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Supporting Students with Disabilities

Do students with high-incidence disabilities, such as high-functioning autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, receive effective instruction? The answer depends, in large part, on whether educators have what they need. A new RAND survey provides some insights. Most teachers say that their schools have a culture of "shared responsibility" for serving students with disabilities. But many want more access to relevant training, resources, planning time, and student data. Read more »

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How Pittsburgh Is Addressing Social and Economic Disparities

RAND researchers have been working with officials in Pittsburgh to examine inequities among the city's residents. For example, being black in Pittsburgh means you're much more likely to bring home less pay (less than half as much, on average) than a white person. It also means you could see your children hospitalized with asthma about four times more often. By understanding more about who's being left behind—and how they're being left behind—the city can begin to address the root drivers of inequity. Read more »

Senior political scientist Jennifer Kavanagh discusses Truth Decay at RAND's headquarters in Santa Monica, California, May 24, 2018. Photo by Diane Baldwin/RAND Corporation

Searching for Truth with RAND's Jennifer Kavanagh

Jennifer Kavanagh helps lead RAND's research on "Truth Decay," the diminishing role of facts and analysis in American public life. In a new Q&A, she discusses her most recent study, a quantitative analysis of how U.S. journalism has changed over time. Measuring shifts in the information environment is key to understanding the evolution of Truth Decay, she says. The next step is figuring out what to do about it. Read more »

The purported wreckage of a U.S. drone is displayed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran, Iran, June 21, 2019. Photo by Meghdad Madadi/Tasnim News Agency via Reuters

The Flawed Logic of a Proportional Response

After Iran shot down a U.S. drone, President Trump approved a retaliatory strike. He then called the attack off, saying it was "not proportionate." There is a long list of reasons to avoid conflict with Iran. But proportionality isn't one of them, says RAND's Raphael Cohen. That's because proportional responses are not likely to solve anything. Instead, they may demonstrate that Washington is more interested in the appearance, rather than reality, of action. Read more »

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What Can Citizen Science Do?

Citizen science is the use of scientific methods by the general public to ask and answer questions and solve problems. A new RAND report examines the potential of this concept. There are a few key challenges, such as enhancing the credibility of research and overcoming technology obstacles. But overall, citizen science is a promising way to conduct research that can help improve health and well-being. This approach may be particularly valuable for disaster preparedness. Read more »