Science and Education Research

"Advancing the Use of Scientifically Based Research in Forming Policy: A Response to Mahoney and Zigler." Mark Dynarski. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, vol. 27, no. 4, 2006. Reviews the tenets of the scientific process as they relate to using evaluation research to inform the policymaking process. Based on recent experiences with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the author notes that federal budget and appropriations decisions have considered scientifically based evidence, as well as opinions about that evidence, to allocate finite resources and demonstrate public accountability, but developing a better conceptual and empirical understanding of how research findings can inform budget decisions is a worthwhile topic for further study.

Mental Health Treatment Facilities

“State Regulation of Residential Facilities for Children with Mental Illness.” Henry Ireys, Lori Achman, and Ama Takyi, 2006.
“State Regulation of Residential Facilities for Adults with Mental Illness.” Henry Ireys, Lori Achman, and Ama Takyi, 2006.
There is little national information on the policies and procedures used by states to regulate residential treatment facilities for adults and children with mental illness. As a result, policymakers and program administrators face major difficulties in determining both the effectiveness of current policies and the potential need for new policies that are responsive to emerging trends in mental health care. Two new reports, based on a 2003 survey of state officials, provide the most accurate national data available concerning methods that states use to license and regulate residential facilities for adults and children with mental illness. Findings demonstrated that organizations operating facilities for children and adults with mental illness typically faced a complex regulatory environment. In addition, many states lack ready access to important data about these residential facilities.

Healthy Kids

"Early Results from the Healthy Kids Evaluation." July 2006. Mathematica conducted this survey of parents with children enrolled in the Los Angeles Healthy Kids program. Early findings reveal that the initiative is improving children's access to primary care and easing parents' concerns about meeting their children's health care needs.

Upcoming Conferences

Mathematica's statistical experts will be presenting at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Seattle, WA, from August 6 to 10. This conference, attended by over 5,000 people, includes oral presentations, panel sessions, and poster presentations focused on state-of-the-art statistical products and methods. See a list of Mathematica presenters. Read more about the conference.

On August 21 to 23, our welfare research staff will be sharing their findings at the 46th annual National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics conference in Jackson Hole, WY. Please join us to hear the latest findings on home visitation in rural welfare-to-work programs, food stamp participation rates, healthy marriage programs for low-income couples, and other topics. See as list of Mathematica presenters. Read more about the conference.