Publications – Page 28

Project SOS (Supporting Optimal Scholarship) Evaluation: Final Impact Report

August 31, 2007 Leave a Comment

Project SOS (Supporting Optimal Scholarship) Evaluation: Final Impact Report

Authors: Deanna Schexnayder, Daniel Schroeder, Greg Cumpton, and Kelly Stewart Nichols
Date: August 2007
Publication Type: Report, 42pp.

Project SOS began its operation in the spring 2004 semester and continued offering services through the 2005-06 school year. The project took place at the five AISD high schools with the highest concentrations of low-income students (Akins, Johnston, Lanier, Reagan, and Travis). The Austin Independent School District (AISD) Office of Advanced Academic Services implemented and supervised the operation of Project SOS. This demonstration sought to identify and eliminate many of the key variables that prevent high ability, low-income students from enrolling in Pre-AP/AP courses at the secondary level and performing successfully on Advanced Placement exams. Types of activities were limited to those amenable to school intervention.

Central Texas High School Graduate Data Center: Findings from the 2006 Senior Surveys

May 31, 2007 Leave a Comment

Central Texas High School Graduate Data Center: Findings from the 2006 Senior Surveys

Authors:Deanna Schexnayder, Greg Cumpton, and Nicole Beck
Date: May 2007
Publication Type: Report, 78pp.

Abstract: As part of the Central Texas Student Futures Project, Ray Marshall Center researchers survey Central Texas seniors each spring in the semester prior to their expected graduation to gain insight into factors that cannot be examined with students’ existing high school records.

In Findings from the 2006 Senior Surveys, researchers analyze responses for all 2006 seniors surveyed in six participating school districts—Austin, Del Valle, Leander, Manor, Pflugerville and Round Rock Independent School Districts—regarding family background and influences, high school experiences, and preparation for life after high school. The analysis also examines statistically significant differences for particular groups of high school students of concern to policymakers, including those who would be the first in their family to attend college, Hispanic students, and low-income students.

The research found that both the demographic characteristics of the 2006 survey respondents and their collective senior classes varied widely. Despite these differences, there was widespread agreement among students in their interest in further education beyond high school. However, major differences existed among different types of students in completing the detailed steps needed to successfully pursue further education. In general, female, White and Asian students were most likely to participate in the activities needed for further educational success, while low-income and first-generation students were least likely to do so.

The 2006 survey results have been used to developing statistical models predicting postsecondary outcomes for Central Texas seniors. The details of that analysis are presented in the September 2007 report Education and Work After High School: A First Look at the Class of 2006.

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Summary Report)

March 31, 2007 Leave a Comment

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Summary Report)

Authors: Christopher T. King, J. Bruce Kellison, Tara Smith, Eliza Evans, MaryAnn Anderson, Ara Merjanian, Bryan Hadley, and Andrew Stackhouse
Date: March 2007
Publication Type: Report, 52pp.

The findings presented here offer a compelling story of great adversity and challenges tempered by perseverance and adaptability in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. They also highlight workforce and workplace trends that existed prior to, and continued after, Katrina. One of the major findings is the strong attachment to community and longevity with and dedication to the Space Shuttle Program, the facilities, and specific employers/contractors. This has prevented greater losses through attrition and disruptions in the program than might have been expected or experienced in another setting. Still, the continuing effects more than a year and a half after Katrina are cause for major concern and will require thoughtful action to mitigate their adverse impacts.

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Final Report)

March 31, 2007 Leave a Comment

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Final Report)

Authors: Christopher T. King, J. Bruce Kellison, Tara Smith, Eliza Evans, MaryAnn Anderson, Ara Merjanian, Bryan Hadley and Andrew Stackhouse
Date: March 2007
Publication Type: Report, 214pp.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle Program (SSP) officials are concerned about potential adverse impacts of several major factors on their capacity to fly up to sixteen missions between late 2006 and the SSP “fly-out” date in September 2010. This final report assesses the impacts of factors including Hurricane Katrina and the aging of the shuttle program workforce, and offers findings and recommended strategies for consideration by NASA and its major contractors in the Gulf Coast region.

