Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** March 19, 2024
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Math Teachers' Efforts Can Really Add Up
Math education can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of strong problem-solving skills, sharp analytical thinking, and even a rewarding career in fields like technology and engineering. But RAND research has shown that students have uneven access to advanced math courses.
In many schools, students are grouped into math classes based on their academic performance (or their perceived academic performance). This practice, often called tracking, can start as early as elementary school and becomes more common in middle school and high school. It creates a ripple effect that can make it nearly impossible for students placed in lower-track courses to take the same advanced classes as their peers.
Teachers have significant influence in how students are tracked. They also can play a key role in helping students who are falling behind in math. However, many educators themselves need more resources and support, such as professional development or access to math tutors for struggling students.
But when teachers have the support they need to help students realize their full potential, then the results can be transformative. "To put it simply, math teachers and their opinions, recommendations, encouragement, and mentorship matter deeply," says RAND's Julia Kaufman. "The influence they have can be life-changing for students."
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A New Approach for the U.S. Armed Forces: Conversation with David Ochmanek
The United States needs to learn how to fight differently, says RAND's David Ochmanek. In a new Q&A, he discusses findings from his recent study showing that America's long-standing strategy--using overwhelming force to defeat any enemy in any part of the world--would not work in a hypothetical conflict with China or even Russia. Ochmanek also explains how Washington could succeed against these rivals: "Simply buying more and better stuff is not going to be sufficient. We have to posture the force differently—meaning, where it's based and the time required to mobilize."
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The Future of Information Warfare in the Indo-Pacific
How might China's use of AI-powered disinformation and malign information campaigns threaten security and stability in the Indo-Pacific? A new RAND report looks at the future of information warfare in this all-important region, examining Beijing's tactics and how defense organizations and their partners can respond. "Constant vigilance" is required to detect and neutralize disinformation campaigns early, the authors write. Further, advanced AI tools could be instrumental to this effort, helping to assess and understand the evolving information environment.
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** RAND Recommends
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- RAND's Raphael Cohen talks to CBS News about Israel's plan to enter Rafah, whether its expected operation is feasible, and what might happen next.
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- General Tod D. Wolters (Ret.) of the Atlantic Council and RAND's Ann Marie Dailey warn that failing to support Ukraine now might kick off an American losing streak that could take decades to overcome.
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- New RAND research shows that community colleges are working to address student mental health, but they need consistent, long-term funding sources to create sustainable, comprehensive supports for students.
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** Events
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How Could Evolving State Policies Affect LGBTQ+ Veterans' Health?
Thursday, March 21, 2024 (Online)
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How Can New Technologies​ Help Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change?
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (Online)
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