Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - EDUC 817 G031

Policy Processes (3)

Class Number: 5529

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines three interrelated aspects of policy studies as a critical function of the educational leadership role: conceptual and theoretical foundations concerning policy, policy actors, and policy processes; current research in the field; and topical issues and problems. It also considers social, economic and political contexts (e.g. technologization, corporatization, pluralism) and how they affect education.

COURSE DETAILS:

Meeting Dates:

Every Wednesday (Full term starting Jan 8 - Apr 12)

No class Feb 21 (Reading Break)

Meeting Times:

5:00 – 8:00pm

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Gain a broad view and developed understanding of current issues in education policy through theory, research, policy, and practice.

Develop your understanding of tenets, strengths, and limitations of policy processes

  1. a) Understand the principles of policy analysis.
  2. b) Understand the principles of policy design.
  3. c) Understand the principles of policy implementation.             
  4. d) Understand the principles of policy evaluation.

Identify key stages and aspects of the policy cycle  

Develop an understanding of education policy as situated in BC

Survey a range of policy frameworks used to interrogate policy.

Engage in self-reflection and self-critique regarding your own policy framework assumptions and explore the limits of your knowledge, thinking and practice. Consider the frameworks of others in understanding the diversity of approaches to policy development and application.

Explore the role of assessment in the policy and practice of education.

Analyze policy processes in your practice as a leader.

Apply a policy framework to an issue in your practice. 

Develop policy recommendations relevant to a theoretical framework and action research projects.

  1. a) Identify key policy actors, coalitions, positions, and debates within the policy area, as appropriate
  2. b) Consider how the policy will interact with education organizations and systems, as appropriate
  3. c) Consider the ethical issues associated with the policy proposal, as appropriate.

Grading

  • Policy context 20%
  • Policy analysis 20%
  • Personal policy framework 20%
  • Policy proposal 30%
  • Contribution 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Policy theory and practice:

McKenzie, Brad and Wharf, Brian. (2016). Connecting Policy to Practice in the Human Services, 4th Edition. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press Canada. ISBN: 978-0-19-901106-3. Available online:

https://www.vitalsource.com/en-ca/products/connecting-policy-to-practice-in-the-human-brad-mckenzie-v9780199011070


ISBN: 978-0-19-901106-3

Policy Writing:

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2011). Food Security Communications Toolkit. Rome, Italy: Author. Available: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i2195e.pdf

Lesson 4.1-4.3: Writing policy briefs http://www.fao.org/3/i2195e/i2195e03.pdf


RECOMMENDED READING:

Education and Training

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training

Advanced Education:

Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/advanced-education-skills-training

 Private Training Institutions Branch

https://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/

Legislation:

College and Institute Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96052_01

University Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96468_01

Royal Roads University Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96409_01

Labour Relations:

Public Sector Employers' Council Secretariat: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/central-government-agencies/public-sector-employers-council-secretariat

Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia (CUFA BC): https://www.cufa.bc.ca

Federation of Post-Secondary Educators: https://fpse.ca


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html