Catherine H. Augustine

Director, Pittsburgh Office; Senior Policy Researcher; Professor of Policy Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Pittsburgh Office

Education

Ph.D. and M.A. in education and organizational behavior, University of Michigan; B.A. in political philosophy, Michigan State University

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Catherine Augustine is director of the RAND Pittsburgh Office and a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, with 20 years of experience conducting education research. She is also a professor of policy analysis at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Augustine focuses on improving academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes for students in urban school districts, specializing in out-of-school time. She both evaluates implementation of reforms and assesses their impact. For example, she is leading a multi-million-dollar nine-year national randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the impact on academic and SEL outcomes from five urban districts’ summer learning programs. Augustine recently conducted a systematic evidence review on summer programs based on the evidence tiers specified in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), adding to the knowledge base of what works in summer programming. A recently-completed RCT examined the use of restorative practices in 44 schools in an urban district adding to our knowledge of SEL interventions. She is on the boards of The World Affairs Council and The Mentoring Partnership and is committed to providing mentoring and other pro-social opportunities to local students in Pittsburgh. Augustine earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in education from the University of Michigan.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

Evaluating summer learning programs in five school districts throughout the United States
Assessing the impact of reforms intended to improve teaching
Evaluating efforts to improve school leadership
Evaluating the use of restorative practices in an urban district
Assessing arts education partnerships

Selected Publications

Catherine H. Augustine et al., Can Restorative Practices Improve School Climate and Curb Suspensions? An Evaluation of the Impact of Restorative Practices in a Mid-Sized Urban School District, RAND Corporation (RR-2840-DOJ), 2018

Catherine H. Augustine and Lindsey E. Thompson, Making Summer Last: Integrating Summer Programming into Core District Priorities and Operations, RAND Corporation (RR-2038-WF), 2017

Yael Z. Silk and Catherine H. Augustine, How to Support More and Stronger Arts Education Partnerships in Allegheny County, RAND Corporation (RR-1923-JBF), 2017

Catherine H. Augustine et al., Learning from Summer: Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Urban Youth, RAND Corporation (RR-1557-WF), 2016

Jennifer Sloan McCombs et al., Ready for Fall? Near-Term Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Students’ Learning Opportunities and Outcomes, RAND Corporation (RR-815-WF), 2014

Catherine H. Augustine et al., Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success, RAND Corporation (RR-366-WF), 2013

Catherine H. Augustine et al., Improving School Leadership: The Promise of Cohesive Leadership Systems, RAND Corporation (MG-885-WF), 2009

Susan J. Bodilly and Catherine H. Augustine, Revitalizing Arts Education Through Community-Wide Coordination, RAND Corporation (MG-702-WF), 2008

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: City News Service, Los Angeles; KCBS-AM San Francisco; Los Angeles Daily News; News Journal DE; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Santa Monica Star

Commentary: Education Week

Commentary

Summer Learning Is More Popular Than Ever. How to Make Sure Your District's Program Is Effective
In the best of times, it is no small feat to put together a quality summer learning program. Given that districts are focusing not only on academic recovery from COVID learning loss, but on retaining teachers, supporting students' and teachers' mental health, and addressing increases in misbehavior, they need immediate, digestible guidance for summer programming.
Mar 30, 2022 The 74 Million
Commit Now to Get Summer Programming Right
When summer programs are targeted to needs, intentionally designed, and well attended, they produce positive outcomes in math and reading. But these programs need federal support, and they require early planning.
Apr 15, 2021 The RAND Blog
Restorative Justice Isn't a Panacea, but It Can Promote Better Relationships Among Students
Restorative practices aren't necessarily a cure-all. But if implemented well, they can contribute to an overall solution. Teaching children to treat one another with respect has the potential to make schools safer and to help kids get along better throughout their lives.
Oct 21, 2019 The Hechinger Report
What Two New Studies Reveal About Restorative Justice in Middle School and How It Can Be Done Better
There are many nuances to the implementation and impact of restorative practices. This suggests that continued experimentation could allow school districts to realize the benefits of instituting these practices and reduce the cost of doing so.
Apr 17, 2019 The 74 Million
The Impact of Restorative Practices
A recent RAND report focuses on estimates of the impact of restorative practices on comprehensive outcome measures for all students. The report defines these measures in seven outcome domains and leads with the impact on suspensions. It estimates the impact on 50 secondary measures and on the seven primary measures for numerous student subgroups defined by race, income, special needs and English language learner status.
Jan 17, 2019 The RAND Blog
Rethinking Student Discipline and Zero Tolerance
Restorative practices are an alternative to zero-tolerance school discipline policies. Rather than mandating prescribed punishments for specific misbehaviors, this more tailored approach aims to empower students.
Oct 14, 2015 Education Week

