This course focuses on politics, policy and advocacy in educational leadership. The course is designed to develop aspiring leaders’ understanding of local, state and federal policy systems, the politics of education, and advocacy as well as their capacity to effectively navigate the micro-politics of education and advocate on behalf of children, families and care givers to improve the quality and effectiveness of their learning.  Course activities facilitate the development of skills for addressing policies and practices that affect the success of students and schools, learning how to identify and unpack critical issues, analyzing data on emerging trends and initiatives, identifying where and how to act to influence decisions through direct advocacy or action, and reflecting upon this work. 

Course Objectives

The major objectives of EDLF 8500 are as follows:

1.   Become familiar with the professional literature in the field of educational politics, policy and advocacy;

2.   Develop an understanding of educational policy systems and models;

3.   Become familiar with the nature of power, interest group politics and advocacy coalitions;

4.   Develop an appreciation of the role of the media, causal stories and symbols in the educational politics;

5.   Understand the nature of micro-level and interpersonal politics;

6.   Identify and appreciate the key functions of educational leaders with regard to politics and advocacy;

7.   Develop the capacity to advocate for or act on behalf of children, families and communities to improve the educational opportunities and experiences of all children;

8.   Identify, analyze, and articulate a position around an issue that warrants advocacy; and

9.   Taking informed and deliberate action, and

10. Reviewing and evaluating the consequences of taking action.