Advancing Research-driven Education Policy Initiatives in Colorado

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

: This interactive symposium spotlights the work of Colorado leaders and researchers who use research as a tool to advocate for transformational education policy in the State of Colorado. This session provides an opportunity for a Dean who leads two statewide groups of education deans and directors to engage in an interactive discussion with Colorado-based faculty and leaders who have led research initiatives that have had an appreciable impact on the development of educational policy in the state. Education Deans and Directors from around the state will be invited to participate. Each of the respondents will be invited the respond to the following questions:

1. Describe your role and talk about why the relationship between research and education policy development in Colorado is important?
2. What are key education policy issues in the State of Colorado and how have you been involved in advancing a research-driven policy agenda to address those issues?
3. Please describe a key initiative that you have advanced. How has your work impacted P-12 schools and/or universities in Colorado? What were the outcomes?
4. Education Deans and Directors in Colorado have been focused on a number of policy issues including:
a. Eliminating obstacles to the teaching profession, such as unnecessary standardized tests, for historically underserved students;
b. Increasing financial support for students during the student teaching year or semester; and
c. Building a multiple measures system that allows candidates to submit alternate evidence in lieu of praxis scores so that they may progress in their program
In what ways are these initiatives aligned with the research on effective strategies for advancing and diversifying the teacher workforce?
5. Where is there a gap in the research and how does that impact a potentially transformative education policy agenda in Colorado?

Sub Unit

• Spotlight on Denver and the Region

Chair

• Marvin Lynn, University of Colorado - Denver

Presenters

• Paul R. Teske, University of Washington

• Michelle Renée Valladares, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Kevin G. Welner, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Margarita Bianco, University of Colorado - Denver

• Deborah K. Palmer, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Liz Meyer, University of Colorado - Boulder