Publications

Report
Summer for All: Building Coordinated Networks to Promote Access to Quality Summer Learning and Enrichment Opportunities Across a Community
In this eighth report in RAND's Summer Learning Series, the authors chronicle early efforts in four communities to create coordinated approaches to summer programming, noting their challenges, enablers, and early outcomes.
Nov 10, 2021
Report
Challenges in Implementing Physical Security Measures in K–12 Schools
Officials face challenges in developing and implementing protection and mitigation measures for school physical security. This report details literature review and small-group discussion findings and their implications for policymakers and planners.
Jun 3, 2021
Report
A Systems Approach to Physical Security in K–12 Schools
Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center researchers present a systems approach to school safety in which physical security elements integrate to provide benefits with minimal negative effects on schools' missions, operations, and climates.
Jun 3, 2021
Report
Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success, 2nd Ed. — Executive Summary
The authors distill lessons about implementing and improving summer learning programs gleaned from a six-year study in the five urban districts participating in the National Summer Learning Project.
Mar 25, 2021
Report
Every Summer Counts: A Longitudinal Analysis of Outcomes from the National Summer Learning Project
This seventh report in a series presents longitudinal findings on the effectiveness of voluntary summer learning programs in five school districts. The authors also offer implications for policy on narrowing the achievement gap between students.
Dec 17, 2020
Research Brief
Supporting Summer Programs: Navigating Federal, State, and Local Program Support Opportunities
This research brief summarizes how policy environment affects school districts' attempts to scale and sustain quality summer programs.
May 12, 2020
Report
Getting Support for Summer Learning: How Federal, State, City, and District Policies Affect Summer Learning Programs
The authors consider how policy environments affect school districts' attempts to scale and sustain quality summer programs. This report, the sixth in a series, is intended to help program leaders navigate local, state, and federal policy contexts.
Apr 13, 2020
Report
Investing in Successful Summer Programs: A Review of Evidence Under the Every Student Succeeds Act
This report, which provides a systematic review of the evidence supporting summer programs and descriptions of evidence-based programs, is intended to provide guidance regarding the effectiveness of summer interventions.
Jun 5, 2019
Report
Can Restorative Practices Improve School Climate and Curb Suspensions? An Evaluation of the Impact of Restorative Practices in a Mid-Sized Urban School District
This study of Pittsburgh Public Schools' implementation of restorative practices represents one of the first randomized controlled trials of the effects of restorative practices on classroom and school climates and suspension rates.
Dec 27, 2018
Research Brief
Restorative Practices Help Reduce Student Suspensions
A study of Pittsburgh Public Schools' implementation of restorative practices represents one of the first randomized controlled trials of the effects of restorative practices on classroom and school climates and suspension rates.
Dec 27, 2018
Report
Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success, 2nd Ed.
The RAND Corporation's six-year study of the National Summer Learning Project culminates in this final report about district implementation of summer learning programs and presents the best available guidance about how to establish and sustain them.
Nov 4, 2018
Report
Making Summer Last: Integrating Summer Programming into Core District Priorities and Operations
This report examines the efforts by summer leaders in Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Rochester to integrate their summer learning programs into the core priorities and operations of the larger school district as a strategy to increase sustainability.
Oct 23, 2017
Report
Summer Learning in Pittsburgh: Exploring Programming Gaps and Opportunities
This report investigates summer program opportunities in Pittsburgh, focusing on free or low-cost programs that provide academic instruction for at least five weeks during the summer.
Sep 6, 2017
Report
How to Support More and Stronger Arts Education Partnerships in Allegheny County
This report presents findings from an exploratory study on arts partnerships in Allegheny County and identifies regional facilitators and barriers to forming, implementing, and sustaining them.
Aug 9, 2017
Research Brief
Kids Who Attend More Benefit More: Voluntary Summer Learning Programs
This brief summarizes the outcomes of two summers of voluntary academic programming (2013 and 2014) on 3,192 low-income urban students accepted into the programs who had completed third grade before the first summer.
Sep 7, 2016
Infographic
Learning from Summer: Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Urban Youth
