Policy Model Paper

Policy Model Paper

Description: In this class we will explore models of
the policy process. You will then select the model that you think best
describes the policy development/path dependency of school reform as
described in The Death and Life of the Great American School System.
I expect that your paper will be 5 to 8 pages in length will customary
formatting, i.e., double spaced, 11 or 12 point font with standard
margins. In the first third of the paper, you will describe the policy
model that you selected. In the second third, you will show the
connection between the important details in the book and the model that
you select. In the final third, you will pick a second policy model and
briefly describe this model and tell me why you think it also might
describe No Child Left Behind and its consequences.

First Third: 8 Points: You will pick a policy model
from the four that I describe in the week four slides. You will tell me
which model you believe best describes the progression of policy in No
Child Left Behind from the Rivitch readings. You may start at any point
in time. You will then describe in detail the theory that you selected.
You may use my notes, the textbook or other independent sources. I will
grade this section based on the quality of the writing, grammar/spelling
and completeness. Please do not copy and paste what I have written.

Second Third: 8 Points: You will show me how the
facts fit the model you selected. How did the issue progress in ways
suggested by the model that you chose? Here you should think about your
model and its features. If you picked punctuated equilibrium, you want
to discuss outside interests and iron triangles/policy monopolies. If
you pick advocacy coalitions, then you should talk about the coalitions
in the political subsystem. What about a policy broker? If you select
the streams model, you will need to discuss the policy streams and
windows of opportunity. I will grade this section on a number of
criteria: Were you persuasive? Do the facts fit the model that you
selected? Did you clearly understand how the model worked? Were you able
to use the terms discussed in class? I will also grade this on writing
quality/grammar and completeness.

Final Third: 4 points: Here you will pick a second
model that you think might also describe No Child Left Behind and then
describe very briefly how the facts fit the model. I will grade this
section on the criteria for the previous two sections.

Bibliography: 4 points: Please document your sources
correctly and include it in your bibliography. You can choose any style
but you must stick with the style throughout.