Policy Analysis

SRI's education researchers analyze education policies to help policymakers make objective, data-driven decisions. Through policy analysis, we investigate the intricacies of policy implementation in the real world and pinpoint the factors that facilitate or constrain success.

SRI uses educational evaluation and policy analysis designs that isolate the effects of policies to provide policymakers and the public with practical insights and recommendations that advance educational outcomes for all students.

Projects

young girl in wheelchair
Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) Center

SRI's ECO Center provides national leadership on measuring the outcomes of programs serving young children with delays and disabilities.

Topics: Assessment Design and Evaluation Early Childhood Policy Analysis Program Design and Implementation Special Education/Disability
teacher working with a young student
Teacher Professional Development in Chicago

SRI is evaluating the impact of teachers' participation in a U.S. Department of Education-sponsored program to achieve high standards for pre-K to grade 3 students in mathematics.

Topics: Assessment Design and Evaluation Early Childhood Policy Analysis School Improvement Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Teacher Quality and Learning
smiling young student studying with other students
National Effectiveness Study of First Step to Success

SRI and partners examined the effectiveness of this program designed to help at-risk children get off to the best possible start in school.

Topics: Behavioral Health Early Childhood Policy Analysis
teenage girl student doing her homework
Impact Evaluation of Michigan’s Striving Readers Program

SRI is evaluating the effectiveness of a program for struggling adolescent readers.

Topics: Educational Impact Evaluation Policy Analysis Reading, Writing and Humanities School Improvement School Improvement: Curriculum and Instruction School Improvement: Student Success Special Education/Disability
two young students reading
Impact Evaluation of Response to Intervention Strategies

SRI is evaluating strategies to improve the academic achievement of children with disabilities as they tackle early reading challenges.

Topics: Educational Impact Evaluation Policy Analysis Reading, Writing and Humanities School Improvement Special Education/Disability
teacher and young student smiling at camera
What Works Clearinghouse

For this government resource, SRI is reviewing research and practice guide development relevant to students with disabilities.

Topics: Implementation Evaluation Learning Technologies Policy Analysis Reading, Writing and Humanities Research on Learning School Improvement Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Special Education/Disability Teacher Quality and Learning
science teacher watching two students working at laboratory activity
Strengthening Science Education in California

Concerned that too few California public school children have access to high-quality learning opportunities in science, the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning at WestEd brought together researchers to investigate science education in California.

Topics: Large-Scale Surveys Policy Analysis Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education
teacher surrounded by young students
Teaching and California's Future

A series of SRI reports for policymakers about California’s teacher workforce has been credited with increasing investments in teacher development and improving workforce quality.

Topics: Extant Data Analysis Large-Scale Surveys Policy Analysis Teacher Quality and Learning
three young students smile at camera
Evaluation of the Midwest Expansion of the CPC Education Program

SRI is evaluating this government-funded program that aims to improve school readiness, achievement, and parent engagement with schools.

Topics: Early Childhood Policy Analysis
mother holding young son in her arms
ENHANCE

SRI is studying the quality of child outcomes data reported by states to the federal government under Part C and Part B Preschool services of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Topics: Assessment Design and Evaluation Early Childhood Educational Impact Evaluation Extant Data Analysis Policy Analysis School Improvement: Student Success

Press Releases

virtual learning classroom
Study of Miami-Dade's Virtual Learning Lab Reveals Key Success Factors for "Blended Learning" Programs

A new SRI International report, Implementing Online Learning Labs in Schools and Districts, provides a guide for creating successful blended learning programs that can benefit many students.

Topics: Learning Technologies Policy Analysis Randomized Controlled Trials and Quasi-Experimental Designs

SRI In the News

Adidas’ TaylorMade Chief Sees Big Golf Suppliers Getting Bigger

This article about golf equipment manufacturers cites an SRI report that estimates the U.S. golf industry is worth $76 billion.

Topics: Economic and Technical Analysis Policy Analysis

Publications

Special Education Services Received by Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders from Preschool Through High School

Using three national data sets, this study examined the age trends in special education services received by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders from preschool through high school.

Topics: Behavioral Health Policy Analysis Research on Learning School Improvement School Improvement: Curriculum and Instruction School Improvement: Student Success Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Special Education/Disability Statistical Analysis
Characterizing Disability in Head Start Programs: Not So Clearcut

Head Start programs are required to set aside at least 10% of program slots for children with disabilities, but the percentage of children with disabilities served varies depending on the criteria used and source of the information.

Topics: Early Childhood Educational Impact Evaluation Extant Data Analysis Large-Scale Surveys Policy Analysis Research on Learning School Improvement: Student Success Special Education/Disability Statistical Analysis
Teacher Incentive Fund: First Implementation Report, 2006 and 2007 Grantees

Performance pay is prominent in policymakers’ reform agendas, and as states and districts embark on performance pay reforms, they can look to the experience of the TIF grantees, who implemented varied projects in diverse contexts and provide an instructive sample from which others can learn.

Topics: Case Studies in Education Policy Analysis School Improvement Teacher Quality and Learning

Divisions, Centers & Labs