Regression discontinuity (RD) analysis is a rigorous nonexperimental approach that can be used to estimate program impacts in situations in which candidates are selected for treatment based on whether their value for a numeric rating exceeds a designated threshold or cut-point. Over the last two decades, the regression discontinuity approach has…

This paper provides practical guidance for researchers who are designing and analyzing studies that randomize schools--which comprise three levels of clustering (students in classrooms in schools)--to measure intervention effects on student academic outcomes when information on the middle level (classrooms) is missing. This situation arises…

This report describes the background, objectives, and design of the Opening Doors evaluation. It begins below with a brief review of the research on community college students and their experiences. Chapter 2 then provides a general description of the six colleges that are participating in the demonstration and the four interventions that are…