultimately determined her path, and how to put Christ first in everything.

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Thoughts Regarding Professors’ Last Lectures – Dr. Debora Scheffel Shares

Dr. Scheffel sheds light on the importance of imparting wisdom to the younger generation and addresses the rising curiosity and return to Christian faith among young people today.

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