Spring 2015 - 61085 - PA388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

Advanced Education Policy Practicum

This advanced seminar is designed to provide students with practical experience in policy development and a broad understanding of the dynamics of American education policymaking.  The course is organized around a substantive consulting project for the Education Commission of the States (ECS).  ECS is a non-partisan, non-profit policy organization (www.ecs.org) created by the states in 1965. It tracks state policy trends, translates academic research, provides unbiased advice and creates opportunities for state leaders to learn from one another.

The content focus of the course­­­––and the consulting project––is on the shifting landscape of college readiness policy.  We will begin with an analysis of the Common Core Movement and HB5 in Texas and their historical precedents.  We will then turn our attention to policies relevant to college access and student success with particular attention to their consequences for populations traditionally underrepresented in higher education. In addition to analyzing primary documents, students will have an opportunity to interview influential policymakers as well as with former LBJ students who are now leading related policy initiatives.

There will be much reading and writing, group work, and field work.  In addition, the practicum is set up to help support the career development of students with an interest in policy development, advocacy, and public service. The practicum typically draws second-year MPAff and MBA students, third-year law students, and doctoral students in mathematics, mathematics education, journalism, and educational policy and leadership.  Feel free to contact Professor Treisman if you have an interest in this course.

This class is cross-listed with M 396C #54865. LBJ is the home department.