63.069 - What Shapes Public Perceptions of Educational Systems?

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Education and political science research establishes that public support is essential for policies to achieve their objectives and sustain themselves. Furthermore, public satisfaction with school systems is important in itself. However, scholars have limited knowledge about what drives perceptions in the education space. This panel draws on nationally representative surveys, a statewide survey from California, a targeted survey from post-Katrina New Orleans, and data from the pre- and post-Act 10 Wisconsin context. These studies help unpack the factors driving opinion formation on a number of key education policy topics including school performance, turnaround, state takeover, charters, and collective bargaining. Looking across contexts, this session will draw lessons about preference formation and provide guidance for policymakers on shaping politically viable reforms.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Politics of Education

Chair

• Morgan S. Polikoff, University of Southern California

Papers

• Achievement and Growth: The Effects of District Performance Data on Public Opinion - David Houston, Harvard University

• U.S. Public Opinion on Improving Low-Performing Schools - Beth Schueler, University of Virginia; Martin West, Harvard Graduate School of Education

• Power, Public Schools, and Political Attitudes in Post-Katrina New Orleans - Domingo Morel, Rutgers University - Newark; Sally Nuamah, Princeton University

• Examining the Public's Confidence in (Misinformed) Understanding of Charter School Policy - Rachel Sue White, Old Dominion University

• Taking the Public out of Education Politics: Off-Cycle Elections and Representation on America's School Boards - Michael Hartney, University of Notre Dame; Sam Hayes, Boston College

Discussant

• Leslie Finger, Harvard University