See Clearly. Act Quickly.
We can help you shine a spotlight through the dark. Get in touch to learn more about how Mathematica could help advance your mission.
Explore Partnership
Susan Zief
Principal Researcher
Susan Zief has experience in experimental impact evaluations of interventions targeted at at-risk youth, as well as qualitative and quantitative descriptive studies.
Zief has directed notable studies on teen pregnancy prevention. As deputy project director, she oversees site selection for a random assignment impact evaluation of programs to support expectant and parenting teens, funded by the Pregnancy Assistance Fund. She also helps lead an evaluation of the Personal Responsibility Education Program, which provides educational programs for adolescents on teen pregnancy prevention and related topics.
Zief is also experienced in providing technical assistance and oversees development of research and review standards for descriptive qualitative and quantitative studies of the U.S. Department of Education’s Regional Educational Laboratories. An expert in systematic reviews, she also plays a key role on the What Works Clearinghouse by reviewing and synthesizing impact evidence on beginning reading and dropout prevention interventions. She has also reviewed market-based choice plans for high school youth for Department of Education and the impact of after-school programs for the Campbell Collaboration.
Zief, who joined Mathematica in 2005, received her Ph.D. in education policy from the University of Pennsylvania.
Expertise
- Teen pregnancy prevention
- At-risk youth
- Qualitative and quantitative descriptive studies
Focus Area Topics
- Education
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Strengthening and Disseminating Research
- Labor: Strengthening and Disseminating Research
- Human Services
More from Susan
Case Study
The What Works Clearinghouse: Improving Practice, Research, and Policy
In 2002, the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) Institute of Education Sciences (IES) established the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) to collect, review, and report on studies of education interventions. The growing focus on evidence-based decision making increased demand for this type of information. Since 2007, Mathematica has conducted WWC systematic reviews, developed and refined review standards and products, expanded the topics and grade levels studied, and disseminated timely, targeted information to teachers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Mathematica’s expansion of the WWC and improved dissemination of its products has established it as a trusted source in the educational community. Mathematica built a multi-tiered team of research partners with wide-ranging depth and expertise, as well as a full complement of products tailored to the needs of education practitioners and decision makers.
Learn More
Publication
Adapting to a New Reality: Lessons from SRAE Grant Recipients' Experiences During COVID-19
Publication
Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Programs: Preparing for and Supporting Program Implementation
Publication
The Title V Competitive and General Departmental Grantees Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program Plans
Publication