Building an Evidence Base for High School Improvement Will Require Concerted Effort Among Policymakers, School Systems, Researchers, and Funders
The ultimate goal of every education intervention is to help enable students to achieve their fullest potential. Relatively few interventions suited for high schools are supported by evidence of positive effects. Research that is able to provide sound evidence about effectiveness is more important than ever.
May 12, 2021 The RAND Blog
Online Doesn't Have to Mean Impersonal
Children's needs extend beyond the purely academic. It is important that their social and emotional well-being is supported as instruction moves online during the COVID-19 pandemic. A whole-child view of what students need could benefit them now more than ever.
Apr 2, 2020 The 74 Million
Research Rigor Is Undermined by Translating Into Years of Learning
The research field increasingly recognizes that we need metrics that everyone can understand. Translating the result into years of learning has become a popular approach, but this metric has major flaws. There are better options.
Jul 5, 2019 Education Week
What Emerging Research Says About the Promise of Personalized Learning
Personalized learning could lead to improved student outcomes. But those implementing this approach should temper their expectations for how big these benefits will be—and be patient while the benefits emerge. It's also important to consider the challenges of implementation.
Aug 16, 2017 Brookings Institution's Brown Center Chalkboard
Helping Pittsburgh Stay on the Cutting Edge of Education Innovation
Local organizations, educators, and leaders are creating remarkable learning experiences for Pittsburgh's young people, and other cities around the country are striving to replicate their innovations.
May 8, 2016 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Technology Is Only Part of Personalized Learning
The concept of personalized learning has gained favor in recent years, partly because new technology applications help to facilitate it. But those who characterize this instructional approach as
Mar 4, 2016 The RAND Blog
Making Room for New Approaches: Recommendations for ESEA Reauthorization That Support Innovation
As lawmakers consider the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, it is critical that in meeting their objectives they do not create unnecessary obstacles to the productive innovations being explored at schools, such as personalized learning.
Jan 27, 2015 The RAND Blog
Helping Displaced Students in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy
If Hurricane Sandy causes extensive disruptions in public schools—particularly in hard-hit New York City—our research shows that choices made by parents and policymakers could significantly limit the negative short-term effects of changing schools under such difficult circumstances, writes John Pane.
Oct 31, 2012 The RAND Blog
When Students Disappear...
Published commentary by RAND staff: When Students Disappear..., in Education Week.
Feb 21, 2007 Education Week