Policy Analysis – EDUC 845

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

A study of the contemporary educational policy issues. Candidates will be required to assess and evaluate current education policies and implications for education effectiveness.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The main goal of the course is to help the candidate think systematically, critically, and creatively in giving policy advice to decision-makers in institutions of education. Upon completion of this course, the candidate should be better prepared to contribute to policy analysis conversations, have the tools and processes needed to analyze current and future policies, and provide both verbal and written communication about best or “smart” practices concerning any given policy or needed policy decision.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative and reflective learning experiences which will assist the candidate with understanding and comprehending course material. The thread will be a well-written submission of at least 500 words. Along with the thread, 2 replies of at least 150 words each will also be submitted by the end of each assigned Module: Week. The thread must contain at least 2 in-text citations from at least 1 authoritative source, and the replies must contain at least 1 in-text citation from at least 1 authoritative source. (CLO: D)

Discussions: Project-Based (5)

While the candidates will work collaboratively developing their own Policy Analysis Project, they will upload and attach their Policy Analysis Project Template Word document file as they complete the part of the Project Analysis Project assigned for that module. Then, the candidate will provide constructive replies of at least 150 words each to two of their classmates. Constructive feedback should be offered based on the Eightfold Path guide. Each reply must incorporate at least one scholarly citation from an authoritative source in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C)

Policy Analysis Project Assignments (6)

Policy Analysis Project: Part 1 - Define the Problem Assignment

The candidate will choose a topic and begin the policy analysis process as described in the Eightfold Path. The candidate will submit a well-written definition of at least 500 words. For this part of the project, at least two authoritative sources (and their corresponding annotations) are required. For each source, the candidate will list the reference entry according to current APA formatting and provide a 2-3-sentence description and evaluation.

Policy Analysis Project: Part 2 - Assemble Some Evidence Assignment

The candidate will continue with reviewing the Eightfold Path guide and will assemble at least 3 pieces of evidence to support their analysis problem. The candidate will submit a well-written statement of at least 500 words using at least 2 authoritative sources to support the claims and conclusions.

Policy Analysis Project: Part 3 - Construct the Alternatives and Select the Criteria Assignment

Building off the previous 2 steps in the Eightfold Path, the candidate will submit a matrix table that describes the alternatives and criteria the client needs to know to make a policy decision. The candidate should add three alternatives (short labels) and three criteria (short labels) to the matrix table. Each label should be no more than four or five words. Each alternative and criterion should have a brief explanation of about 150 words each and an authoritative source should also support each alternative (solution).

Policy Analysis Project: Part 4 - Project the Outcomes and Confront the Trade-Offs Assignment

In the final steps of the Eightfold Path, the candidate will submit a completed outcomes matrix of at least 750 words that provides the client with useful outcomes and needed insight into what trade-offs must be considered in making a policy decision. Policy options with a discussion of advantages and disadvantages will also be included.

Policy Analysis Project: Part 5 - Written Report Assignment

The candidate will submit their finalized version of their policy analysis report. The report will be the culmination of the policy analysis writing principles as described in the Eightfold Path. In at least 250 words, the candidate will consider the scriptural principles that relate to his/her recommendation. In at least 500 words, the candidate will state his/her final recommendation of one option from the Policy Options section. In at least 500 words, the candidate will provide a well-written summary of the entire analysis. The paper must include at least 6 authoritative sources (3 being peer-reviewed, empirical journal articles written within the past 5 years) following current APA formatting requirements for any in-text citations and sources listed in the report and special formatting requirements as found in the Policy Analysis Project Template.

Policy Analysis Project: Part 6 - Oral Presentation Assignment

The candidate will present an oral presentation of their policy analysis to the client. The recorded presentation will be no less than 9 minutes and no more than 11 minutes in length and must contain a visual aspect of 6-8 visuals.