Rapid cycle evaluation: Helping state and local policy makers make good decisions

There can be a tension between the time needed to implement rigorous policy evaluations and the immediate needs of policy makers for information. This session will explore methods to help policy makers generate and use evidence for decision making, even on short timelines. Michelle Derr (Mathematica Policy Research) will moderate this session. (conference program description)

• Using Rapid Cycle Evaluation Techniques to Test Regulatory Changes

Scott Cody (Mathematica Policy Research)

The presentation defines and explains the concept of rapid cycle evaluation, and how to utilize it to examine how programs such as SNAP and TANF respond to regulatory changes.

• Recognizing and Conducting Opportunistic Experiments

Alexandra Resch (Mathematica Policy Research)

The presentation describes opportunistic experiments and the benefits of this style of research, with an example from work done with school districts to create a culture of learning.

• Responding to Rapidly Changing Environments: The Benefits of Internal Evaluation Capacity

Angela Rachidi (New York City Human Resources Administration)

The presentation explains on rapid cycle evaluation is implemented in NYC by the Human Resources Administration, with an example from a pilot program involving SNAP centers.

These presentations were given at the 2014 Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference (WREC).