Faculty Profiles
Dr. Castillo is an international development scholar with expertise in learning assessment, program evaluation, and educational technologies. He has worked as an internationally posted development practitioner of education, health, and economic development projects throughout Central and South America as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Castillo has led program evaluation efforts in South Africa, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. After completing service in Guatemala with the United States Peace Corps, Dr. Castillo received a Master’s from Harvard University, a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, and conducted Postdoctoral research as an education specialist with UNESCO. Dr. Castillo has extensive experience in national and international development issues and has served as an advisor to UNICEF, the Inter-American Development Bank, USAID, UNESCO, and several international, non-government organizations. His recent multi-year study in South Africa applies a language-centered technology approach to support early grade reading in rural classrooms. This project was a 2014 recipient of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy.
Access to quality learning is widely accepted as a fundamental human right and has been a focal point of world development goals. While recent efforts have greatly expanded access to schooling, crafting effective interventions to support learning presents a constant challenge as learning opportunities and contexts vary so widely across the world. My research investigates learning and instruction in developing countries and how the appropriate use of technology can better support positive learning ecologies and advance social equity. My current research interests include early grade reading models in developing countries, the effects of education policies and organizational structures on student outcomes, and the application of empirical research methods for assessing impact.

Assistant Professor, Education Policy, Organization and Leadership
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