Using Executive Function Principles to Build More Effective Employment and Human Service Programs
In This July 2015 Issue
Environmental Changes to Improve Planning and Self-Control
Upcoming Webinar: Using an Executive Function-Informed Goal Achievement Framework to Redesign Employment and Related Human Service Programs (Recorded)
Previous Webinar: Applying a Rapid-Cycle Learning Approach to Accelerate Progress in Employment and Related Programs (Recorded)
Resource of the Month: Behavioral Economics and Social Policy – Technical Report
Environmental Changes to Improve Planning and Self-Control
Behavioral research has shown that small changes in the environment can improve planning and self-control and produce positive outcomes despite a heavy “bandwidth tax” that causes a drain on individuals’ executive function skills. Changes in the environment can take on many different forms including, for example:
- Well-timed reminders. Sending a text message reminder of an upcoming appointment with a caseworker or to complete an application on time that is delivered far enough in advance to provide the individual with enough time to prepare but not so far in advance that it may be forgotten before the deadline can help clients to complete agreed upon tasks on time. Evidence shows that well-timed reminders can be as effective as more costly program supports and can even support progress toward long-term goals like saving money.
- Immediate rewards for interim progress towards a larger goal. Offering small, immediate rewards to complete training assignments rather than waiting for a larger reward upon completion of the program can help to keep participants engaged in the program. Research shows that regular, modest incentives provide a signal that the current activity is important and reminds the individual that progress today is associated with longer term goal.
- Simplifying application processes and procedures. Removing the hassle of a seemingly complex application process for benefits or services can reduce time demands on participants and increase application completion rates. Personalized assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form resulted in increased college enrollment for two consecutive years for participating families.
Using an Executive Function-Informed Goal Achievement Framework to Redesign Employment and Related Human Service Programs
Date: July 22, 2015
Time: 1:30 pm EST
Presenter: LaDonna Pavetti, Vice President of Family Income Support Programs, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The rapidly growing scientific knowledge on self-regulation and executive function skills provides new information that employment and related human service programs can use to redesign their programs with an eye towards improving outcomes for individual program participants who have not benefited from current approaches. In this webinar, LaDonna Pavetti from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities will provide a goal-oriented framework that human service programs can use to reshape their programs using this new knowledge. The webinar will include examples of programs that are already using executive function principles to guide the design and delivery of their programs.
A recording of the webinar and a copy of the slides are available in the link below:
Watch Here
Applying a Rapid-Cycle Learning Approach to Accelerate Progress in Employment and Related Programs
Presenter: Corey Zimmerman, Senior Project Manager, Frontiers of Innovation, Harvard Center for the Developing Child
Zimmerman provided an insightful explanation of the connection between core executive function skills and building adult capabilities to achieve “breakthrough outcomes” for children and why “rapid-cycle learning” is a critical component of getting to these breakthrough outcomes.
The webinar explained that:
- Rapid cycle learning is a way to introduce a new idea and intervention and requires:
- An innovation mindset
- That program administrators are clear about who the intervention will target and how it will work: What behaviors do you expect to change? What were clients’ experiences?
- Using a fast-cycle learning process to update your ideas about what the program will accomplish—your theory of change.
- Continued attention to how and for whom the program is working well or not.
- An intention to share what you’ve learned.
A recording of the webinar and a copy of the slides are available in the link below:
Watch Here
Behavioral Economics and Social Policy: Designing Innovative Solutions for Programs Supported by the Administration for Children and Families
Insights from behavioral economics, which combines findings from psychology and economics, suggest that a deeper understanding of decision-making and behavior could improve human services program design and outcomes. Research has shown that small changes in the environment can facilitate behaviors and decisions that are in people’s best interest. However, there has been relatively little exploration of the potential application of this science to complex, large-scale human services programs.
This technical report provides a description of 12 commonly applied behavioral interventions identified through a review of the literature.
Read Here
Additional Resources