2012-05-24T14:57:11Z Copyright (c) 2012, The RAND Corporation RAND Corporation http://www.rand.org/topics/northeastern-states.html http://www.rand.org/publications/randreview/issues/2012/spring/news3.html May 11, 2012 May 11, 2012

An analysis of the outcomes for murder defendants who were represented either by public defenders or by appointed private counsel in Philadelphia raises important questions about the adequacy and fairness of the criminal justice system.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1216.html Apr 23, 2012 Apr 23, 2012

When enacting, implementing, and evaluating health care reform, policymakers should consider potential spillover effects on workers' compensation insurance. The experience of Massachusetts's heath care reform suggests that reform may reduce medical costs.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/conf_proceedings/CF300.html Apr 16, 2012 Apr 16, 2012

There are large quantities of coal mine water in Pennsylvania—much more than could be used in the coming decade for hydraulic fracturing. Researchers and operators will need to further explore quantity and quality needs to confirm whether coal mine drainage sources represent a viable, large-scale alternative to fresh water.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR991-1.html Jan 4, 2012 Jan 4, 2012

Safe Start Promising Approaches (SSPA) is the second phase of a community-based initiative focused on developing and fielding interventions to prevent and reduce the impact of children's exposure to violence. This report shares the results of SSPA, which was intended to implement and evaluate promising and evidence-based programs in 15 program sites across the country.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20120064.html Jan 1, 2012 Jan 1, 2012

This article examines the micropolitics of implementing New York City's Schoolwide Performance Bonus Program and school governance bodies (Compensation Committees) that determined distribution of school-level rewards among personnel.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9635.html Dec 13, 2011 Dec 13, 2011

Since Massachusetts enacted health reform legislation in 2006, health care employment in the state has grown more rapidly than in the rest of the United States, primarily in administrative positions.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9632.html Dec 5, 2011 Dec 5, 2011

Many Pittsburgh residents in the communities around Frick Park are interested in environmental issues and education, and some use the park. However, awareness of the park and its Environmental Center could be improved, and barriers to use addressed.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201100247.html Nov 30, 2011 Nov 30, 2011

http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1168.html Nov 8, 2011 Nov 8, 2011

Researchers obtained community group and resident input into the design of the new environmental center building at Frick Park and acquired information about residents' attitudes toward and use of Frick Park more generally. The authors offer recommendations for the design of the new building, for the structuring and content of center programs, for improving access to the park and the center, and for successfully marketing park programs.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201100214.html Oct 1, 2011 Oct 1, 2011

Inclusionary zoning and economic integration in suburban neighborhoods not only reduces concentration of poverty, it directly improves low-income children's academic achievement.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201100230.html Sep 30, 2011 Sep 30, 2011

The study relies on a survey of Ohio schools to ascertain information on vacancies for 2004-2005. The survey also collected information on principal perceptions of the impact of various school conditions and difficulty in hiring.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/09/20/FRK.html Sep 20, 2011 Sep 20, 2011

Motivation alone does not improve schools. Even if incentives inspire staff to improve practices or work together, educators may not have the capacity or resources to bring about improvement, writes Julie Marsh.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1139.html Sep 12, 2011 Sep 12, 2011

Pittsburgh instituted a new college scholarship program to encourage eligible students to continue their education. An assessment of the program offers recommendations for improving its short- and long-term effectiveness.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9602.html Sep 12, 2011 Sep 12, 2011

To deal with the challenges of struggling public schools, declining populations, and diminishing quality in the local workforce, Pittsburgh instituted a new college scholarship program to encourage eligible students to continue their education.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP201100185.html Aug 31, 2011 Aug 31, 2011

Analysis of the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Plan suggests national health care reform may require larger numbers of support personnel, rather than requiring greater numbers of physicians and nurses themselves.

http://www.rand.org/commentary/2011/08/29/CNN.html Aug 29, 2011 Aug 29, 2011

Fortunately for the nation's capitol, Hurricane Irene and the East Coast earthquake proved to be relatively minor events, as far as disasters go. But before everyone breathes a sigh of relief, it would be wise to reflect on how people responded to what were essentially dress rehearsals for much bigger events, write Lynn E. Davis and Arthur L. Kellermann.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG1104.html Aug 18, 2011 Aug 18, 2011

Asbestos bankruptcy trusts—created to compensate people injured by the mineral—may be influencing tort cases. The current way that the trusts and the tort cases are linked together may result in payments that are not consistent with the basic principles of the tort liability system.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9603.html Aug 18, 2011 Aug 18, 2011

People with asbestos injuries are increasingly receiving compensation from trusts set up by bankrupt asbestos defendants. This brief documents how courts handling these cases consider trust payments when determining compensation.

http://www.rand.org/news/press/2011/08/18.html Aug 18, 2011 Aug 18, 2011

Asbestos bankruptcy trusts—created to compensate people injured by the mineral—may be influencing tort cases. The current way that the trusts and the tort cases are linked together may result in payments that are not consistent with the basic principles of the tort liability system.

http://www.rand.org/news/press/2011/07/18.html Jul 17, 2011 Jul 17, 2011

A New York City program designed to improve student performance through school-based financial incentives for teachers did not improve student achievement, most likely because it did not change teacher behavior and the conditions needed to motivate staff were not achieved.