EDUC 422 Eduction Policy

Contextual Introduction

  • Speaker's background as a policy scholar

    • Transition from classroom teaching to policy research

    • Interest in international and U.S. educational policy changes

    • Focus on external influences shaping educational policies

Science of Reading Research

  • Overview of the research conducted over seven years

    • Main focus on the science of reading

Presentation Structure

  • Outline of the presentation

    • Context setting

    • Definitions

    • Discussion of curriculum reforms

    • Exploration of policy networks that mobilize reforms

    • Conclusion: Invitation to action and Q&A

Call to Action

  • QR code link for ongoing study participation

    • Encouraging audience to involve friends and colleagues in research data collection

Emergence of the Science of Reading

  • Influence of Emily Hanford's journalism

    • Podcast and narrative on reading instruction and literacy crisis in the U.S.

    • Key argument: teachers are not using scientific methods because they aren't trained in science

  • Critical questions arising from this narrative

    • Is there a genuine literacy crisis?

    • Are the shortcomings of literacy the sole responsibility of teachers?

    • What broader factors affect children's learning and thriving in classrooms?

Policy Impact

  • Rise of state-level legislation promoting the science of reading

    • Approx. 40 states have passed bills related to the science of reading since 2013

    • States implementing measures even without formal legislation

  • Legislative components of the science of reading reforms

    • Focus on phonics vs. whole language instruction

    • Components included in legislation:

    • Curriculum alignment with science

    • Diagnostic screenings

    • Individual reading plans

    • Parental notifications for struggles

    • Teacher professional development

    • New licensure requirements focused on teaching reading

    • Coaching for teachers and summer interventions

    • Emphasis on high-quality instructional materials

    • Bans on three cueing method of reading instruction

Definitions of Science of Reading

  • Various interpretations of the term

    • Emily Hanford's definition based on academic research in cognitive science and psychology

    • Conservative think tanks' definition emphasizing the 'big five' components: phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension

    • Alternate definition: Evidence-based practices in reading, citing advocates and researchers from various contexts

  • Distinction made between actual scientific research and corporate-driven agendas

    • Corporatization of educational practices under the guise of scientific methods

The Political Landscape of Education Reform

  • Overview of connections among policy actors and curriculum reform agendas

    • Entanglement of various agendas:

    • Centralization and standardization of decision-making

    • Deregulation of teacher preparation

    • Banning social promotion

    • Extraction of core education principles

  • Mobilization of parent groups and community stakeholders to support reforms

    • Creation of parent activist groups funded by large philanthropies and education reform organizations

    • Examples of corporate influence in local educational policy influencing parents' advocacy efforts

Curriculum Reform Focus

  • Discussion on the role of conservative organizations in promoting reading reforms

    • Influence of American Enterprise Institute and Manhattan Institute, among others

    • Shifts in curriculum implementation in states like Wisconsin through model bills

    • Role of the Knowledge Matters Campaign in shaping curricula policy

  • Concerns about the conservative narratives embedded in the curriculum materials adopted

    • Case studies of curricular content reflecting patriarchal and problematic representations

Insight into Educational Politics

  • Discussion surrounding teacher experiences and perceptions regarding the implementation of reforms

    • Teacher frustrations and feelings of disempowerment in curriculum decisions

    • Personal anecdotes reflecting teacher commitment to student learning despite systemic challenges

Teacher Resistance and Professionalism

  • The need for educators to reclaim their voices and agency in policy discussions

  • Importance of data literacy and community engagement in advocating for equitable educational practices

  • Urgent call for collective action among educators to resist the encroaching corporate influences on education

Conclusion and Call to Action

  • Reflection on the significant trends impacting the educational landscape

    • Educators recognizing their role in shaping curricular decisions and policy outcomes

  • Emphasizing hope and action despite the challenges within the educational system

  • Resources suggested for further engagement, including podcasts and advocacy training programs.