The Effect of School Choice on Student Outcomes in the United States

The Effect of School Choice on Student Outcomes in the United States

Summary of the Randomized Evaluation

Country

United States (Chicago)

Researchers

Julie Berry Cullen, Brian Jacob, Steven Levitt

Methods

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to evaluate the impact of school choice on student outcomes. The study involved 14,434 eighth-grade students who participated in randomized lotteries for admission to 19 different high schools. By comparing students who won the lottery (and thus attended their chosen schools) with those who did not, researchers aimed to identify any systematic benefits provided by attending these schools.
Context:

Chicago Public Schools operates one of the most extensive school choice programs in the United States. In this system, students can apply to attend schools outside their assigned neighbourhood schools. When the number of applications exceeds available spots, lotteries are used to allocate admissions, ensuring a randomized and fair selection process.

Improving Security through Concentrated Policing in Bogotá, Colombia

Improving Security through Concentrated Policing in Bogotá, Colombia

Summary of the Randomized Evaluation

Country

Colombia (Bogotá)

Researchers

Chris Blattman, Donald Green, Daniel Mejia, Daniel Ortega, Santiago Tobón

Methods

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of concentrated policing and municipal clean-ups on crime reduction and displacement in Bogotá, Colombia. The study targeted 1,919 high-crime street segments, randomly assigning them to one of four groups: concentrated policing, municipal clean-ups, both interventions, or a control group with no special interventions.
Context:

Crime in Bogotá is spatially concentrated, with a small percentage of street segments accounting for a significant portion of homicides and other crimes. The intervention aimed to address these high-crime areas through increased police presence and municipal maintenance, such as street light repairs, graffiti removal, and garbage collection. The study also aimed to measure potential crime displacement to neighbouring areas.

Reducing Inequality through a Summer Youth Employment Program in Boston

Reducing Inequality through a Summer Youth Employment Program in Boston

Summary of the Randomized Evaluation

Country

United States (Boston, MA).

Methods

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of the Boston Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) on participants' social behaviours, academic aspirations, and job readiness skills. The study involved 4,083 youth, who were selected through a lottery system.

Evaluating the Impact of a Growth Mindset Intervention in Argentina

Evaluating the Impact of a Growth Mindset Intervention in Argentina

Summary of the Randomized Evaluation 

Country

Argentina (Salta Province)

Researchers

Alejandro Ganimian

Methods

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a growth mindset intervention on educational attainment among secondary school students. The study involved 202 public secondary schools in the Province of Salta, with Grade 12 students participating in the intervention. Schools were randomly assigned to either the treatment group, where students received information about the potential to develop intelligence through practice, or the control group, which received no such intervention.

Changing Beliefs, Changing Bribes in India

Changing Beliefs, Changing Bribes in India

Summary of the Randomized Evaluation

Country

India (Rajasthan)

Researchers

Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, John Firth, Daniel Keniston, Ben Olken, Jeffrey Weaver

Methods

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the impact of informing citizens about the true legal penalty for helmet violations on corruption and lawbreaking. The study included 17,369 motorcyclists across 112 towns in Rajasthan. Randomly selected motorcyclists were informed of the actual fine for not wearing a helmet through private information campaigns via phone calls and SMS messages. The comparison group received general safe driving messages without the fine details.

Randomized Evaluations in Education To Tackle Social Inequality

What are Randomized Evaluations in Education?

Randomized evaluations, also known as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are a rigorous method used to assess the impact of educational interventions by randomly assigning participants to either a treatment or control group. This method ensures that any observed differences in outcomes can be attributed to the intervention itself, providing robust and unbiased evidence of its effectiveness. 

Why are They Important for Public Policy?

Such evaluations are crucial for public policy as they offer concrete data on what works and what does not, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions that can improve educational outcomes, enhance resource allocation, and ultimately drive systemic improvements in education systems.

In What Other Areas Can They be Implemented? 

RCTs are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of areas to assess the impact of various interventions. Here are some key areas where they can be particularly proven to be useful:

Healthcare

• Public Health Interventions: Evaluating the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, sanitation improvements, or nutritional programs.
• Medical Treatments: Comparing the efficacy of new medications, treatments, or surgical procedures against standard practices.
• Health Education: Assessing the impact of health education programs on behaviours such as smoking cessation, diet, and exercise.

Education

• Curriculum Changes: Testing new teaching methods, educational technologies, or curriculum changes to improve student learning outcomes.
• Teacher Training: Evaluating the effectiveness of professional development programs for teachers.
• Student Support Services: Assessing the impact of counselling, tutoring, or mentorship programs on student performance and well-being.

Social Welfare

• Poverty Alleviation Programs: Evaluating the impact of cash transfers, microfinance, or job training programs on economic outcomes for low-income families.
• Housing Interventions:  Assessing the effectiveness of housing vouchers, rent subsidies, or homelessness prevention programs.
• Child Welfare: Testing the impact of parenting programs, child care services, or early childhood education on child development outcomes.

Labor Markets

• Employment Programs: Evaluating job placement services, skills training programs, or employment subsidies to improve job market outcomes.
• Wage Policies: Assessing the impact of minimum wage increases or wage subsidy programs on employment and income levels.
• Workplace Interventions: Testing the effectiveness of workplace wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, or diversity training.

Environmental Policy

• Conservation Programs: Evaluating the impact of initiatives such as protected areas, reforestation projects, or sustainable farming practices on environmental outcomes.
• Pollution Control: Testing the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing air, water, or soil pollution.
• Energy Efficiency: Assessing the impact of energy-saving technologies or behavioural interventions on energy consumption.

