Learning Objectives
- Students will gain a deeper understanding of contemporary policy debates by applying and transferring basic knowledge developed as a whole class to a unique case.
- Students will develop research and documentation skills that enable them to gather and share information responsibly.
- By comparing the state one is studying to others that are studied in class, students will gain an appreciation of the diversity of educational policies throughout the U.S.
Data required:
Compile all relevant data. Data can be listed.
- Total public school student population
- Total state public education budget
- Public v. private school attendance
- Average per pupil expenditure
- High/low per pupil expenditure within state
- Average national per pupil expenditure
- Student demographics (race/ethnicity, English Language Learners, poverty rates
- Graduation rates (total, and by demographics)
- Accountability measures (testing, portfolios, growth, etc.)
- Subject matter assessed by accountability measures
- Consequences for failing to meet standards—for students, teachers, administrators, and schools
- Testing or proficiency graduation requirements
- Adoption of Common Core
- Adoption of Next Generation Science Standards
- Number of charter schools and percentage of students served (if applicable)
- Voucher dollar amounts and percentage of students served (if applicable)
- Permissible voucher use (i.e., religious schools)
- Average teacher salary
- Presence of teachers unions/collective bargaining (e.g., AFT/NEA)
- Merit pay for teachers (in state or district)
- Teacher evaluation methods and measures
Data Analysis:
In two to three paragraphs, address the following questions:
- Based on the data you’ve collected, why do inequities persist in your state?
- What evidence did you see of the state addressing or overcoming inequities?
In two to three paragraphs:
· Describe and analyze one particular trend or education-specific event in your state
· Make sure to contextualize this trend or event within the big picture you’ve created from your data analysis.