Dr. Catherine Augustine is a senior policy researcher and the Director of the RAND Pittsburgh Office. Her research focuses on improving academic, social and emotional outcomes for students in urban school districts, specializing in out-of-school time. She both evaluates implementation of reforms and assesses their impact. For example, she is leading a multi-million-dollar nine-year national randomized controlled trial on the impact on academic and social and emotional learning (SEL) outcomes from five urban districts’ summer learning programs. A recently completed randomized controlled trial examined the impact of using restorative practices in 44 schools in an urban district on classroom and school climate, relationships between students and adults, and school discipline.
Augustine is currently conducting a systematic evidence review on summer programs based on the evidence tiers specified in the Every Student Succeeds Act, adding to the knowledge base of what works in summer programming.
The Summit offers a unique opportunity to confront the corrosive influence of bigotry and hatred in our society. In order for us to address these challenges, we first must acknowledge their painful and destructive impact in our communities and in our country. I am grateful to serve as a Global Advisor to this timely and powerful initiative.
