Policy Entrepreneurs and Agenda Setting in Minnesota School Integration Policy

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Education Policy and Politics

Abstract

This paper explores the agenda-setting efforts of the Minnesota School Integration Council, MSIC, in attempting to influence the reform of state policy. Kingdon's (1995) description of agenda-setting processes, informed by Cobb and Elder's (1983) issue definition and agenda setting framework, and Mazzoni's (1991) arena model are key frameworks used to examine the ways in which MSIC seeks to influence the policy process at the state legislature by generating broader attention to problems regarding school integration. Findings indicate that this in-process initiative has has mixed results in terms of successfully changing policy in the upcoming legislative session, but that MSIC meets the definition of a "policy entrepreneur" in the field of school integration.

Author

• Allison Mattheis, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities