Abbvie Gift funding - FY2021-22

1. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Background Dr. Jonathan Guryan, Professor of Education, Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, and Institute for Policy Research, co-founded and co-directs the University of Chicago Education Lab (SPONSOR), which partners with school district and community leaders to identify, rigorously evaluate, and learn how to scale programs and policies that help improve education and learning in schools and for students in economically disadvantaged circumstances. In his capacity as faculty director for the Education Lab, Dr. Guryan provides organizational leadership and strategic input. For the research studies described below, on which he serves as co-Principal Investigator, Dr. Guryan will work closely with Education Lab investigators to develop all study procedures and evaluation plans. This will include contributing to the development and execution of randomization methods and statistical analyses and working closely with the data analysis team to prepare data and carry out analyses, review statistical output, and provide feedback on scientific analyses and reports. He will participate in research team meetings, review reports, and participate in the presentation and dissemination of findings. Statement of Work Chicago Student Success Initiative The Education Lab has partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to improve the educational outcomes for students attending alternative Options Schools, and other high-need students throughout the district. In SY21, this work focuses on: • Better understanding the specific needs of Options and other high school students based on a need’s assessment as well as focus groups and interviews with students, staff, and families • Better understanding the set of supports that CPS Options and other high schools are already providing to students across the system, to identify where the key ‘gaps’ are between student needs and existing supports. • Pilot-test prom