Comparative Education Systems: Governance and Policy

Catalog description

Public education is a core responsibility of government in all nations around the world. This course examines similarities and differences in the way nations organize their public education systems. Who controls education policy, such as curriculum, staffing, and funding? Do children have equal rights to public education? How do nations formulate and enforce equal education opportunity? Is social and racial justice a priority in public education? What is the role of school districts? In addressing these issues, we will pay particular attention to cross-national differences in the centralized versus decentralized governing structure. Students will engage in a country-specific (non U.S.) team project that focuses on a key policy challenge, such as equity, quality, accountability, or innovation. A final, country-specific (non U.S.), research paper will focus on a specific area of governance, management, or funding that needs capacity building or improvement.