Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education

ABOUT The National Academies Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education advances the behavioral and social sciences and their application to policy and practice. The goal of our work is to provide independent, evidence-based advice to decision-makers on key questions of national importance, such as: - What is the best way to measure levels of poverty in the United States? - How do parents, teachers, and policymakers know how well students are learning? - How can the public participate most effectively in decision-making about the environment? - Why does life expectancy differ greatly among high-income countries, and how can the answer to that question help increase the life expectancy of Americans in the future? To answer questions such as these, we gather experts from many disciplines who volunteer their services on study committees to provide independent, objective advice to federal agencies, Congress, foundations, and others through publicly issued reports. DBASSE produces over 30 such reports a year. In addition to our reports, we hold workshops and symposia where researchers and policy makers can deepen their understanding of research in the social and behavioral sciences and related policy issues.