Fall 2010 - 61005 - PA388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

Domestic Education Policy

Course Overview

Topics for these policy seminars have included environmental and natural resources policy, health-service delivery policy, social welfare policy, transportation policy, science and technology policy, international affairs, national security, urban and regional growth policy, and political campaigns.

Section Description

Americans have high aspirations for our public schools. If our schools were doing everything we want them to, they would ensure our country’s economic competitiveness, reduce social inequality, foster civic engagement, and monitor and promote children’s health. In this course, we will examine whether these expectations are realistic, whether schools are meeting them, and what policies can bring schools’ accomplishments closer to our expectations. Students will learn to make policy recommendations in light of contradictory claims and evidence. The course is suitable for social scientists, education researchers, and policy makers.