Texas Non-Custodial Parent Choices: Preliminary Program Impact Analysis

February 28, 2007 Leave a Comment

Texas Non-Custodial Parent Choices: Preliminary Program Impact Analysis

Authors: Daniel Schroeder, Kelly Stewart Nichols, Elizabeth McGuinness; with Christopher T. King, Esmeralda Garcia, Sarah Looney Oldmixon, and Andy David
Date: February 2007
Publication Type: Report, 52pp.

Abstract: The Ray Marshall Center (RMC) estimated preliminary impacts of NCP Choices on child support collections, workforce development participation, employment and earnings levels of NCPs, and TANF receipt by the custodial parents (CPs). The research design included the selection of a quasi-experimental comparison group for estimating the impact of NCP Choices. Results showed that NCPs ordered into the program:

Paid their child support more often (57% increase), and paid more of it ($60 per month more) – leading to an almost 50% increase in total collections
Were more consistent in making child support payments over time (67% increase)
Participated in workforce development to a much greater extent (95%) than did the comparison group (6%)
Were subsequently employed at significantly higher rates (11% increase)
The custodial parents associated with NCP Choices participants were approximately 10% less likely to rely on TANF benefits
NCP Choices participants did show lower total earnings than the control group – this may be a result of a greater share of NCPs in the program entering employment, though at a somewhat lower wage

In short, NCP Choices appears to have successfully achieved almost all of its program goals. The combination of effects generally point to greater economic self-sufficiency on the part of CPs and NCPs. It is important to note, however, that the effects reported do not measure the impact of the Choices program on NCPs, but the impact of being ordered into the NCP Choices program. No doubt a portion of the measured effects was due to Choices or other workforce development participation, but a portion was also due to the motivating properties of the court order. Also, without a current implementation study, which is soon to be updated, it is difficult to know which components of NCP Choices were responsible for the largely positive program impacts. Finally, while this study relies on early implementation data, future analysis will examine whether a mature NCP Choices program might show even greater benefits.

2006 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey: Final Report

February 28, 2007 Leave a Comment

2006 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey: Final Report

Publication Date:February 2007
Publisher: The Center for Social Work Research, The University of Texas at Austin, and the Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, The University of Texas at Austin. 168pp.
Availability: Copies may be obtained from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Community Agenda Project Findings and Recommendations

August 31, 2006 Leave a Comment

Community Agenda Project Findings and Recommendations

Authors: Christopher T. King and Ying Tang
Date: August 2006
Publication Type: PowerPoint Presentation, 16pp.

This presentation was prepared for the United Way Capital Area Community Briefing held on 8/16/2006 at the Bass Lecture Hall on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.

Toward Equity for All: Findings from Stakeholder Input on the Capital Area Community Agenda Project

July 31, 2006 Leave a Comment

Toward Equity for All: Findings from Stakeholder Input on the Capital Area Community Agenda Project

Authors: Ying Tang, Christopher T. King, Erin Brown, Katie Ryan, Bryan Hadley, and Suzanne Hershey
Date: July 2006
Publication Type: Report, 165pp; Executive Summary , 10pp.

This report presents a summary of stakeholders’ views on pressing issues, root causes and recommendations for action. Responses to the online survey are also summarized here. In addition, key findings from recent community needs assessments are included when appropriate and available.

Project SOS (Supporting Optimal Scholarship) Evaluation: Final Impact Report

Central Texas High School Graduate Data Center: Findings from the 2006 Senior Surveys

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Summary Report)

Economic and Workforce Impacts of Hurricane Katrina, Demographic and Related Changes on NASA’s Space Shuttle Program: Findings and Recommendations (Final Report)

2006 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey: Final Report

Community Agenda Project Findings and Recommendations

Toward Equity for All: Findings from Stakeholder Input on the Capital Area Community Agenda Project

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