Syllabus

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

EDU 806: Policy Analysis – Fall B 2015

Credits - 3

Description

Policy analysis, formulation and implementation are presented as elements for leaders to utilize in promoting and establishing sound and stable protocols and procedures to guide and govern individuals and organizations in performing tasks and achieving desired outcomes. Means by which transformative leaders introduce new or revised policy with maximum participation and minimum disruption are emphasized. Major national policies will be analyzed to understand their effect on employees and employers.  Students will investigate a policy that is relevant to their work and environment and create a formal policy brief.

Materials

Bardach, E. (2011). A practical guide for policy analysis: The eight fold path to more effective problem solving. Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

  1. Describe relevant policy-making process from the perspectives of global, federal, state, local and workplace levels.
  2. Critique and take action on a proposed federal or state policy relevant to your site leadership
  3. Analyze major policies that have had a significant effect on society and the political landscape.
  4. Identify relevant research and integrate these resources for case study analyses and for the final policy brief.
  5. Design and deliver an effective plan for addressing change related to a current workplace policy.
  6. Implement the eight fold path process for policy analysis.
  7. Evaluate the outcomes of policies on individuals and groups within society and the workplace.

Assignments

Analysis of FMLA and ACA Policies

Using the eight-step process, students will submit an analysis of the above policies. This paper should be no more than 8 pages, plus an additional reference page and a title page (APA format.)

Policy Brief

Select a workplace policy that you would like to write about and analyze. Using the Bardach 8 step process, provide a comprehensive analysis of this policy. Include an executive summary, introduction, 8 step process, and an conclusion in less than fifteen pages. Please include the elements stated in the above policies as well.

Workplace Policy Presentation

You will create a presentation based on your paper, where you will present a compelling argument for your point of view.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

AssignmentPoints
Discussions (6 @ 3 pts; 1@2 pts)20
Analysis of FMLA Policy15
Analysis of ACA Policy15
Policy Brief40
Workplace Policy Presentationn10
TOTAL100 POINTS

Grading

The criteria for all courses in the Ed. D. program are described in the modules and/or rubrics. Assignments will include guidelines with rubrics, descriptions of expectations, or examples, and include point values. Coursework will be assessed and graded using individual evaluation protocols that are provided for the three major assignments. Final “grades” will reflect the following schema:

  • High Pass (HP): Work that exceeds all or most of the criteria of the respective assignment. To receive a high pass the work must demonstrate exceptional command and display of all or most required elements;
  • Pass (P): Work that meets all requirements and expectations as specified in assignments, and is fully satisfactory in every respect;
  • Low Pass (LP): Work is deemed unsatisfactory.

Note** The instructor will determine if an assignment may be revised and resubmitted for rescoring. Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one LP grade, and although there is no failing grade, a second LP course grade results in termination from the doctoral program.

All assignments are to be completed in a timely manner with appropriate accuracy, detail, thought and reflection fitting of doctoral-level degree candidates. All assignments (done in writing or with other media applications) are graded on the basis of faculty assessment of your ability to accurately apply concepts from readings, organization, and mechanics. Please note that you must save all submitted documents in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint in order for them to transmit successfully. All work must be properly identified and include author(s)’ name(s). Submit all written work in APA style (Refer to the APA Publication Manual for guidance; Purdue OWL is an excellent, user-friendly resource). 

Schedule

Week

Topic

Activities & Assignments

Dates

1

Introduction to Policy

Group Discussion Post and Responses

Due: Nov. 1, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

2

The Legislative Process

Group Discussion Post and Responses

Due: Nov. 8, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

3

Workplace Policies

Group Discussion Post and Responses

Due: Nov. 15, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

4

Case Study: The Family and Medical Leave Act

Group Discussion Post and Responses

FMLA Policy Analysis Paper

Due: Nov. 22, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

5

Case Study: The Affordable Care Act

Group Discussion Post and Responses

ACA Policy Analysis Paper

Due: Nov. 29, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

6

Policy Analysis: The Policy Brief

Group Discussion Post and Responses

Due: Dec. 6 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

7

The Uses of Policy: Creating Workplace Change

Group Discussion Post and Responses

Workplace Policy Analysis Paper

Due: Dec. 13, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

8

Presentations

Workplace Policy Analysis Presentation

Due: FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

Student Resources

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Policies

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

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Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

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Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

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Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.