The goal of standards-based reform is to establish objective metrics to assess student performance and teacher effectiveness, using standardized instructional materials and testing: Individual performance is measured against a set of common criteria rather than in relation to other students. RAND research considers the role of standards-based education reform, including the United States' No Child Left Behind law, in shaping global education policy.
MULTIMEDIA
Laura Hamilton discusses what has been learned in the ten years since the No Child Left Behind Act was signed into law in January 2002, including recommendations for addressing key limitations as Congress considers reauthorization.
MULTIMEDIA
At this June 2011 RAND Policy Circle event in Pittsburgh, a selection of RAND's top experts in education policy shared fresh, evidence-based perspectives on measuring school performance.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
In 2002, Qatar began implementing a standards-based K–12 reform that established new publicly-funded, privately-operated 'Independent schools.' The reform built on four principles: autonomy, accountability, variety, and choice. Early data reveal more student-centered classroom practices and higher student achievement in the new schools. But as all Ministry schools convert to independent status, many challenges remain to achieving the…
MULTIMEDIA
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.
REPORT
The New York City Department of Education's test-based promotion and retention policy, which identifies and provides support for struggling students, has demonstrated positive effects for student achievement in fifth grade that continue into seventh grade.
RESEARCH BRIEF
This research brief summarizes the development of a standards-based student assessment system in Qatar, lessons for policymakers in Qatar and elsewhere, and challenges in aligning the assessment with future changes in the curriculum standards.
RESEARCH BRIEF
This research brief summarizes the development of a standards-based student assessment system in Qatar, lessons for policymakers in Qatar and elsewhere, and challenges in aligning the assessment with future changes in the curriculum standards.
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Summarizes the history of the standards-based reform movement in the United States and discusses how the movement has shaped educators' practices and students' outcomes.
MULTIMEDIA
In this Congressional Briefing held on October 19, 2009, researchers Jennifer McCombs and Lou Mariano discuss RAND's recently published evaluation of a test-based promotion policy implemented by the New York City Department of Education. The findings will be of interest as many states and school districts are implementing test-based requirements for promotion at key transitional points in students' schooling careers, thus ending the…
NEWS RELEASE
After five years of effort, states have implemented most of the test-based accountability requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, and now must focus their efforts on improving poor-performing schools that have been identified.
RESEARCH BRIEF
This research brief highlights aspects of Phase I (2001-04) of Qatar's K-12 reform initiative, Education for a New Era, based on RAND's experiences in this multi-participant effort to build a world-class standards- and choice-based education system.
REPORT
Presents an overview of Phase I (2001-2004) of Qatar’s bold K-12 education reform initiative, Education for a New Era, based on RAND’s experiences in this ambitious, multi-participant effort. RAND examined Qatar’s existing education system, recommended options for building a world-class system, and supported implementation of the chosen option, which is based on internationally benchmarked curriculum standards…
NEWS RELEASE
April 12, 2007 news release: RAND Study Finds Qatar Successfully Implements Redesign of Education System.
REPORT
In only a few years, the State of Qatar has successfully implemented a bold redesign of its K-12 education system, incorporating school autonomy, variety in curriculum, parental choice and accountability measures.
RESEARCH BRIEF
This research brief highlights aspects of Phase I (2001-04) of Qatar's K-12 reform initiative, Education for a New Era, based on RAND's experiences in this multi-participant effort to build a world-class standards- and choice-based education system.
REPORT
Little has been written about the interaction of the No Child Left Behind Act with external audiences that have no formal connections with the schools. This study focuses on print journalists and foundation program officers, who frequently use data from schools and districts in their work. The authors summarize the data needs of the two groups and offer advice to producers of performance reports and analyses and to the external consumers…
COMMENTARY
Published commentary by RAND staff.
REPORT
Describes accountability models in the manufacturing, job training, legal, and health care sectors; summarizes their effectiveness; and draws specific lessons for educators.
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