The goal of the Session Long Project (SLP) is to develop a policy brief. You will conduct your own research to develop a policy brief that impacts the field of education and compose a specific section of the policy brief for each SLP assignment. This assignment will require a significant amount of time dedicated to locating references and research related to the topic of the policy brief. The components are outlined below:
SLP 1: Title and Executive Summary
SLP 2: Context of Scope of Problem
SLP 3: Policy Alternatives
SLP 4: Policy Recommendations
SLP 5: Reflection
You may find online resources about how to write a policy brief that encourages a shorter page length or different format. The assignment for this course is intended to enhance your ability to conduct research and propose policy action. You will be asked to write a longer brief because each SLP will act as a separate assignment. You will be asked to submit all sections of the policy brief in the final module.
Sample policy briefs can be viewed here on the National Education Policy Center at https://nepc.colorado.edu/publications/policy-briefs
Websites that may assist you in identifying an issue:
National Conference of State Legislators: http://www.ncsl.org/research/education.aspx
Education Commission of the States: https://www.ecs.org/state-education-policy-watch-list/
Compose a 1-page paper for the Executive Summary of the policy brief. the included Include the following components of the policy brief:
- Title: A strong title that communicates the contents of the brief.
- Executive Summary: Include an overview of the problem, identify the audience for your policy, who will benefit from a policy change, and the initial proposed policy action (1 page)
SLP Assignment Expectations
Your paper will be assessed on the following criteria:
Assignment-driven criteria: Demonstrates mastery covering all key elements of the assignment in a substantive way.
Critical thinking/Application to professional practice: Demonstrates mastery conceptualizing the problem and viewpoints. Assumptions of experts are analyzed, synthesized, and evaluated thoroughly. Conclusions are logically presented and applied to professional practice.
Scholarly writing: Demonstrates mastery and proficiency in scholarly written communication to an appropriately specialized audience.
Quality of references and organization: Demonstrates mastery using relevant and quality sources and uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to support ideas, and convey understanding of the topic and shape the work.
Citing sources: Demonstrates mastery using in-text citations or sources and properly uses APA format including a full reference list.
Timeliness/Professionalism: Demonstrates excellence in taking responsibility for learning, adhering to the course requirement policies and expectations. Assignment submitted on time or collaborated with professor for an approved extension on due date.