Ideally, nonexperimental methods that aim to replicate the results of rigorous randomized experiments focus on the intent to treat (ITT) experimental impact estimate, the most causally rigorous measure. This working paper develops a new replication approach that facilitates testing...

This report describes the value-added models (VAMs) created for the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. Pittsburgh's VAMs use not only state assessments but also course-specific assessments, student attendance, and course completion rates, aiming to produce...

A new longitudinal national study of the practices and effectiveness of charter-school management organizations (CMOs) reveals a wide range of organizational models and educational strategies, with achievement effects that are more often positive than negative but vary substantially among CMOs....

Examines work-based learning activities in high school, noting that a diverse mix of students--including both high- and low-achievers--participates in some work-based activity. However, females are more likely to do so than males. Also notes that internships arranged through school are in a...

In the first rigorous study of the impacts of Expeditionary Learning (EL) model schools, Mathematica found that EL middle school students perform better in reading and math than their counterparts in other public schools.

This report describes the development of value-added models for estimating the contributions of Pennsylvania teachers and principals toward the achievement growth of their students. Estimates were obtained during the first phase of a multiyear pilot to develop new evaluation systems for teachers...