This infographic summarizes several student outcomes from an assessment of five voluntary, district-led summer learning programs offered at no cost to low-income, urban elementary students.
Sep 7, 2016
Report
Learning from Summer: Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Urban Youth
RAND researchers assess voluntary, district-led summer learning programs for low-income, urban elementary students. This third report in a series examines student outcomes after one and two summers of programming.
Sep 7, 2016
Report
Preservation of Affordable Rental Housing: Evaluation of the MacArthur Foundation's Window of Opportunity Initiative
Evaluates the MacArthur Foundation's Window of Opportunity, a 20-year philanthropic initiative begun in 2000 that has allocated $187 million to preserve privately owned affordable rental housing.
Jun 6, 2016
Research Brief
Preserving the Supply of Affordable Housing: The MacArthur Foundation's Window of Opportunity Initiative
Summarizes the achievements of the MacArthur Foundation's Window of Opportunity -- a 20-year philanthropic initiative begun in 2000 to preserve privately owned affordable rental housing -- and the lessons it offers for other philanthropic initiatives.
Jun 6, 2016
Research Brief
First Outcomes from the National Summer Learning Study
This brief describes the near-term effects of voluntary summer learning programs provided by five urban school districts to large numbers of struggling low-income elementary students in the summer of 2013.
Feb 13, 2015
Report
Ready for Fall? Near-Term Effects of Voluntary Summer Learning Programs on Low-Income Students' Learning Opportunities and Outcomes
As part of a randomized controlled trial study assessing the effect of district-run voluntary summer programs, this second report in a series looks at how summer programs affected student performance in certain categories in fall 2013.
Dec 16, 2014
Report
Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success, 1st Ed.
RAND is conducting a longitudinal study that examines the implementation and effectiveness of voluntary summer learning programs. This second report in the series provides research-based advice for school district leaders developing summer programs.
Aug 13, 2013
Research Brief
How to Get the Most out of a Summer Learning Program
The Wallace Foundation is funding a project in six urban school districts to combat summer learning loss. RAND evaluated the summer programs in these districts over two summers, drawing lessons for district leaders on how to create strong programs.
Aug 13, 2013
Report
Analysis and Recommendations on the Company-Grade Officer Shortfall in the Reserve Components of the U.S. Army
The U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve have more lieutenants but fewer captains than they are authorized to have. This monograph looks at the company-grade officer shortfall, explores solutions, and makes recommendations.
Jun 16, 2011
Report
Making Summer Count: How Summer Programs Can Boost Children's Learning
Students typically lose knowledge and skills during the summer, particularly low-income students. Districts and private providers can benefit from the evidence on summer programming to maximize program effectiveness, quality, reach, and funding.
Jun 13, 2011
Research Brief
Summer Counts: Making Summer Programs Part of the Learning Equation
Summer learning programs can prevent the summertime loss of knowledge and skills that disproportionately affects low-income students. A study of existing programs resulted in targeted recommendations for school districts, policymakers, and funders.
Jun 13, 2011
Journal Article
Promoting Quality and Variety Through the Public Financing of Privately Operated Schools in Qatar
Qatar began establishing publicly funded, privately operated "independent schools" in parallel with the existing Ministry of Education system in 2002.
2010
Journal Article
State of the States: The Search for Ways to Improve Instructional Leadership Zeroes in on 6 Policy Areas
State organizations take a strategic role in supporting school leaders, both through policy initiatives and by carefully navigating their particular educational contexts.
2010
Research Brief
Building Cohesive Leadership Systems to Improve School Leadership
Documents efforts to build cohesive systems of state and district policies to improve school leadership.
Dec 22, 2009
Report
Improving School Leadership: The Promise of Cohesive Leadership Systems
Creating more-cohesive policies and initiatives to improve instructional leadership in schools appears to be a promising approach to developing school principals who are engaged in improving instruction.
Dec 31, 2008
Research Brief
Redesigning Qatar's Post-Secondary Scholarship System
This research brief summarizes the results of an evaluation of Qatar's post-secondary scholarship system and describes proposed and implemented reforms outlined in that assessment.
Jun 6, 2008
Research Brief
Redesigning Qatar's Post-Secondary Scholarship System (Arabic version)
This research brief summarizes the results of an evaluation of Qatar's post-secondary scholarship system and describes proposed and implemented reforms outlined in that assessment.
Jun 6, 2008
Report
Aligning Post-Secondary Educational Choices to Societal Needs: A New Scholarship System for Qatar
