Education Policy Courses
EDUC 870 Education Policy: Process, Context and Politics (3 credits). This course examines public policy decision-making in education at the local, state, and national levels and its impact on education institutions, students, and the public. Particular attention is given to which government entities have authority over education decision-making and the resolution of competing policy arguments within the political arena. Prerequisite: Admission to the PhD program or permission of instructor.
EDUC 871 Advanced Policy Issues in Education (3 credits). This course focuses on in-depth analysis and study of selected policy issues. Review of various points of view on the issues is considered. Particular attention is given to interactions and connections between selected education issues, and the similarities and differences in policy approaches at the K-12 and higher education levels. Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD program and completion of EDUC 870 or equivalent doctoral-level policy course work.
EDUC 872 Social Science Research and Education Policy (3 credits). This course explores the research base used to support education policy actions. Students identify and critically review research for selected K-12 and higher education policy issues and through their analysis determine the strength of the undergirding evidence. Prerequisites: Admission to the PhD program and completion of EDUC 870 and 871 or equivalent doctoral-level policy course work.
EDUC 873 Education Policy: Comparative and International Perspectives (3 credits) This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to study education policy and policymaking in comparative perspective. Lectures, discussions and readings will focus on description and analysis of educational policy issues in selected countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The course also addresses education policy-related issues which transcend national boundaries and have implications for educators in internationalizing curricula and in fostering social justice and global awareness.
EDUC 874 The Achievement Gap (3 credits) This is a doctoral seminar in which students will research and analyze the gaps in student achievement related to race/ethnicity, limited English proficiency, gender, family background, poverty, and ableism, and the practices designed to close the gap
EDUC 875 Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Education Policy (3 credits) This course focuses on the forces and factors that lead to the emergence of initiatives on the Pre/K-16 policy agenda. Students will consider topics that have emerged in recent years (such as federally mandated school and teacher accountability programs) and identify and analyze sources of new education policy ideas. These will include but not be limited to: studies published in on-line publications; education blogs; articles in the mass media; and statements by candidates for office. In years when this course immediately proceeds either a general election or a Virginia gubernatorial election, students will analyze candidates’ positions, claims, and promises. Perquisite: Admission to the PhD program and completion of EDUC 870 or equivalent doctoral-level policy coursework.