Criminal Justice

• Policing Strategies: Evaluating the effectiveness of different policing strategies, such as community policing or hotspot policing, on crime rates.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Assessing the impact of rehabilitation programs, education, or job training for prisoners on recidivism rates.
• Legal Aid: Testing the effectiveness of providing legal aid or public defenders on justice outcomes for low-income individuals.

Public Policy

• Tax Policies: Evaluating the impact of tax incentives or subsidies on economic behaviour and public revenue.
• Regulatory Changes: Assessing the impact of regulatory changes on business practices, consumer protection, or market competition.
• Government Services: Testing the effectiveness of e-governance initiatives, public service delivery improvements, or anti-corruption measures.

Technology and Innovation

• Digital Inclusion Programs: Evaluating the impact of providing internet access, digital literacy training, or technological devices to underserved communities.
• Innovation Policies: Assessing the effectiveness of policies promoting research and development, start-up incubators, or technology transfer programs.
• AI and Automation: Testing the impact of AI-driven tools or automation technologies on productivity, employment, and social inequality.

By applying randomized evaluations across these diverse areas, policymakers and practitioners can obtain rigorous evidence on what works, enabling them to design and implement more effective and equitable interventions.

Oxford Researchers Develop AI That can Identify the Likelihood of Suffering a Heart Attack up to 10 Years in the Future

Oxford Researchers Develop AI That Can Identify the Likelihood of Suffering a Heart Attack up to 10 Years in the Future

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) system that can identify individuals at high risk of suffering a heart attack up to 10 years in the future. The technology analyzes data from routine CT scans to detect hidden signs of inflammation and plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which are often missed by traditional scan analysis.


The AI system was trained on data from 40,000 patients at UK hospitals and has shown promising results in clinical trials. It has the potential to save thousands of lives annually by enabling early intervention with preventative treatments like statins and anti-inflammatory drugs for those identified as high-risk.


The research team, led by Professor Charalambos Antoniades, found that in 45% of cases, clinicians changed a patient's treatment plan after receiving the AI-enhanced risk assessment. The technology is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for potential nationwide rollout in the UK's National Health Service (NHS).


Beyond heart disease, the researchers are also working on applying similar AI techniques to predict stroke risk and identify individuals at risk for conditions like diabetes.


If approved, this innovative AI system could revolutionise preventative care for cardiovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of death worldwide. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to uncover hidden risk factors, healthcare providers could intervene earlier and potentially save countless lives.

European Commission Unveils AI Innovation Package to Boost Startups and SMEs

The European Commission has taken a step forward in fostering innovation within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. A comprehensive package aimed at supporting AI startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been launched, signaling the EU's commitment to becoming a global leader in ethical and sustainable AI development.

This initiative is designed to provide the essential tools and resources needed by emerging AI ventures to navigate the complex landscape of technology innovation. By offering access to funding, research resources, and regulatory guidance, the Commission aims to create a fertile environment for AI-related ideas to flourish and compete on a global stage.

Central to this initiative is the establishment of a collaborative network that connects AI startups and SMEs with established research institutions and innovation hubs. This network is expected to foster knowledge exchange, enhance technical capabilities, and stimulate collaborative projects that could lead to breakthroughs in AI technology.

Moreover, the package includes specific measures to ensure that AI development aligns with European values of ethical standards and human-centric design. By prioritizing these principles, the EU seeks to differentiate its AI sector as one that not only excels in innovation but also in responsible and sustainable practices.

The Commission's announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the technology community, with many viewing it as a crucial step towards leveling the playing field for smaller entities competing with tech giants. This move is also seen as a strategic effort to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and address societal challenges through the application of AI.

The AI innovation package is more than just a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive strategy aimed at nurturing an ecosystem where ethical AI can thrive, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of technological advancement while safeguarding its social and ethical standards.

As the EU charts this ambitious path, the global AI community watches closely, anticipating the emergence of novel AI solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded and socially responsible.

Sources: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_383

UK Supreme Court Rules AI Systems Cannot Be Recognized as Patent Inventors

In a landmark decision that sets a significant precedent for the future of intellectual property rights in the era of artificial intelligence, the UK's highest court has concluded that AI systems cannot legally be credited as inventors on patent applications. This ruling reaffirms the notion that patents, a cornerstone of innovation protection, are fundamentally human endeavours.

The case emerged from a series of legal challenges brought forth by Dr. Stephen Thaler, who sought to have his AI system, named DABUS, recognized as the inventor of two specific creations. Dr. Thaler argued that DABUS, an advanced AI designed to simulate human-like creativity, was solely responsible for these inventions without direct human intervention.

However, the UK Supreme Court, upholding earlier decisions by lower courts, ruled unanimously against this claim. The justices emphasized that current patent law explicitly requires an inventor to be a natural person. This decision underscores a broader legal and philosophical debate about the role of AI in creative and inventive processes and its implications for intellectual property rights.

The court's ruling highlights the legal system's effort to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology, sparking a conversation about potential legislative reforms. Legal experts and technologists alike are now calling for a reevaluation of traditional concepts of authorship and invention in light of AI's growing capabilities.

This ruling not only impacts the UK's approach to AI and patents but also signals to the global community the urgent need for legal frameworks that can accommodate the evolving landscape of innovation driven by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to push the boundaries of what machines can create, the legal definition of "inventor" may need reimagining to reflect these technological advancements.

The decision has far-reaching implications for inventors, companies, and policymakers worldwide, prompting a reexamination of how intellectual property laws can foster innovation while ensuring fair recognition and protection for human and AI-generated inventions.