This report summarizes the results of an evaluation of Qatar's scholarship system and describes proposed reforms drawn from comparative assessments of countries with similar characteristics and interviews with a wide-ranging group of stakeholders.
May 10, 2008
Research Brief
Extending the Reach of Arts Education
This research brief describes efforts of six urban centers to expand access to arts education by developing collaborative networks among diverse organizations.
Mar 12, 2008
Report
Revitalizing Arts Education Through Community-Wide Coordination
Examines the efforts of six communities to improve arts education through coordination across multiple organizations, describing how the efforts unfolded and documenting the common and unique benefits and challenges of collaborative approaches.
Mar 8, 2008
Research Brief
A New System for K-12 Education in Qatar (Arabic version)
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.
Oct 31, 2007
Report
Education for a New Era, Executive Summary: Design and Implementation of K-12 Education Reform in Qatar
Provides an overview of the first phase of Qatar's K-12 education reform initiative, Education for a New Era, based on RAND's experiences in this ambitious, multi-participant effort to build a world-class standards- and choice-based education system.
Oct 29, 2007
Research Brief
A New System for K-12 Education in Qatar
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.
Apr 8, 2007
Report
Education for a New Era: Design and Implementation of K-12 Education Reform in Qatar
Describes the first phase of Qatar's bold K-12 education reform initiative, Education for a New Era, based on RAND's experiences as part of this ambitious, multi-participant effort to build a world-class standards- and choice-based education system.
Apr 1, 2007
Report
Governing Urban School Districts: Efforts in Los Angeles to Effect Change
Describes the bid of Los Angeles' mayor to take over the Los Angeles Unified School District and the competing efforts on behalf of various stakeholders.
Oct 31, 2006
Draft
An Introduction to Qatar’s Primary and Secondary Education Reform
Describes a reform designed by Qatari education officials and RAND researchers to upgrade the school system of Qatar.
May 31, 2006
Report
The Effects of A-76 Cost Comparisons on DoD Civilian Education and Training
The authors found that A-76 cost comparisons appear to generate cost savings, but at the cost of degraded employee morale and customer service.
Jan 13, 2006
Draft
Options for Changing the Governance System of the Los Angeles Unified School District: Presented to the Presidents’ Joint Commission on LAUSD Governance
In spring 2005, the Los Angeles City Council established a Commission to make recommendations to improve Los Angeles Unified School District's governance system. RAND provided research support to this Commission.
Dec 16, 2005
Report
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and Organizational Restructuring in the DoD: Implications for Education and Training Infrastructure
Looks at how Department of Defense (DoD) education, training, and development institutions are affected by the consolidation of DoD facilities and changes in governance structure.
Oct 27, 2004
Report
Focus on the Wonder Years: Challenges Facing the American Middle School
Do middle schools meet the needs of young teens? If not, what needs to be done differently?
May 2, 2004
Research Brief
Base Realignment and Closure: An Opportunity to Reassess DoD's Civilian Education and Training Infrastructure
Education, training, and professional development (ET&D) institutions can experience complementary change when military bases and other infrastructure are reconfigured through the base realignment and closure (BRAC) process.
2004
Research Brief
Problems and Promise of the American Middle School
This research brief describes work documented in Focus on the Wonder Years: Challenges Facing the American Middle School (MG-139-EDU).
2004
Report
Strategic Assessment and Development of Interorganizational Influence in the Absence of Hierarchical Authority
Presents, for organizations that seek to influence others without the benefit of hierarchical authority, a three-stage framework that will help them capitalize on the power-and-influence options available to them.
2003
Report
A Strategic Governance Review for Multi-organizational Systems of Education, Training, and Professional Development
Outlines an approach for describing and evaluating external governance in a multi-organizational system of education, training, and professional development.
2003
Report
Ensuring the Quality and Productivity of Education and Professional Development Activities: A Review of Approaches and Lessons for DoD
This book examines the approaches used to evaluate academic quality and productivity in a variety of postsecondary education and training contexts, including corporations, state governments, and universities.
2001
Research Brief
Civilian Education and Training in the Department of Defense: How Can We Gauge Its Value?
DoD's education and training efforts are highly decentralized and suggests that defense policymakers can gauge the caliber of those efforts by choosing one of four assessment approaches.
2001