Teaching Methods for Introducing Public Policy Research

Current Issue Project for State and Local Government Survey Courses

Excellence in Teaching Conference – April 5, 2013Tarleton State University

Introduction

• Project teaches students a basic methodology for policy research

• Based on analyses published by CRS or Texas HRO

• Guides them in accessing sources and discerning type and quality of sources

Scope of Project• Choosing a Topic

• Article Research• Media• History/Background• Government Documents• Qualified Opinion• Political Parties• Research

• Report

Media Article

• February 6, 2013 – Austin American Statesman

• “House education leaders call for sharp reduction in STAAR tests.” House Public Education

Committee Chairman Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, will lead the battle over testing.

History/Background

• How the state has used standardized testing

• “A Historical Overview of Assessment in Texas”

Government Document

• Legislation, Court Decision or Agency Report

• HB5 – “Relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements.”

Qualified Opinion

• “Qualified” – Individuals or Interest Groups

• “STAAR impedes educating Future-Ready Students”

• “For the good of students, compromise on STAAR exam”

Political Parties

• “replace the high-stakes tests, used to punish students and schools, with multiple measures that restore the original intent of the state assessment system…

Political Parties

• We favor improving the quality of education for all students, including those with special needs. We support a return to the traditional basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, and citizenship with sufficient discipline to ensure learning and quality educational assessment.

Research

• The Relationship Between Standardized Test Scores of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Students in Title I and Non-Title I Schools

• by Heier, Sharon L., Ed.D., Walden University, 2011, 101 pages

Current Issue Report

• 4-5 pages

• Introductory paragraph followed by background, government action, and qualified opinion

• Students are encouraged to offer opinion on issue

• Report submitted to Turnitin.com and graded with Rubric for content, format, composition, use of articles, and citations

Objectives

• Research a topic of interest• Learn a basic methodology for policy research• Understand the importance of engaging with policy

issues in relation to citizenship• Recognize the role of government in relation to major

and vocational goals• Know essential sources for policy research using digial

resources• Conduct basic policy research in upper level courses