We do this work by:
- Developing and disseminating a conceptual framework for using evidence;
- Developing and disseminating practical guidance about how policymakers can use existing evidence to promote better outcomes and improved equity;
- Preparing and disseminating case studies of exemplary use of evidence by government, community leaders, and service providers; and
- Providing quality technical assistance to decision makers about generating and using evidence.
As CSSP is committed to achieving more equitable outcomes for children and families experiencing the greatest disparities, we strive to understand the difference we and our partners are making and to share our learning and contribute to knowledge development.
The results we aim for are increases in the adoption and effective use, by government, philanthropic leaders, advocates, and researchers, of approaches to evidence that:
- Make use of a wider variety of evidence, including evidence from the experience of the individuals and communities who are supposed to benefit from policies and programs;
- Attend to continuous improvement in addition to the initial selection of “evidence-based” programs and practices; and
- Use methods that promote equity in both processes (how the work is done) and outcomes (how success is measured).
We expect to see these results in areas such as: the rules for allocating government funds; the design of philanthropic initiatives; the promotion of partnerships between researchers and practitioners; and the decisions made by evaluators and other researchers.
Report
An Evidence Framework to Improve Results
November 2014
This report explores the question of how we use a framework of continuous learning to obtain and apply the kinds of evidence that will be most useful in achieving significantly greater outcomes.
(48 pp)
Report
Better Evidence for Decision-Makers
July 2016
This report explains why decision-makers need better support and to be truly "evidence-informed," as well as specific recommendations about how to move forward.
(15 pp)
Brief
Better Evidence for Decision-Makers: Emerging Pathways
March 2017
This brief explains the need for "a broader range of evidence" for decision-makers, examples of what that looks like, and recommendations on policy and policy implementation.
(12 pp)
Report
Carnegie Math Pathways
2016
This report investigates Pathways through the lens of how it uses and generates evidence to achieve its goal of building a substantial infrastructure to support and embed quality improvement.
(9 pp)
Brief
Evidence Case Study: Summary
This brief compiles case studies from various initiatives and makes the concept of a “culture of evidence” accessible with illustrations of an approach to improve equitable outcomes for families and communities.
(5 pp)
Report
Expanding the Evidence Universe: Doing Better By Knowing More
December 2011
This report provides recommendations related to expanding the knowledge base necessary to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities and was written for discussion at the Harold Richman Public Policy Symposium, the first in a series of forums honoring the memory of Harold Richman, co-founder of CSSP.
(60 pp)
Brief
Friends of Evidence Case Study: Harlem Children’s Zone
2016
This brief looks at how HCZ uses and generates evidence to achieve its goals. Its analysis is organized around five characteristics found in initiatives considered “evidence innovators.”
(8 pp)
Brief
Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ): Building Evidence for Achieving Success, at Scale
2016
This brief looks at how NAZ uses and generates evidence to accomplish its goals. It explores five characteristics of an inclusive approach to evidence—characteristics encountered in initiatives considered “evidence innovators.”
(7 pp)
