18.010 - How Social Media Is Changing the Politics of Education

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The undeniable influence of Twitter in the recent presidential election raises important questions about the evolving role of social media in American political discourse. This session will highlight the role of social media as a new means by which education politics and policy are conceptualized, understood, and engaged with by public actors. For example, an analysis of nearly one million tweets from 190,000 distinct actors about the Common Core State Standards showed how social media activists wielded influence to help shape the political context which informed state and federal policy making. Utilizing multiple methods, including social network analysis, big data text mining techniques, and discourse analysis, the researchers on this panel will discuss the major trends in the ways in which new forms of participatory media are changing the political context around major education reforms. The session presenters will also discuss how education scholars can use their work to engage with the broader public.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Jonathan A. Supovitz, University of Pennsylvania

Participants

• Alan J. Daly, University of California - San Diego

• Jonathan A. Supovitz, University of Pennsylvania

• James P. Spillane, Northwestern University

• Jeffrey R. Henig, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Ryan Boyd, University of Texas at Austin

• Christian Kolouch, University of Pennsylvania