As a Senior Research Associate and Project Director with the Strategic Resource Allocation and Systems Planning team, Alex B. Jacobson brings a diverse background of professional experience, including a broad skillset and demonstrated ability to design and implement comprehensive education finance studies and policy analyses, leading all stages of the study process. This includes leading the analysis of large, state, and national data; designing and implementing primary data collections including surveys, interviews, and focus group collections; and developing effective data visualization and reporting materials accessible to audiences of varying technical understanding.
His specific projects at WestEd include leading roles in studies of state education costs and funding formulas, including funding for English Learner programs in Ohio, funding for special education in Maryland, and overall K-12 education funding in Utah and North Carolina. In addition, he has led or currently leads several cost-effectiveness studies examining a range of educational interventions including early college programs, tutoring programs, and interventions in mathematics education.
Prior to joining WestEd, Jacobson worked as a researcher and technical assistance provider for the American Institutes for Research (AIR). During his tenure at AIR, he provided direct support to state education agencies through federal technical assistance centers to improve educator quality and equitable access for excellent educators. In this role, he also co-authored reports including two educator supply and demand studies.
Jacobson has a Masters in public policy from Georgetown University and has experience working in a variety of public policy settings, including the DC Office of the State Superintendent, the US Department of Education, and a congressional office.