RAND's research on pre-K, K-12, and higher education covers issues such as assessment and accountability, choice-based and standards-based school reform, vocational training, and the value of arts education and policy in sustaining communities and promoting a well-rounded community.
Many factors contribute to a student's academic performance, but research suggests that, among school-related factors, teachers matter most. What's less clear is how to measure an individual teacher's effectiveness. A new RAND Education website features fact sheets, blog posts, research briefs, and more on this important issue.
As Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama seek to expand their economies, employers will require highly literate workers with advanced technical skills. RAND has conducted extensive research on K-12, college, and vocational education in the United States and overseas, as well as the role of education in workforce development.
In an effort to improve public education, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama have each examined the potential of charter schools. For nearly two decades, RAND has conducted objective, evidence-based research on choice-based education reforms to help education policymakers make the right decisions for their communities.
At its annual meeting in April, Division L of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) will give the first "Outstanding Policy Report (Short Report)" award to "A Big Apple for Educators"—an evaluation of New York City's Schoolwide Teacher Bonus Program. RAND Education research on teacher quality also will be presented in a panel discussion.
UK Higher Education Funding Councils will begin using a new Research Excellence Framework in 2014 to assess the quality and impact of a university's research before providing further funding. RAND Europe's ImpactFinder can help UK higher education institutions evaluate their research impact.
The Financial Literacy Center is developing and testing college curricula for financial literacy instruction, suitable for adult learners and pre-service K–8 teachers. The goal of this project is to educate as many young people and adults as possible in financial matters.
The standard model of educational decisions predicts no (or minimal) effects of deferral on educational attainment, but this model may not tell the whole story. A study of those who were not accepted by lottery to a Mexican college shows that labor market effects must also be considered.
Does one's level of education influence one's patience? A study examining the time preferences of students accepted by lottery to a Mexican college, compared to those of individuals who were not accepted, indicates that more educated individuals do tend to be more patient.
The California Preschool Study sought to understand achievement gaps among the state's children, whether existing preschool education programs is adequate, and what efficiencies could be achieved through public funding of early childhood education.
RAND Gulf States, created to assist in the long-term recovery efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama following Hurricane Katrina, has launched an in-depth study due out in 2010. The Displaced New Orleans Residents Survey will examine the current location, well-being and plans of former residents of the city.
In a panel discussion hosted by the RAND Corporation, RAND researchers and experts in the field made observations on the implementation and effectiveness of No Child Left Behind. Audio of the event is available online.
At the request of the Qatari leadership, RAND examined the K-12 education system in Qatar, recommending options for reform and providing support for its implementation. RAND is also analyzing the scholarship system and the entire postsecondary education and training sector in Qatar.
What forces shape the attitudes and aspirations of the Middle East's younger generation? The RAND Initiative for Middle Eastern Youth strives to understand the complex setting affecting these young people and looks for ways to support them in achieving better lives and democratic societies.
What forces shape the attitudes and aspirations of the Middle East's younger generation? The RAND Initiative for Middle Eastern Youth strives to understand the complex setting affecting these young people and looks for ways to support them in achieving better lives and democratic societies.
The Promising Practices Network (PPN) provides quality evidence-based information about what works to improve the lives of children, families, and communities.
Reinventing the State Arts Agency: The Search for New Missions and Roles
— Oct 12, 2005
State arts agencies provide more than half of all public-sector arts funding in the United States. The State Arts Partnerships for Cultural Participation (START) initiative was designed to help them develop new and more effective ways of encouraging greater local participation in the arts and culture. This study is looking at the new strategies emerging from that initiative.
The RAND Council for Aid to Education conducts research on higher education policy, develops tools for colleges and universities, tracks private giving to education, and promotes corporate support of education.
Charter schools in California are doing as well as public schools in reading and math achievement, even though they struggle with facilities, teachers, and public revenue.
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