Education Researcher, SRI Education
Candice Benge is a mixed-methods researcher with experience in school finance, California education policy, and educational equity. Benge’s recent work includes developing innovative data collection instruments and systems for a large-scale study of federally funded programs for the U.S. Department of Education. She also manages a large-scale evaluation of arts education in California, including a sub study on arts access for juvenile court and community school students. Other recent projects include managing a help desk and developing resources for IES’ Cost Analysis in Practice Project, a study of high school health pathways in alternative school settings and an evaluation of high school reform efforts to support students who are off track to graduate.
Prior to SRI, Benge conducted policy analysis for The Opportunity Institute, Education Trust – West, and First 5 Alameda County. Most of her work focused on California’s Local Control Funding Formula, specifically its impact on stakeholder engagement practices and changes in intra-district spending patterns. This work included conducting district case studies, writing policy briefs, and collaborating with The Advancement Project in presenting key findings to legislators.
Before beginning her career in education research, Benge worked as a professional playwright and ran a small theater company (featured in American Theatre magazine). Her plays have been performed in 15 states, including an award-winning production in the 16th Annual New York Fringe Festival.
Benge holds a certificate in education finance from Georgetown University, a Master of Public Affairs from the University of California – Berkeley, a Master of Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University.
Key projects
- District and School Uses of Federal Education Funds
- The Status of Arts Education in California
- Cost Analysis in Practice Project
- Barr Engage New England Evaluation
- Oakland Health Pathways Project
Recent publications
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Creativity Challenge: Arts Education in California’s Court and Community Schools
This study examines arts education access for students served by California’s district community day schools, county community schools, and juvenile court schools; which we collectively refer to as court and community schools (CCS).
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Creativity Challenge: The State of Arts Education in California – Full Report
Our goal was to assess schools’ arts programs relative to state goals, examine the systems of support for these programs, and identify ways in which state and local policymakers might improve conditions for young people to experience arts education in schools.
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Creativity Challenge: The State of Arts Education in California – Summary Report
We found that, while much remained the same in 2020 as in 2006, some aspects of arts education in California’s K–12 schools had improved.
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The Role of California’s County Offices of Education and Implications for Arts Education
This study describes the COE role in arts education, examines how COE activities have shifted in response to California’s Local Control Funding Formula, and examines how these changes may affect access, participation, quality, and equity in arts education in K-12 schools.
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The Apple and ConnectED Initiative: Research Study Methods
This report describes the methodology of Apple and ConnectED Research, a six-year study of the Apple and ConnectED Initiative that uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to tell a comprehensive story of implementation and outcomes.
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1:1 Teaching and Learning in the Apple and ConnectED Initiative: Lessons from Early Implementation
This report asks the questions, what does a promising start look like and what types of support can enable conditions for success?