How Scholars and Policy Organizations Can Navigate Tensions and Trade-Offs Between State and Federal Higher Education Policy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This session will examine points of tension between U.S. federal and state higher education policy, with emphasis on ways that higher education researchers and education policy organizations can investigate, navigate, and narrow gaps between these two spheres. Panelists will include representatives from national education policy organizations, scholars with insight into the dynamic relationship between federal and state higher education policy, and doctoral students who are crafting their research agendas on these topics. Questions guiding this session include: What are the benefits, costs, and tradeoffs to the balance of state and federal authority over higher education policy? Why and where does tension exist between state and federal higher education policy? How can academics, policymakers and practitioners address these points of tension?

Sub Unit

• Division J - Postsecondary Education

Chair

• Victor Saenz, The University of Texas - Austin

Participants

• Brian Sponsler

• Laura W. Perna, University of Pennsylvania

• Stella M. Flores, New York University

• Nicholas Hillman, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Anna Drake, The University of Texas - Austin

• Dominique Baker, Vanderbilt University

• Lorelle Espinosa, American Council on Education