We conduct policy research that provides a comprehensive perspective on matters of importance to state and local policy makers. Our mixed-methods approach typically combines secondary data sources—such as existing literature, program or population data, and standardized test data—with primary data collected through surveys, on-site interviews, and focus groups.

The following examples describe policy research that we conducted in the field of education reform.

Keep the Promise

Keep the Promise is a three-year longitudinal study of at-risk high school students involving Massachusetts’ three largest school districts — Boston, Springfield, and Worcester. We conducted this research for the MassInsight Education and Research Institute, a non-profit organization focused on improving achievement in urban schools.

The objectives of Keep the Promise were:

1. Tracking the behavior, experiences, and perceptions of students in the classes of 2003-2005 who needed extra academic help to develop the skills required to pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) and earn a high school diploma.
2. Cataloging and evaluating the effectiveness of high school remediation programs with an aim toward identifying promising practices.
3. Exploring the messages students receive around learning, high stakes testing, and preparation for life after high school and the impact of these messages on their attitudes, behaviors, and academic performance.

Our research combined interviews and surveys of educators and students with a review of remediation program characteristics and participation, and analysis of individual student record and achievement data. This research, the most comprehensive to date, has served as a key input to policy discussions regarding the efficacy and funding of MCAS remediation programs in Massachusetts.

View related publications.

For more information please contact:

Eric Heller, Ed.D.
Director, Research and Evaluation
(413) 587-2402

Steven Ellis, M.P.A.
Senior Manager
(413) 587-2405