Recent Commentaryhttps://mathematica.org/insights/blog-postsRecent Commentaryen{93DA7F39-46F0-4C67-B377-CC3BF624F7C7}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/making-decisions-based-on-our-collective-knowledge-not-just-the-most-recent-data-pointMaking Decisions Based on Our Collective Knowledge, Not Just the Most Recent Data PointStaff from the Walton Family Foundation’s Strategy, Learning, and Evaluation Department describe a partnership between the foundation and Mathematica to explore new ways of interpreting data and evidence to evaluate impact.Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:36:01 Z{A43D78AF-A795-4840-800C-B665BE1EA227}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-ngan-macdonaldMy Mathematica: Ngan MacDonaldI joined Mathematica because of the caliber of our people and the opportunity to innovate within the health data space. We’re great at doing research and at applying it to real-world problems.Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:53:56 Z{EF7B6380-67AF-4C5F-B6EE-103534EC2210}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/leveraging-virtual-tools-to-support-continued-learning-for-absent-studentsLeveraging Virtual Tools to Support Continued Learning for Absent StudentsAbsence from the school building doesn’t mean learning has to stop. This post explores how remote instructional tools can help students maintain learning momentum while stuck at home due to illness or adherence to school health policies. Tue, 26 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{53B391CF-D621-4D9B-B573-B576247A21A6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/improving-health-equity-through-ai-and-data-innovationImproving Health Equity through AI and Data InnovationThe latest episode of On the Evidence features a conversation with Ngan MacDonald, director of health data innovations at Mathematica, about the applications of artificial intelligence for improving health care through data analytics.Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:12:00 Z{E84ADFC9-6A96-400C-8629-B1E3A2C30DC3}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-ziporah-mugwangaMy Mathematica: Ziporah Mugwang’aZiporah Mugwang’a shares how her personal passions shape her perspective and her approach to measurement, evaluation, and learning. Tue, 12 Mar 2024 00:00:00 Z{C00E1B56-CDD5-436C-821F-40CE1CDDE37B}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/empowering-regional-leads-to-customize-social-emotional-wellness-supportsEmpowering Regional Leads to Customize Social-Emotional Wellness SupportsREL Mid-Atlantic and the Pennsylvania Department of Education co-developed a tool to help regional leads as they collaborate with school districts to identify and address the social-emotional needs of students and staff. Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:26:00 Z{A73FF253-D513-4BCB-8B42-A94E9C6E6BD8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/aspire-to-improve-your-agencys-school-performance-measuresASPIRE to Improve Your Agency’s School Performance Measures!Learn how REL Mid-Atlantic helped the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board build a fair and useful school performance framework that is centered around valid, reliable, and robust measures. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:40:00 Z{EFC21B4F-BFE1-448D-9A15-D2CD52DBBCAE}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/improving-the-impact-of-social-programs-through-better-evaluationImproving the Impact of Social Programs Through Better EvaluationThis episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast features highlights from a recent convening on improving the impact of social programs through a more comprehensive approach to design and evaluation.Tue, 05 Mar 2024 18:57:28 Z{9F8E2B97-86C0-4FE9-B2E3-B6ABCCC912EB}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-megan-shojiMy Mathematica: Megan ShojiMegan shares a story of connectedness, highlighting the value of working alongside passionate colleagues and clients who share a common belief in Mathematica’s mission to improve public well-being. Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:44:00 Z{DDDDBC2F-D172-44F7-B7E5-C034BBE34CA2}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/how-virtual-and-group-tutoring-could-address-learning-lossHow Virtual and Group Tutoring Could Address Learning LossThis episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast features guests Hasan Ali of Air Tutors, Brandi Garza of the Corpus Christi Independent School District, and Gregory Chojnacki of Mathematica. They discuss tutoring approaches that can improve students’ math knowledge.Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:14:00 Z{C5C4EE24-A63B-4963-B595-2E72DD8EBD28}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-chris-boryMy Mathematica: Chris BoryFor as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep-seated interest in understanding and helping others. I’m proud that people feel safe coming to me to talk about whatever’s on their mind. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:40:00 Z{21A3DD51-E007-4397-AAA0-959EBDB11199}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/census-bureau-director-robert-santos-culturally-relevant-methods-in-public-policy-researchU.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos on the Importance of Diversity and Culturally Relevant Methods in Public Policy ResearchOn this episode of On the Evidence, U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos discusses the importance of diversity and culturally relevant methods in public policy research.Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:42:00 Z{B5078196-BBB3-45B7-A767-22CB7D71BD23}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/using-tailored-supports-to-advance-educational-equityUsing Tailored Supports to Advance Educational EquityThe District of Columbia Public Schools is rolling out evidence-based multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) district-wide. Learn how they’re building educator capacity, tailoring supports, and working with REL Mid-Atlantic to address diverse student needs. Tue, 06 Feb 2024 04:38:28 Z{87DEDBCB-A791-46C8-A29A-E246EF636492}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-emilie-bagbyMy Mathematica: Emilie BagbyCuriosity has always been a core part of me. From an early age, my parents encouraged me to learn and explore the world around me—in some ways, that is exactly what I still do in my work at Mathematica.Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:38:00 Z{8111B04C-4D69-4638-BBC2-7AE89A29DF59}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/four-ideas-for-diversifying-the-teacher-workforceFour Ideas for Diversifying the Teacher WorkforceThis blog examines recruitment, retention, hiring, and support strategies for diversifying the teacher workforce, or increasing the share of teachers who have the same racial/ethnic and linguistic backgrounds as the students they teach.Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:47:00 Z{97663BAB-C784-4929-BD71-0A28ECB2F12A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/what-states-can-learn-from-marylands-experience-with-hospital-global-budgetingWhat States Can Learn from Maryland’s Experience with Hospital Global BudgetingThis episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast features Joshua Sharfstein, Thomas Mullen, and Sule Gerovich discussing lessons from Maryland, Vermont, and Pennsylvania that can inform future state efforts adopt hospital global budgeting. Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{EE13461D-109B-40AD-8399-D849FBA9C949}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/the-success-of-kipp-schools-reveals-new-pathways-to-improving-college-accessThe Success of KIPP Schools Reveals New Pathways to Improving College AccessThe success of students in KIPP schools offers valuable lessons for how educators and policymakers can make college more accessible for more students, especially those from underrepresented groups.Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{09692F22-36BA-46D2-91B5-DD0D9EF9F325}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/standardized-monitoring-and-reporting-can-help-states-address-the-rise-in-overdose-deathsStandardized Monitoring and Reporting Can Help States Address the Rise in Overdose DeathsAs the largest payer for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognized its own critical role in helping states expand access to SUD treatment and took action by encouraging states to implement section 1115 SUD demonstrations.Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:18:00 Z{12FB7363-3C80-4540-A9D5-B41416495FD8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-jennifer-acostaMy Mathematica: Jennifer AcostaLearn how Jenn’s life experiences as a first-generation Latina immigrant growing up in a Spanish-speaking household and attending Head Start and Title I public schools have shaped who she is as a researcher.Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{8871F720-4CF2-4379-8E99-C93D11B009F0}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/using-schools-to-improve-child-health-why-black-families-choose-to-homeschool-their-kids-and-whatUsing Schools to Improve Child Health, Why Black Families Choose to Homeschool Their Kids, and What Drives Inequity for People with DisabilitiesMathematica’s 2023 summer fellows discuss their early careers in applied research and what they’ve learned about using schools to improve child health, why some Black families choose to homeschool their kids, and what drives inequity in states for people with disabilities. Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{10E931B5-EF0F-4535-A742-98A403A6520D}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/a-quick-guide-to-choosing-federal-medicaid-authorities-to-address-health-related-social-needsA Quick Guide to Choosing Federal Medicaid Authorities to Address Health-Related Social NeedsThere are three major policy options to address housing and other health-related social needs (HRSN) through Medicaid. How to decide? Start here.Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{E53D071B-AC52-4A3B-8525-1B43A842CE6C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/promising-ideas-to-address-unspent-vocational-rehabilitation-fundsPromising Ideas to Address Unspent Vocational Rehabilitation FundsThe Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps more than 800,000 people with disabilities obtain, maintain, and advance in employment each year, yet hundreds of millions of dollars in federal VR funding go unspent by state VR agencies.Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{36C6838A-D264-49FE-A368-E040864F37E7}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/school-nurses-are-on-the-frontlines-of-student-mental-healthSchool Nurses Are on the Frontlines of Student Mental HealthMathematica and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) organizations recently partnered to better understand the role that school nurses play in supporting the mental health of students, families, schools, educators, and communities. Here’s what we learned.Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 Z{8C4B5AC4-5754-4759-A750-AC2B176A603E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/alleviating-teacher-shortages-through-the-wyoming-teacher-apprenticeship-initiativeAlleviating Teacher Shortages through the Wyoming Teacher Apprenticeship InitiativeAs teacher apprenticeship programs gain popularity across the United States, REL Central is supporting evidence gathering and program implementation of Wyoming's newly created Teacher Apprenticeship Initiative. Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{C4F06C43-A2FF-4111-8AEC-F65DC9660A45}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/the-most-important-developments-in-evidence-and-well-being-in-2023-according-to-our-listenersThe Most Important Developments in Evidence and Well-Being in 2023, According to Our ListenersFor the final episode of 2023, On the Evidence features contributions from listeners and former guests about important developments in evidence and well-being this year that will continue to matter in 2024. Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:07:00 Z{C625D279-23A8-4269-9321-E2BD09317585}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-megan-streeterMy Mathematica: Megan StreeterAdvisory Services Analyst Megan Streeter shares how her love for teaching and desire to improve public health led to a career focused on building connections and creating safe and supportive spaces for all kids to grow.Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{2A91FAE0-EE01-4B80-AAC3-2F23FFBB124C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/wage-digitization-as-an-on-ramp-to-financial-inclusion-the-essential-role-of-deepening-account-usageWage Digitization as an On-Ramp to Financial Inclusion: The Essential Role of Deepening Account UsageDuring COVID-19, governments and employers provided digital payments at a massive scale, leading to rapid opening of bank accounts in developing economies. Mathematica explores why women may not be using these accounts in more meaningful ways, and what the private sector can do about it.Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{1BE147F1-6CEB-4409-A5C8-3A31FC504C88}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/improving-health-equity-by-transforming-public-health-data-systemsImproving Health Equity by Transforming Public Health Data SystemsThis two-part episode explores the deficits of the U.S. public health data infrastructure, how these deficits affect health equity, and how public health agencies can improve their responses to public health crises by transforming their data systems.Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:25:00 Z{517A152B-1E97-42FA-A236-0D2FD9B30561}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/mathematica-global-brings-hindsight-insight-and-foresightMathematica Global Brings Hindsight, Insight, and Foresight to Urgent Global ChallengesOur international work has grown over the past two decades—from a foundation of traditional impact evaluations into learning partnerships. As our clients’ global learning needs have evolved, so have we—and our unit's new name reflects our desire to turn evidence and insight into lasting progress.Wed, 13 Dec 2023 00:00:00 Z{27522A8E-B1A8-4867-A2A3-46686E5B2F4E}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/my-mathematica-sheldon-bondMy Mathematica: Sheldon BondWhether it involves filling a long order for a production company or cleaning administrative data for a client, it is important to center one’s communication around a shared understanding of the client’s needs and to work collaboratively, honoring the unique contributions of each team member.Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:12:00 Z{2D9FF41A-0BC0-46BB-BFBD-73B53E6E422C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/cop28-time-to-put-health-at-the-heart-of-climate-change-and-monitor-vital-signsIt’s Time to Put Health at the Heart of Climate Change and Closely Monitor the Vital Signs The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) starts today in Dubai and there is much at stake. We are interested in two key COP28 agenda items: the first-ever Health Day at a COP and the operationalization of the global goal for climate adaptation.Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:29:40 Z{D3EE08AE-48AC-45EB-9BE2-4EFA256364CD}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/how-artificial-intelligence-can-advance-health-equityHow Artificial Intelligence Can Advance Health EquityOn this episode of the podcast, Mathematica and Congressman Don Beyer host a discussion about artificial intelligence and its implications for health equity. Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:30:00 Z{0586A5B4-41BA-4EAA-B18A-82F52DDD1966}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/approaches-for-addressing-stunting-show-promiseApproaches for Addressing Stunting Show PromiseGlobally, 156 million children, including 1 in 4 children younger than 5 years old, are stunted. Thankfully, emerging approaches to address stunting have shown promise, especially in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa where it is most prevalent.Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{EB28E6C2-4C7C-4AC6-9C42-1A94CDE937A6}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/design-of-integrated-care-programs-need-to-consider-solutions-for-partial-benefit-dually-eligibleDesign of Integrated Care Programs Need to Consider Solutions for Partial-Benefit Dually Eligible IndividualsIf the goal of integrating Medicare and Medicaid benefits is to ensure that people with complex health needs who face barriers to care can obtain well-coordinated services, policymakers should design specific strategies to address the needs of PBDE individuals.Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{7CCCF59C-5E6C-4783-81FC-8947E115B7A5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/why-increasing-teacher-diversity-matters-in-new-jerseyWhy Increasing Teacher Diversity Matters in New JerseyEducation outcomes improve for students of color who are taught by a teacher of the same race or ethnicity. This blog post shares evidence of this and introduces how New Jersey is working to build an educator workforce that more closely reflects its diverse student body. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:29:00 Z{9E826781-D746-4CBD-90F5-CB37C4984729}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/elizabeth-linos-on-using-evidence-to-bolster-the-public-sector-workforce-and-improve-governmentElizabeth Linos on Using Evidence to Bolster the Public Sector Workforce and Improve Government ServicesThe latest episode of On the Evidence features Elizabeth Linos, a public management scholar and behavioral scientist who is the recipient of the 23rd David N. Kershaw Award and Prize.Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:37:00 Z{ECA50007-32ED-4A0B-97B7-05B71E340548}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/sharing-social-needs-data-requires-meaningful-partnershipsSharing Social Needs Data Requires Meaningful PartnershipsHealth systems need to identify ways to securely share Health Related Social Needs data with clinical and community partners. To use these data in a way that supports care and advances health equity, organizations must not only employ data-sharing technology but also build meaningful relationships.Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 Z{6E47E0D4-5BA6-443D-A04F-9E8494F1C1AE}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/jennifer-pahlka-on-government-in-the-digital-ageJennifer Pahlka on Government in the Digital AgeThis episode of On the Evidence features Jennifer Pahlka, former U.S. deputy chief technology officer during the Obama administration. In her new book, Recoding America, Pahlka explores why policy implementation goes wrong and what we can do to improve delivery of government services.Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:23:24 Z{767568EC-CEAE-42A6-A79F-722D7359697C}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/medicaid-members-front-and-center-at-namd-2023Medicaid Members Front and Center at NAMD 2023At NAMD this year, the spotlight shined on state efforts to improve community supports for individuals with disabilities, Medicaid’s role in behavioral health crisis management and recovery, and our collective goals to improve maternal and infant health nationwide. Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{3CEC7C93-3526-4567-9AFB-4D74680E6788}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/new-data-sources-inspire-new-data-analyses-approaches-to-long-term-services-and-supportsNew Data Analyses Inform Delivery of Long-Term Services and SupportsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking new ways to provide more comprehensive and action-oriented data analyses given the increasing demand for Long-Term Services and Supports. In partnership with CMS, Mathematica is working to improve these analyses to help inform the delivery of accessible and high-quality care.Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{8D41E9D6-DE5F-4E52-87FD-925D561DB03A}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/how-colorado-committed-to-supporting-teacher-diversity-and-why-it-matters-to-studentsHow Colorado Committed to Supporting Teacher Diversity and Why it Matters to StudentsThis episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence focuses on efforts to increase the diversity of the teacher workforce by recruiting, supporting, and retaining diverse teachers, with guests from the Colorado General Assembly, Delta High School in Denver, Colorado, and Mathematica.Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:57:02 Z{8C4B92F3-F827-4318-B830-4EA4324B3408}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/why-disaggregated-data-and-radical-transparency-are-critical-for-schools-pandemic-recovery-effortsWhy Disaggregated Data and Radical Transparency Are Critical for Schools’ Pandemic Recovery EffortsState education to workforce data systems can disaggregate student data and report on how different groups of students are doing to gather better information about pandemic recovery. Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:00:00 Z{2B6EF85C-3A75-4567-B28A-2594EB15BFD8}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/centering-the-lived-experiences-of-people-with-disabilities-in-researchAdvance Equitable Evaluation by Centering the Lived Experiences of People with Disabilities in ResearchAs we commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we reflected on how infusing the perspectives of people with lived experience of disability has enhanced our understanding and improved the quality of Mathematica research.Mon, 09 Oct 2023 15:00:00 Z{28AED1D9-B361-40E7-BBDE-DFE20E253A47}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/climate-scientist-michael-mann-on-preserving-our-fragile-momentClimate Scientist Michael Mann on Preserving “Our Fragile Moment”On this episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast, climate scientist and author Michael Mann discusses his new book, Our Fragile Moment: How Lessons from Earth's Past Can Help Us Survive the Climate Crisis.Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:56:41 Z{21BB5359-69E1-46A5-8B5C-1C797808FC83}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/rel-central-supports-new-teacher-apprenticeship-pathwayREL Central Supports New Teacher Apprenticeship PathwayREL Central is collaborating with the South Dakota Department of Education and other statewide organizations to support the use of research evidence and data as they design, implement, and refine their new teacher apprenticeship program.Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:11:00 Z{3209FB13-AD03-4862-9E15-C8F5FDCE57F5}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/the-omb-evidence-team-on-evidence-based-policymaking-and-federal-evaluationThe OMB Evidence Team on Evidence-Based Policymaking and Federal EvaluationOn this episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast, Diana Epstein, Erica Zielewski, and Danielle Berman of the Office of Management and Budget’s Evidence Team discuss their work to build and nurture a culture of evidence in the federal government.Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:05:13 Z{E91DCE9E-AE0D-4333-A2E6-CEF81DF7CCAF}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/literacy-can-promote-more-sustainable-and-peaceful-societiesLiteracy as a Catalyst for Sustainable SocietiesEvidence shows that literacy and numeracy skills programs can improve well-being beyond academic attainment and skills development. Fri, 08 Sep 2023 17:05:00 Z{CB0267B2-61D2-4AEB-BAD4-D3F31C22A4BF}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/redefining-quality-case-management-is-key-to-improving-program-participants-well-beingRedefining Quality Case Management is Key to Improving the Well-Being of Program ParticipantsAs researchers studying case management, we’ve observed a tension between what program participants need to navigate the increasingly complex health and human services system and the central job responsibilities of case managers.Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 Z{67D5D483-C8CC-4B3C-9AA3-EB7953A2E8F4}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/some-schools-saw-their-climate-improve-during-remote-and-hybrid-instructionSome Schools Saw Their Climate Improve During Remote and Hybrid Instruction. What Should We Make of That?Is it possible that students reported a more positive school climate because they experienced less bullying and extreme stress compared to when they were in the building? REL Mid-Atlantic staff expand on study findings and offer considerations for educators and policymakers.Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:52:19 Z{B430A8D0-A849-48F2-B998-CD1407695B32}https://www.mathematica.org/en/blogs/gayle-smith-on-the-federal-role-in-global-response-to-health-and-climate-crisesGayle Smith on the Federal Role in Global Response to Health and Climate CrisesOn this episode of Mathematica’s On the Evidence podcast, Gayle Smith, former USAID Administrator and White House official, discusses her work for over 20 years to champion federal decision-making in response to global health and climate crises based on data and evidence.Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:22:00 Z