Federal Policy Institute

At Teachers College, New York, NY and Washington, D.C.
October 2009 - February 2010

Rated by TC students as “a course that changed my career,” the Federal Policy Institute examines historical and current debates over federal educational policy-making through an intensive week-long institute in Washington, D.C. linked with preparatory and follow-up sessions at Teachers College. While in Washington, D.C., participants will meet with leading policy makers from the legislative and executive branches of government, along with prominent representatives from key professional, advocacy, think tank, and member organizations. Upon return from Washington, D.C., students will prepare a policy analysis and present mock testimony on an educational policy topic germane to their interests.

Thematically, the course will concentrate on how the federal policy process impacts educational excellence and equity, considering three hot issues in education today: (a) standards, assessment, and accountability; (b) teacher quality; (c) privatization; and (d) the social context of education.

In addition, participants will be briefed on the reauthorizations of No Child Left Behind, the Higher Education Act, IDEA, TANF, and Head Start.

Course Information (updated 9/24/09):

• 3 credits [Cross-Listed as HUDF 4899 (CRN 31662) & C&T 4899 (CRN 31131)]
  

• 5 meetings at TC, from 5-7pm – 10/13, 11/4, 12/3, 2/9 and 2/11
  

• Week-long institute in Washington , DC – 1/11 through 1/15
  

• Open to master's and doctoral students interested in policy

• Taught by Professor Sharon Lynn Kagan, the Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Early Childhood and Family Policy.
  

• Applications for next year's course will be available in late August. Please contact Penina Braffman for more information at 212-678-8255.
  

• View the 2009-2010 syllabus.
  Note: syllabus will open in a separate window

For additional information, contact Nahliah Webber, Teaching Assistant, at nlw2119@columbia.edu.