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Improving academic outcomes for economically disadvantaged students has proven challenging, particularly for children at older ages. We present two large-scale randomized controlled trials of a high-dosage tutoring program delivered to secondary school students in Chicago. One innovation is to use paraprofessional tutors to hold down cost, thereby increasing scalability. Participating in math tutoring increases math test scores by 0.18 to 0.40 standard deviations, and increases math and nonmath course grades. These effects persist into future years. The data are consistent with increased personalization of instruction as a mechanism. The benefit-cost ratio is comparable to many successful early childhood programs. (JEL H75, I21, I24, I26, I32, J13, J15)

Police can reduce gun violence if properly motivated, staffed, and guided. Given the multiple dimensions of gun violence problems, a portfolio of somewhat effective programs is recommended, developed through systematic analysis of local conditions. There are five key areas in which the police can better position themselves to control gun violence: (a) Address gun violence hot spots by reducing illegal gun carrying and modifying opportunities for gun crime in these locations; (b) deal with gangs, street crews, and other dangerous offenders through focused deterrence; (c) strengthen shooting investigations to hold violent gun offenders accountable; (d) reduce shootings by police by improving engagement protocols, organizational culture, and training; and (e) disrupt the underground gun markets that arm violent offenders. Police departments also need to embrace reform, redouble community policing efforts, and ensure lawful and procedurally just encounters with the public. Police are far from perfect but essential in gun violence prevention.