The Obama administration wants research data to drive more of its higher-education policy decisions. But it may take a while for the Education Department's analysis of data to pay clear dividends, say Paul Basken and Sara Hebel.

Kelly Field, The Chronicle's chief Washington reporter, and Sara Hebel, our politics editor, spend a minute (or so) each week discussing the key higher-education debates and behind-the-scenes maneuvering taking place in the nation's capital. Other Chronicle reporters and special guests will be filling in for Kelly Field while she is on family leave. Look for new episodes every Tuesday.