The Politics of Problem Definition, Governance Structures, and Resource Allocation: Making Sense of P–16 Reform in Texas

• In Event: Advocacy Groups and Policy Entrepreneurs in Education

Abstract

This paper examines the policy development and implementation of the P-16 reform movement in Texas and aims to understand stakeholder meaning-making at state and local levels. Findings suggest goal attainment and sustainability across the state varied according to: how political actors defined problems and solutions, the type of and extent to which human and financial resources were deployed, and how local actors designed and employed governance structures. The juxtaposition of both surviving and thriving P-16 governance councils in Texas leads to recommendations that have potential to improve goal attainment and sustainability of the burgeoning P-16 movement across the US.

Authors

• Stefani Thachik, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Katherine Cumings Mansfield, Virginia Commonwealth University