From the RAND Blog

See below for the latest commentary from the RAND Education and Labor team. For a complete list of related blog content, see education posts and workforce posts on the RAND Blog.

Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace
Jan 13, 2020
Much of the mental health support provided by employers focuses on individual staff members, but it is equally important to consider how an organization itself may need to change to effectively support employees. If an organization is serious about improving staff mental health, assessing the working culture honestly and implementing appropriate changes could be one necessary step.
How the 'Ostrich Europe' Scenario Could Help Guide EU Education Policy
Jan 13, 2020
A future scenarios approach can help identify different ways in which the future may plausibly unfold. Seeing how policies implemented now play out in the different scenarios can show us what the possible implications of policy decisions could be. This in turn can contribute to evidence-based policy making.
RAND to Launch National School District Survey Panel for Better Understanding of District Policy and Practice
Jan 9, 2020
The RAND Corporation is launching a first-of-its-kind national survey panel of school districts and charter management organizations. RAND will collaborate with three groups—the Center on Reinventing Public Education, Chiefs for Change and Kitamba—to develop and deploy the American School District Panel (ASDP). It will be the first nationally representative, longitudinal panel of school districts across the United States.
Education and Employment Should Be One System, Not Two
Jan 7, 2020
Too many American workers aren't getting the education and training they need to compete in the 21st century. We need to revamp the entire system of educating and employing people. And that system needs to ensure equitable access to opportunities and lifelong learning.
Preventing the Winter Blues, North Korea, Opioids: RAND Weekly Recap
Jan 3, 2020
This weekly recap focuses on how to ward off the winter blues, Kim Jong Un's latest threat, how to spend opioid settlement funds, and more.
Learning Is a Lifelong Process: Q&A with V. Darleen Opfer
Dec 23, 2019
As vice president and director of RAND Education and Labor, V. Darleen Opfer oversees a research portfolio that ranges from early childhood education to retirement planning. In this interview, she discusses what she learned from being a teacher, the need for evidence-based practices, and the importance of lifelong learning in today's labor market.
Artificial Intelligence, Refugees, Global Health Security: RAND Weekly Recap
Dec 20, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on the Pentagon's artificial intelligence strategy, technology's role in the refugee crisis, threats to global health security, and more.
The Next Generation Initiative: Faculty Leaders Program in Policy Research and Analysis
Dec 10, 2019
The Faculty Leaders Program, a professional development program for faculty who work with students or in disciplines underrepresented in public policy, is now accepting applications. Part of the Pardee RAND Graduate School's Next Generation Initiative, the program awards fellowships to 12–15 selected faculty to participate in a week-long policy analysis summer program.
The Syria Withdrawal, Climate Policy, Drones: RAND Weekly Recap
Oct 25, 2019
This weekly recap focuses on the effects of the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, one expert's take on climate policy, how drones could help get blood to soldiers who need it, and more.
Restorative Justice Isn't a Panacea, but It Can Promote Better Relationships Among Students
Oct 21, 2019
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.