Reliable birth control contributed to economic development by reducing women's risk of dropping out of school associated with early childbearing and high fertility rates, contributing in turn to increases in women's labor force participation, the continuity of their careers, and the standard of living of women, children and families, writes Chloe Bird.
Based on the results of statewide standardized tests, more than 15 percent of U.S. schools are in need of improvement. The students attending these schools need help, writes Megan Beckett.
Alabama has made significant economic progress in recent decades, attracting car manufacturers and new industrial development. The state now has an opportunity to address some systemic challenges in education, health care, and workforce development to be competitive in a global economy, writes Melissa Flournoy.
Essentially, the available research suggests that teaching abstinence alone to teenagers does not work — they are no more likely to delay the start of sexual activity than other teenagers. But research has not been so clear regarding virginity pledges specifically, writes Steven Martino.
Too often we talk only about the ongoing challenges facing education, health care, transportation and economic development across the Gulf South — Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.... We need to determine new ways to work together across state lines to focus on solutions that will benefit the entire region, writes Melissa Flournoy.
Research reveals that NCLB has flaws, but changes can be made that preserve its basic goals of school accountability and student improvement, writes Brian Stecher.
While testing can serve a valuable purpose, it can only do so if: the tests are designed to measure complex, important content; safeguards are developed to address harmful effects on students; and the tests are used as one part of a comprehensive strategy for producing more-qualified graduates, writes Laura Hamilton.
Published commentary by RAND staff: A Laid-Off Child Is a Terrible Mind to Waste, in Rediff.
Published commentary by RAND staff: Preschool Pays Off, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The No Child Left Behind law focuses on a very narrow set of outcomes, and ignores many elements that students and their families find satisfying, challenging and motivating about their schools, writes Brian Stecher.
Published commentary by RAND staff: Benefits of Preschool Come with Every Dollar, in the Los Angeles Times.
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Now that California schools have access to up to $550 million in new assistance annually under Proposition 49 to fund after-school programs, wise choices need to be made to ensure the money will be used for programs that give children the maximum benefit, writes Megan Beckett in an commentary.
Published commentary by RAND staff.
Published commentary by RAND staff.
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