What We’re Learning

What We’re Learning

We believe that a community of creative problem-solvers, faced with complicated, seemingly intractable challenges, is well-served by thought-provoking, research-based information and analysis. We support the development and dissemination of research in two ways:

Abell Reports

Abell Reports are commissioned reports by subject matter experts, academics, and investigative journalists that provide studies of selected issues on the public agenda.

Abell-Supported Research

These projects – undertaken with grant funding by academics and nonprofit research and advocacy organizations – advance learning on issues key to Baltimore City.

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    Featured Reports

    Abell Report: Later School Start Times for Adolescents in Baltimore City Public Schools

    Everyone agrees that teens need more sleep. So why does school start so early? This report examines the research on school start times and the implications for students in Baltimore City.

    2023 Annual Report

    Our 2023 Annual Report highlights the work of organizations across the city that are dedicated to addressing the complex challenges many of our neighbors face and of the great potential they hold.

    Abell Reports: Police-Community Relations in Baltimore

    In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a consent decree for the Baltimore Police Department, mandating wide-ranging reforms. In a pair of companion reports, researchers from the University of Maryland examine the current state of community-police relations and how certain initiatives could help to improve them.

    Publications Library

    Abell Salutes: Patterson Park Community Development Corporation

    Providing housing for refugees, repopulating a rebounding neighborhood.

    Teacher Certification: An Idea Whose Time Has Gone

    Academic research attempting to link teacher certification with student achievement is astonishingly deficient.

    Abell Salutes: Uniform Services Academy

    “‘Still becoming,’ and getting better as we go along.”

    Every Citizen Is Entitled to Equal Justice Under the Law—But Maryland’s Pretrial Release and Bail Practices Fail to Provide It

    In order to make bail, low-income defendants spend money that is needed for rent, food, and utilities.

    Abell Salutes: New Song Urban Ministries

    For expanding facilities and increasing responsiveness.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.