Cost Out: Web-Based Tool
In 2015, CBCSE with support from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (Award #R305U130001) developed CostOut. Based on the ingredients method, this web-based tool helps estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of education and social programs using linked spreadsheets and built-in datasets from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It includes features such as inflation and amortization calculators and a localized price database.
While the principles behind the tool remain sound, its usefulness is limited by changing market conditions, especially the variability of teacher labor costs across contexts and over time. Instead of relying on a static tool, researchers are encouraged to apply opportunity cost principles and economic evaluation methods to conduct high-quality research.
Power-UP! : Cost Effectiveness Analysis Software
The PowerUp!-CEA tool, developed by Co-PIs Nianbo Dong, Rebecca Maynard, Benjamin Kelcey, Jessaca Spybrook, and Wei Li with NSF funding [DRL-2000705], facilitates power analysis for multilevel randomized cost-effectiveness trials. This user-friendly software extends traditional power analysis methods to include cost considerations, supporting efficient and effective multilevel cost-effectiveness studies. Read more about the research behind PowerUP! in SAGE Journals.
Participant Resources
CBCSE workshop materials, including slides and resources, are available below by training type or cohort. Use the password provided during your training. To request the password again, please email cbcse@tc.columbia.edu.
Additional Resources
Efficacy
Supports the design of an efficacy or effectiveness trial that includes a cost study component with the goal of producing a cohesive proposal.
Development Pilots
Reviews approaches to consider when including a cost component in a development pilot study with the goal of informing future implementation.
Measurement
Supports the inclusion of a cost study in the development of new tools to support the use of the tool in the field and in future studies.
Worksheet Template
basic worksheet templates to provide guidance for researchers designing and proposing new work. Templates should be adapted to meet the needs of each study.