State Research Partnerships: Using Administrative Data to Build Evidence

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

When Donald Campbell envisioned an "experimenting society" in 1969, he proposed a transformative approach to social reform: systematically testing new programs, rigorously evaluating their effectiveness, and making policy decisions based on evidence rather than ideology. This vision was revolutionary—a commitment to continuous learning through testing and refinement. Despite significant progress, the gap between Campbell's vision and reality persists. Evidence building often moves too slowly, with long periods between studies and insufficient data capacity to conduct the volume of tests needed for rapid policy learning.

State agencies are at the forefront of our public policy ecosystem. They implement federal programs, design state initiatives, and work closely with local communities. These agencies possess deep knowledge of their populations, unique policy contexts, and pressing challenges. However, many lack the time, technical capacity, methodological expertise, or data infrastructure to systematically build and use evidence at scale. By partnering with researchers, state agencies can leverage this additional expertise to enhance their capabilities.

This panel includes three innovative projects that exemplify the power of collaborative research for evidence-based policymaking. Each presentation highlights unique approaches to leveraging administrative data, rigorous evaluation methods, and cross-sector partnerships to advance economic mobility, workforce development, and educational outcomes.

The first paper highlights the State IMPACT Collaborative, an initiative that brings together state agencies with MDRC and Coleridge Institute researchers to deepen state capacity to generate rigorous evidence, enhance states’ testing and analytics capacity so they can conduct their own ongoing research, and increase economic opportunity and mobility for individuals and families.

The second paper discusses a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and The Ohio State University to conduct a statewide randomized controlled trial of the state’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program. The program aims to reduce unemployment insurance benefits duration and improving labor market outcomes for claimants. The presentation discusses the use of Ohio’s administrative data to monitor randomization and explore the program’s impact on workforce participation and specific populations.

The third paper showcases the Washington Student Achievement Council’s “beyond government” approach to evidence building through collaborative research with partners. It highlights four WSAC initiatives evaluating different programs with different outcomes, but all with a shared goal of using research for decision-making.

These presentations underscore the importance of capacity-building, mutual learning, and translating research into actionable tools for decision-making. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, these projects aim to advance equitable outcomes and operationalize Campbell’s vision of an experimenting society.

Policy Area

• Methods and Tools of Analysis

Secondary Policy Area

• Employment and Training Programs

Chair

• Daniel Oliver, WA Student Achievement Council

Discussant

• Jessica Dawn Cunningham, Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS)

Organizer

• Elizabeth Saiz, MDRC

Individual Presentations

• State IMPACT Collaborative - Presenting Author: Richard Hendra, MDRC

• Evaluating Ohio’s RESEA Program with Administrative Data and a Randomized Controlled Trial Design - Presenting Author: Tian Lou, The Ohio State University

• Beyond Government: Building Research Capacity Through State Partnerships - Presenting Author: Isaac Kwakye, Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

• Putting Research into Practice: The Hidden Costs of Evidence Infrastructure - Presenting Author: Mary Kay Gugerty, University of Washington