EDPA+4899+Federal+Policy+Institute

Next Offered
Fall 2013 - Spring 2014

Professor
Sharon Lynn Kagan (TC)

Syllabus
 Note: Syllabus is from Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 and subject to change.

Course description
The course examines the history and current status of federal policy-making through: (a) a weeklong intensive institute in Washington, DC; (b) five interactive class meetings (three prior to the DC trip and two following); (c) a set of policy-related readings; and (d) the completion of all assignments. The course uses pre- and post-Washington assignments to prepare for and reinforce field-based work during the Washington week. While in Washington (the week before the Spring semester begins), participants will meet with leading federal policy makers from the legislative and executive branches of government, along with prominent representatives from key professional, advocacy, think tank, and membership organizations. In addition to discussing major current legislation and policy trends, participants will learn how the federal policy process impacts educational excellence and equity, with a focus on four contemporary issues:

• The Impact of the Standards, Assessment, and Accountability Movement on American Education • Teacher Quality: Policies and Prospects • Balancing the Public and Private Roles in Education • The Social Context of Education (including Welfare, Social Equity, and Workforce Development)

Upon return from Washington, students will be expected to prepare a policy paper and to present mock legislative testimony, both covering the same self-selected topic.

Tentative Schedule for 2013-2014
5 class meetings at TC:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">September 17, October 8, and October 29, 2013 (5:10-7:00pm)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">February 11 and 13, 2014 (5:00-7:00pm)

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">Week-long institute in Washington, DC (at student’s own expense)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">January 13-17, 2014

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Application Process
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">This course is open to masters and doctoral students interested in policy and is by application only. Application are accepted on a rolling basis until early September or TBA. Once accepted, students should register for the course in Fall 2013 through regular TC registration process.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">Interested students should contact Lily Segal Graber at segal@tc.edu in order to request an application.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Review
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is one of the best courses I have taken in graduate school. Anyone who wants a firm understanding of past, present and future American education policy will not be disappointed by this class. I walked away from a week in Washington with a completely filled 70-page notebook, front and back, and still reference these notes in other classes.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Professor Kagan runs a tight ship, but she is very clear about her expectations of students. She has a great reputation amongst education leaders and policy makers in Washington, and this shows during the week you spend with her. Be prepared to work hard in this course, but know that your efforts will pay off and a sense of fulfillment will be guaranteed.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Student contact information
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">Niccolina Clements: nac2113@columbia.edu