MacArthur Foundation Grant for SP2's Intelligence for Social Policy |
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December 4, 2012,
Volume 59, No. 14 |
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation awarded a $1.35 million grant over the next three years to Intelligence for Social Policy (ISP), an initiative of Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2).
The grant will support Phase II of the ISP program. ISP aims to detail the necessary core components and standard practices of well-functioning integrated data systems (IDS), create a formal means of establishing and developing IDS sites, and communicate the value of IDS research. The grant will also fund a new part-time qualitative researcher who will work to document the interface between IDS, research findings, and stakeholders at well-functioning IDS sites.
Integrated Data Systems transform government agencies’ records into resources. Using IDS allows education, health and human service agencies to address the interconnected needs of those they serve more efficiently, effectively, and at a lower cost. Integrated data provides a powerful transformative tool for executive leaders, policy makers and analysts by allowing them to pinpoint links between cause and effect, plan more targeted interventions and develop higher-impact policies.
Intelligence for Social Policy recognizes the potential for integrated data to shape policy and help public agencies better serve their community. Led by University of Pennsylvania Professors Dr. Dennis Culhane (School of Social Policy & Practice) and Dr. John Fantuzzo (Graduate School of Education), ISP encourages the widespread use of high-quality, integrated data by:
- Building a professional network of expertise and support,
- Identifying standards of practice,
- Addressing challenges of data integration (security, confidentiality and research ethics),
- Highlighting IDS’ contribution to research and analysis,
- Demonstrating IDS’ social and economic benefits, and
- Disseminating IDS findings, success stories, and guidelines through a dynamic, informative website.
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. |