Maximizing the Policy Relevance of Research for School Improvement

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Education policy and policy making is shaped through the activities of a complex network of educators, educational leaders, researchers, community members, as well as government and non-government officials and organizations. Educational researchers can provide an evidence-based starting place for discussions about school improvement with the complex network of stakeholders engaged in policy development and implementation, but they must be more intentionally and systematically thoughtful about the connections of their work to policy and policy making. This symposium provides a forum for approaches and discussion around framing implications, structuring community advocacy as well as the dissemination of research findings within editorials and blogs.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Leadership for School Improvement

Chair

• Angela Urick, Baylor University

Papers

• "Droppin' the Mic": Framing the Implications of Policy-Relevant Research for Maximum Impact - Casey D. Cobb, University of Connecticut

• Community Activism and Advocacy - Catharine Biddle, University of Maine; Dana L. Mitra, Pennsylvania State University

• Speaking Up and Speaking Out: Editorials as a Means to Shape Public Perceptions and Education Policy - David E. DeMatthews, University of Texas at Austin; Richard J. Reddick, University of Texas at Austin; Lebon D. James, University of Texas at Austin

• Why We're Bloggers: Utilizing Blogs and Social Media to Influence Education Policy Conversations and Decisions - Diane Ravitch, New York University; Julian Vasquez Heilig, Western Michigan University; T. Jameson Brewer, University of North Georgia

Discussant

• Timothy G. Ford, University of Oklahoma