70 likes | 162 Views
Using Evidence to Guide Social Policy and Spending. Ron Haskins March 1, 2012. Model of Factors that Influence Federal Legislation. Obama/ Orszag /Gordon Approach to Applying Evidence to Policy Choice. Priority to programs with strong evidence (random-assignment) Evidence tiers; Innovation
E N D
Using Evidence to Guide Social Policy and Spending Ron Haskins March 1, 2012
Obama/Orszag/Gordon Approach to Applying Evidence to Policy Choice • Priority to programs with strong evidence (random-assignment) • Evidence tiers; Innovation • Define “evidence-based” in statute, regulation, or funding announcement • All funded programs must have evaluation plan • Review panels make awards based on evidence and evaluation plan
Four Approaches to Evidence-Based Policymaking • Evidence-based grant making: • Fund programs supported by quality evidence • Funded programs feature continuous evaluation • What Works Clearinghouses • Systematic Review of Agency Portfolios • Emphasis on Benefit-Cost Measurement
Obama Administration’s Investing in Innovation Fund (i3) • $650 million as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • Administered by U.S. Department of Education • Local school districts and nonprofit organizations • Evidence-based school reforms; Funding Priorities: • Support effective teachers and principals • Improve use of data • Implement high standards and high quality • Turn around low-performing schools • Three-tiered structure of program funding: • Development grants (some plausible evidence) $5 million • Validation grants (moderate evidence) $30 million • Scale-up grants (strong evidence) $50 million
Agency Portfolios • Requires a respected budget agency with power to supervise administrative agencies • Budget agency must devise systematic annual review process of intervention programs supported by administrative agencies • Emphasis on clear goals, well-defined outcome measures, and standards of evidence • Award additional funds to agencies based on outcomes