PPL 387: Education Policy
Explore the debates regarding the problems facing pre-K-12 education in the U.S., their causes, and possible solutions.
“Dr. Bass is both knowledgeable and passionate about the material and gives everyone in the class an opportunity to participate in discussion and talk about their own educational experiences.”
Jacob Fennell
B.A. in Public Policy Leadership, minors in English, History, and Philosophy '22
PPL 387: Education Policy Course
This course focuses on the interaction of policy and practice on a wide range of reform ideas. Students analyze reforms, including their justification and intended outcomes, how they were developed and implemented, how well they work and how they could work better, and alternatives to these reforms.
In the process, students discuss how key institutions (school districts, state education agencies, Congress, the free market) and actors (elected officials, teachers, researchers, students) shape the American pre-K-12 education system, for better or worse.
After successfully completing this course students will be able to:
- explain some of the key problems facing U.S. education policy and evaluate their possible causes
- assess the strengths and limitations of different reform tools and programs
- recognize and analyze how values influence education policy, and better understand your own and others’ views
- demonstrate your knowledge of specific education policy issues, both those covered in the course and on which you do your own research
There were many professionals in the field that came and spoke to us which was so insightful. You also really learn so much about the topics and truly learn how to impact education and education policy. Dr. Bass is very passionate about the subject!”
You will leave with great knowledge, experience (service-learning project is an option for part of your grade), and advice from phenomenal guest speakers.”
Meet an Instructor
Education Policy is taught by Dr. Melissa Bass, who earned her M.A. in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota and her Ph.D. in Politics from Brandeis University. Her areas of specialization include U.S. politics and the policy process, social policy, and civic engagement.
Melissa L Bass
Associate Professor of Public Policy Leadership